Director's Update, August 18, 2024

Dear Patrons, 

 

It’s the last week of Summer Reading! Check out this week’s special programs to close it out. 

 

On Tuesday, August 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., join us for a darning workshop. Darning is a fabric mending technique that involves reinforcing or reweaving a portion of fabric by hand. Learn how to visibly mend holes and weak areas in sweaters, socks, and other knit fabrics using the seed stitch and square darning techniques. Suitable for beginners with little or no darning experience, though it does help if you have some experience with hand sewing. Registration is required.

 

In September, we’re launching a new Wednesday night creative writing group. Writers of all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported group. Participants will take turns bringing short partial or completed pieces of any genre. The group will read several pieces each month, sharing feedback and constructive criticism in a supportive and inclusive environment. Registration is required and opens on Wednesday, August 21, at 6:30 p.m.

 

On Wednesday, August 21, at 5:30 p.m., join Cambridge Arts and the Valente and O'Connell branches of the Library for a tour of the public art in East Cambridge. Explore the artwork and learn about how Cambridge Arts commissions and maintains art for public enjoyment. Meet outside the Valente Branch on Cambridge Street. Registration is required. 

 

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The Library is pleased to offer the following programs during the week that begins on August 18.

 

Weekly Activities for Kids     

 

This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations.   

·   Sing-Alongs

·   Story Times

 

Book Groups   

Learn more about our Book Groups. 

 

 

 

Baby Lapsit (Main) 

 

Monday, August 19

 

10-10:20 a.m. 

 

Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents and caregivers to help babies learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0-12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

 

CPL Nature Club: Magazine Beach Storytime (Central Square)

 

Monday, August 19

 

10-10:30 a.m.

 

Discover a world outdoors with stories read by staff from the Central Square Branch. This event will be held off-site at the Mass Audubon Magazine Beach Park Nature Center (668 Memorial Drive). 

 

Wellness for Seniors: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)

 

Monday, August 19

 

11-11:45 a.m.

 

This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart, and the brain - all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace.  You will feel the benefits in mind and body! 

Registration for each session is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

 

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

 

Monday, August 19, 2-4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 20, 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 22, 2-6 p.m.

 

During this reservation period, anyone who has completed The Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve The Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.

 

LEGO Time (Main) 

 

Monday, August 19

 

4-4:45 p.m.

 

It’s a weekly block party! Bring friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don’t need to bring your own. Be aware that LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children, so this program is for children ages 5+ and their caregivers. It can accommodate 30 builders. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

 

ESOL Conversation Class (Valente)

 

Monday, August 19

 

6-7:30 p.m.

 

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)! This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

 

Google Drive Basics (Main)

Tuesday, August 20

11 a.m.-Noon

Learn how to create folders and organize your files on Google Drive, your online file storage that is connected to your Google account. You will learn how to use Google Drive to manage your files and images. A Google (Gmail) account is required for the class. Please remember your email address and password; you will need them to sign in and practice during the class. Laptops will be provided. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is required.

 

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)

Tuesday, August 20

1-2:30 p.m.

Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

          
Tuesday Teen Room Hangouts (Main) 

 

Tuesday, August 20

 

2-5 p.m.

 

Drop into the Teen Room any Tuesday afternoon this summer and enjoy a variety of FREE activities from board games to video games, 3D pens, paper crafts, anime, and more. Or just sit down with a great book from our shelves. No registration is required.

 

Sit 'n' Knit (Main) 

 

Tuesday, August 20

 

2:30-3:30 p.m.  

 

Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Drop in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, and mend. Refreshments will be provided. 

 

Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square)

 

Tuesday, August 20

 

4-6 p.m.

 

Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your résumé and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours. Registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov.

 

Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)

Tuesday, August 20

6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of board games. We have Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Azul, Splendor, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages. Registration is helpful.

Fabric Mending: Darning (Main)

Tuesday, August 20

 

6-7:30 p.m.

Darning is a fabric mending technique that involves reinforcing or reweaving a portion of fabric by hand. In this workshop, we’ll learn how to visibly mend holes and weak areas in sweaters, socks, and other knit fabrics using the seed stitch and square darning techniques. You’ll leave with a sampler of both techniques that you can refer to when tackling your own darning projects at home. Suitable for beginners with little or no darning experience, though it does help if you have some experience with hand sewing. Registration is required.

 

Knitting Group (Boudreau)

 

Tuesday, August 20

 

6:30-7:30 p.m.

 

Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Registration is not required.

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)

 

Tuesday, August 20

 

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter. This two-hour workshop replaces the previous two-part Glowforge 101 offering; the content and length of this workshop and the two-part series are the same. You will start by using the camera on the Glowforge to focus and scan your own images, properly select materials for your project, and fabricate your first design. You will create digital artwork for the Glowforge and learn file formatting for production. Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here. Registration is required.

 

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)

 

Wednesday, August 21

 

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 

Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Drop in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills. and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch, and more. All crafts are welcome! Registration is not required.

 

English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O’Neill)

 

Wednesday, August 21

 

1-2:30 p.m.

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing or registration is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

 

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)

 

Wednesday, August 21

 

1-3 p.m.

 

Looking for assistance creating a résumé or looking for jobs? Join us for assistance with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

 

Wednesdays of Wonder – WOW (O'Neill)

 

Wednesday, August 21

 

2-4 p.m.

Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. This week we will be using our button makers. Registration is not required.

 

Summer Reading: Nintendo Switch Party (Main)

Wednesday, August 21

2-3:30 p.m.

Join our Nintendo Switch party! We'll have two multiplayer games available on our library consoles. Feel free to bring your own Switch console to play other library Switch games. This program is for ages 10-13 and can accommodate 16 gamers. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The gamer must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed spots will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. 

Serger Training (Main)

Wednesday, August 21

3:30-5 p.m.

Are you an intermediate or advanced sewer? This workshop will cover serger machine setup, threading a serger, and identifying correct tension settings with different types of fabric. You will learn about ways to use our Elna Extend 864 Air serger to take your sewing skills to the next level by producing special finishing styles, hemming, trimming, and assembling your garments.  This workshop is designed for patrons who have experience using a sewing machine. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger. Registration is required.

          

One-on-One Tech Help (Boudreau)

 

Wednesday, August 21

 

4-4:45 p.m.

Would you like help navigating the Library's e-resources like Libby or Hoopla? Or do you need some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Book a free one-on-one tech help session. If you have questions, please send them to: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov. Registration is required.

Summer Reading: BINGO at the Library (O’Connell)

 

Wednesday, August 21

 

4-5 p.m.

Five squares in a row and BINGO! Join us for an afternoon of this fun family game recommended for children ages 5+ and their caregivers.

 

Sewing Circle (Main)

 

Wednesday, August 21

 

6:30-8:30 p.m.

 

Continue building your machine-sewing skills and receive support as you work on your own sewing projects with our Library sewing community. Participants must register but may drop in at any time during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines. Register here.

 

Summer Art Tour: East Cambridge Edition (Valente)

Wednesday, August 21

5:30-7 p.m.

Join Cambridge Arts and the Valente and O'Connell branches for a tour of the public art in East Cambridge. Explore the artwork and learn how Cambridge Arts commissions and maintains art for public enjoyment. Meet outside the Valente Branch on Cambridge Street. This is part of the Library's Summer Art Walks series. We will be strolling on sidewalks within 3/4 mile of the library. Registration is required. 

Summer Reading: Literary Trivia Night! (Valente)

Wednesday, August 21

6:30-7:45 p.m.

Come celebrate the end of Summer Reading with an evening of bookish team trivia! Make a team of up to five people or come on your own. Light snacks will be provided. Registration is required.

 

Studio Recording 101 (Main)

 

Thursday, August 22

 

10-11 a.m.

Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production? The Hive has two state-of-the-art recording studios! Join this workshop to become familiar with studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. 

 

One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment)

 

Thursday, August 22

 

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

 

Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by during our drop-in hours! These sessions will be limited to 30 minutes for each patron. If you have any questions, please contact gjosette@cambridgema.gov. Registration is required.

Wellness for Seniors: Low-impact Fitness (Main)

Thursday, August 22

11-11:45 a.m.

This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart, and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! Registration is required.

 

Summer Reading: Storytime with the José Mateo Ballet Theatre (O’Neill)

Thursday, August 22

2-3 p.m.

Join us for a Ballet Storytime for ages 0-7! Hear When Langston Dances read aloud and learn some ballet moves with teachers from the José Mateo Ballet Theatre. Registration is not required.

 

Puzzle Party (Main)

 

Thursday, August 22

 

2:30-3:30 p.m.

 

Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon. Registration is not required.

 

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)

Thursday, August 22

7-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

 

 

Evening Yoga at the CPL (Main)

 

Thursday, August 22

 

7-8 p.m.

 

All are welcome to attend the Library's final free outdoor yoga practice. The Library will not  provide any materials; please bring your own mat and whatever item is in your practice. Shayla Tate of M.U.D.D. Flower Yoga leads us through this 60-minute evening flow. Registration is not required.

 

 

Sewing 101 (Main)

 

Friday, August 23

 

9:30-11 a.m.

 

In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

 

Coffee, Cribbage, and Chess! (Boudreau)

 

Friday, August 23

 

11 a.m.-Noon

 

Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for coffee, treats, and games (chess, cribbage, Rummikub, etc.). Bring a friend or meet a new one at the Library! Registration is not required.

 

Drop-in Maker Studio (Main)

 

Friday, August 23

 

1-4:30 p.m.

 

This is an opportunity to check out what The Hive is all about and get started exploring and making right away! Learn about our workshop offerings, special programs, and more. Equipment and studios will be available for limited time slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff will assist patrons as they are able. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a guardian 18 or older. Registration is not required.

 

Summer Reading: Wingmasters presents North American Birds of Prey (Valente)

 

Friday, August 23

 

1-2 p.m.

 

Featuring live birds of prey that are native to New England, this program explains the birds’ place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations, and their status in a rapidly changing world. Because many birds of prey are declining in number, this presentation also features one or more of the endangered raptors that Wingmasters cares for and explains why these species face an uncertain future. Recommended for children ages 6 and up and their caregivers. Registration is not required.

 

 

Videography 101 (Main) 

 

Saturday, August 24

 

9:30-10:30 a.m.

 

Step into The Hive's state-of-the-art recording studio and film a short video of yourself in front of our green screen. Then, spend some time becoming familiar with video editing software while working with your footage. Registration is required.

You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. 

 

CPL: Summer Dance in the Park (Main)

 

Saturday, August 24

 

10-11 a.m.

 

Want to add some new dance steps to your routine? Spend your mornings at the Library and learn new dances! In partnership with the Dance Complex, all are welcome at this free outdoor dance class series. The class will take place in the park in front of the Library or in the Community Room in case of rain. Registration is not required.

 

Studio Recording (Main)

 

Saturday, August 24

 

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 

Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production? The Hive has two state-of-the-art recording studios! Join this workshop to become familiar with studio equipment and software. Registration is required.

You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. 

 

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)

 

Saturday, August 24

 

2:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter. This two-hour workshop replaces the previous two-part Glowforge 101 offering; the content and length of this workshop and the two-part series are the same. You will start by using the camera on the Glowforge to focus and scan your own images, properly select materials for your project, and fabricate your first design. You will create digital artwork for the Glowforge and learn file formatting for production. Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here. Registration is required.

 

 

 

 

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All the best!

  

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.  

Director of Libraries 

 

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The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information, contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice) or via relay at 711.