Director's Update, August 4, 2024

Dear Patrons, 

On Monday, August 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., join us in the Lecture Hall for a commemoration of Hiroshima Day, to remember the victims of nuclear weapons. There will be a screening of the award-winning documentary Appreciation: The Tomiko West Story with its director, Michael Dwyer, followed by a presentation about the Japanese fishing boat Lucky Dragon #5 by Larry Jay Tish, the co-writer/ producer of the upcoming feature film Tickling the Dragon's Tail. Dr. Ira Helfand, a nuclear abolitionist, will offer reflections after the presentation.  An audience Q&A follows. No registration is required. 

On Wednesday, August 7, from 10 a.m. to noon, join us for Expressive Art for Older Adults, led by Zangar Freeman. Learn the basics of making beaded jewelry and the difference between semi-precious and precious stones. Participants will keep all the pieces they make. This program will be in person at the Main Library. Space is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required.

Want to add some new dance steps to your routine? On Saturday, August 10, from 10 to 11 a.m., stop by Joan Lorentz Park and learn some new dances! In partnership with the Dance Complex, all are welcome to join this free outdoor dance class series. Registration is not required.

 

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The Library is pleased to offer the following programs during the week that begins on August 4.

 

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. 

 

STEAM Academy: Innovators for Purpose Summer Studio (Main)

Monday through Friday

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-powered design and innovation program where young creatives channel their energy and vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, iFp creatives engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. 

 

Baby Lapsit (Main) 

Monday, August 5

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 5, 10-10:30 a.m.

 

Discover a world outdoors with stories read by staff from the Central Square Branch. Meet at the Mass Audubon Magazine Beach Park Nature Center (668 Memorial Drive). 

 

Wellness for Seniors: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)

Monday, August 5, 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 it starts.

 

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

Monday, August 5, 2-4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 6, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 8, 2-6 p.m.

Friday, August 9, 1 -4:30 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.

 

Summer Reading: Elephant and Piggie! (and Pigeon, too!) (O’Connell)

Monday, August 5

2-4 p.m.

 

Stories and games about all your favorite Mo Willems characters! All ages are welcome. No registration is required.

 

LEGO Time (Main) 

Monday, August 5

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 5

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, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

 

“Be Seriously Scared!” A Shot Across the Bow Toward Nuclear Disarmament (Main)

Monday, August 5

7-8:30 p.m.

 

A Hiroshima Day commemoration to remember the victims of nuclear weapons in the hope that such an event is never repeated. There will be a screening of the award-winning documentary Appreciation: The Tomiko West Story with its director, Michael Dwyer, followed by a presentation about the Japanese fishing boat Lucky Dragon #5 by Larry Jay Tish, the co-w/ producer of the upcoming feature film Tickling the Dragon's Tail. Dr. Ira Helfand, a nuclear abolitionist, will offer reflections after the presentation. An audience Q&A follows.

Summer Reading: Paint Exploration! Story Time and Craft (O’Neill)

Tuesday, August 6

11 a.m-Noon

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for stories and a simple painting activity. We will explore different ways of painting using nontoxic, washable tempera paints.

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)

Tuesday, August 6

1:30-3:00 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 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 6

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 6

2:30-3:30 p.m.  

 

Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters as you work, 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 6

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.

 

Knitting Group (Boudreau)

Tuesday, August 6

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.

 

Summer Reading: Family STEAM Night (O’Neill)

Tuesday, August 6

6:30-7:15 p.m.

 

Families with elementary school age children join us for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! This month we will be exploring engineering through cardboard marble runs!

 

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)

Tuesday, August 6

7-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Prusa 3D printers. Before taking this workshop:

·   Complete The Hive Safety Training

·   Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com

You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account before arriving. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

Expressive Art for Older Adults: Beading Workshop (Main)

Wednesday, August 7

10 a.m.-Noon

Learn the basics of making beaded jewelry and the difference between semi-precious and precious stones.  Participants will keep all the pieces they make.

This program, led by Zangar Freeman, will be held in person at the Main Library. Space is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required.

 

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

Wednesday, August 7

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.

 

Intro to Free E-books and Audiobooks (Main)

Wednesday, August 7

11 a.m.-Noon

Learn how to borrow e-books and audiobooks on Libby! Please bring your library card and password and the mobile device you'll use to access the Libby app.

Registration is required. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.

 

English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O’Neill)

Wednesday, August 7

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 7

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 7

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 traveling the world through maps and collaging. Registration is not required.

Serger Training (Main)

Wednesday, August 7

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 first. Registration is required.

          

One-on-One Tech Help (Boudreau)

Wednesday, August 7

4-4:45 p.m.

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

Sewing Circle

Wednesday, August 7

5:30-8:30 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills and receive support as you work on your own 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 our Janome sewing machines. 

Summer Reading: Boudreau Movie Night (Boudreau)

Wednesday, August 7

6-7:40 p.m.

Join us as we watch the classic Studio Ghibli movie Kiki's Delivery Service! Light snacks will be available. No registration is required.

 

 

Summer Reading: Wildlife Ambassadors with Mass Audubon (Central Square)

Thursday, August 8

11:00 a.m.-Noon

 

What better way to learn about wildlife than by observing them in person? Meet wildlife ambassadors and discover the amazing adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Ask questions and learn what you can do to protect the wildlife of Cambridge. For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required.

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

Thursday, August 8

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.

 

Puzzle Party (Main)

Thursday, August 8

2:30-3:30 p.m.

 

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

Evening Yoga at the CPL (Main)

Thursday, August 8

7-8 p.m.

 

All are welcome to attend the Library's free outdoor yoga summer series every other Thursday until August 22. The Library will not be providing 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.

 

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)

Thursday, August 8

7-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Prusa 3D printers. Before taking this workshop:

·       Complete The Hive Safety Training

·       Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com

You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

 

 

Videography 101 (Main)

Friday, August 9

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

 

Summer Reading: Mass Capoeira (O'Neill)

Friday, August 9

2-3 p.m.

 

Mass Capoeira's performance will uplift the spirit and expose audiences to the magic of Afro-Brazilian art and culture. This performance will happen outdoors. In case of bad weather, this performance will happen inside the gym of the Peabody School. This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required.

Summer Reading: Button Maker Drop-In (Valente)

Friday, August 9

3-4 p.m.

 

Join us to make buttons on the Library's very own button-maker! This program is recommended for ages 11-14. Registration is not required

 

 

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)

Saturday, August 10

9:30-10:30 a.m.

 

Would you like to make your own vinyl signs, stickers, or images to transfer to T-shirts and other textiles? In this workshop, you can learn how to use our Roland Camm-1 GS-24 vinyl cutter. You can then design a sticker and cut it with our vinyl cutter! Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. 

 

XR Lab 101 (Main)

Saturday, August 10

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. 

 

Summer Dance in the Park

Saturday, August 10

10-11 a.m.

 

Want to add some new dance steps to your routine? In partnership with the Dance Complex, all are welcomed to this free outdoor dance class series. The class will take place in the park area in front of the library or in the Community room in case of rain. Registration is not required.

 

Summer Reading: Eyes on Owls (Main)

Saturday, August 10

11 a.m.-Noon

 

Everyone loves owls! Yet how often do you get to see an owl up close? Perhaps you've glimpsed the shadowy form of a Great-horned Owl in the beam of your headlights as you drove along a back road at night. Have you ever scanned a frozen saltmarsh or hayfield in winter, hoping to find that arctic hunter, the Snowy Owl? How about that mob of noisy crows circling a white pine tree? Have they found an owl? Join the teacher/naturalist Marcia Wilson and the author/photographer/naturalist Mark Wilson and share their passion for owls! This program is recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. Registration is not required.

 

Studio Recording 101 (Main)

Saturday, August 10

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 the studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. 

 

Sewing 101 (Main)

Saturday, August 10

2:30-4 p.m.

 

In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. It 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.

 

Chess Hour (O'Neill)

Saturday, August 10

3-4 p.m.

 

Join us for a game of chess! Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is a space for individuals to test their skills against other members of the community. It is not an instructional class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via e-mail: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov. Registration is not 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.