Director's Update, September 1, 2024

Dear Patrons, 

 

The Library will be closed Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2 for Labor Day. Thank you to our library staff for their hard work offering excellent services throughout the year! Wishing you a peaceful Labor Day and thank you for your endeavor too, CPL patrons!

National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote awareness that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. To honor this special event, here is a list of book selections on this topic. In need of support? Please contact:

• Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline
• Community Behavioral Health Center

Your local library staff are also happy to connect you with important resources on this topic. You can also contact the Library Social Worker. 

 

On Tuesday, September 3, from 10 to11 a.m., join Stefanie Haug while exploring nature and celebrating Elderhood at the Main Library. Dr. Louise Aronson has named "Elderhood" as the penultimate vital and rich phase of human life. Nature likewise offers many examples of Elders that continue to grow, connect, and contribute to the world around us. Bring layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and water. Registration is required.

 

Also on Tuesday, September 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Main Library, welcome Celeste Ng, the author of Everything I Never Told You, Little Fires Everywhere, and Our Missing Hearts. Registration is required. Note: face masks are encouraged but not required. The in-person event is full, but a waitlist is available. Virtual spots are still available. 

 

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The Library is pleased to offer the following programs during the week that begins on September 1.

 

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. 

 

 

 

CPL Nature Club: Elder Walk (Main)

Tuesday, September 3

10-11 a.m.

 

Join our guide Stefanie Haug while exploring nature and celebrating Elderhood. Dr. Louise Aronson is responsible for naming "Elderhood" as the penultimate vital and rich phase of human life. Nature likewise offers many examples of Elders that continue to grow, connect, and contribute to the world around us. As a group, we'll connect with nature mindfully with a gentle walk and draw on contemplative practices. Throughout and together, we'll explore how nature invites us to connect from the inside out and the outside in. Come share your wisdom and celebrate your Elderhood. 

Bring layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and water. Registration is required.

 

Beginner ESOL Class (Valente)

Tuesday, September 3

2:30-4 p.m.

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. All are welcome. No registration or testing is necessary. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013 or Kerri McQuown at 617-349-4015.

 

Sewing 101 (Main)

Tuesday, September 3

1-2:30 p.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 with 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.

 

Sit 'n' Knit (Main) 

Tuesday, September 3

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. 

 

 

 

 

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

Tuesday, September 3, 3:30-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 5, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, September 6, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m.-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.

 

 

Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square)

Tuesday, September 3

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.

 

 

CPL Presents: Celeste Ng (Main)

Tuesday, September 3

6-8 p.m.

Join the Library in welcoming Celeste Ng, the author of Everything I Never Told You, Little Fires Everywhere, an international bestseller since adapted into a popular television drama, and Our Missing Hearts, and the recipient of starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Library Journal. After reading from her work, Celeste will talk with Nina MacLaughlin, the author of Wake, Siren: Ovid Resung, and a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award and the Massachusetts Book Award. A book signing will follow. This hybrid event is co-sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required. Note: face masks are encouraged but not required.

 

 

Knitting Group (Boudreau)

Tuesday, September 3

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.

 

 

Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm-Intermediate (Main)

Wednesday, September 4

10-11 a.m.

 

Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions. Participants are decided by lottery.

 

 

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

Wednesday, September 4

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.

 

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

Wednesday, September 4

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.

 

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)

Wednesday, September 4

1-2:30 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. Parents may need to assist children under the age of 18 to create an account before arriving.

You will get experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. Register for this event.

 

English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)

Wednesday, September 4

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 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, September 4

1-3 p.m.

 

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

 

 

CPL Arts Collective: Kintsugi Boston

Wednesday, September 4

2-4 p.m.

Join us for a hands-on, beginner-friendly kintsugi workshop led by the local artist Tad Murao! Kintsugi embraces the philosophy of wabi-sabi, highlighting "imperfections" with metal powders and transforming your broken piece into a unique piece of art.
In this comprehensive 1.5-hour workshop, you will:

·       Explore the history and philosophy of kintsugi

·       Learn basic modern kintsugi repair techniques

·       Repair a broken ceramic piece with step-by-step guidance

Due to cure time, we'll use a fast-drying epoxy, allowing you to take your creation home at the end. Please bring:

·       One broken ceramic piece (no more than 4 pieces, repairable within 8 inches)

·       A container large enough to hold the repaired piece for safe transport

Please note that pieces not meeting these requirements may not be finished during the workshop. If you aren’t sure about whether your piece is suitable for the workshop, please e-mail us with a description and photo of your piece to kintsugi.boston@gmail.com. Open to ages 18+. Limited spaces available! Registration is required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)

Wednesday, September 4

2:30-4 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. No registration is required. This week we will be doing open crafting.

 

 

The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)

Wednesday, September 4

3:30-5 p.m.

 

Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio, and more. This is a drop-in event designed for ages 12-18.

 

 

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

Wednesday, September 4

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 at the Boudreau branch. If you have questions, please send them to: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov

Registration is required.

 

 

Sewing Circle (Main)

Wednesday, September 4

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. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required.

Google Sheets Basics (Main)

Wednesday, September 4

6-7 p.m.

 

Learn how to use Google Sheets - Google's version of Excel! You will learn how to create a sheet and enter data in a friendly learning environment. A Gmail account is required for this class - please remember your password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. 

 

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)

Wednesday, September 4

7-8:30 p.m.

 

Learn how to use our Epilog Zing, an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn certification for the Zing laser cutter. With certification, 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.

 

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)

Thursday, September 5

9:30-10:30 a.m.

 

This 8-week virtual program will introduce and use mindfulness techniques to help us examine and regulate everyday life changes with a focus on aging.  Participants will benefit from the development of a mindfulness practice to enable responding to getting older in a calm, clear, and thoughtful manner. Led by Zeenat Potia, a meditation teacher with over 15 years of training and experience. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)

Thursday, September 5

10-11 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! You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering. Registration is required.

One on One Tech Help (Main)

Thursday, September 5

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 Older Adults: Low-Impact Fitness (Main)

Thursday, September 5

10-11 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.

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)

Thursday, September 5

2-4 p.m.

Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter. 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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here. Registration is required.

Puzzle Party (Main)

Thursday, September 5

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.

Internet Safety (Main)

Thursday, September 5

3-4 p.m.

 

Learn how to be safer online with accounts and passwords. We will provide an overview of frauds and scams. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. 

 

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)

Thursday, September 5

7-8 p.m.

 

Bring your project and come join other fiber crafters in your community! Crochet, sew, embroider, knit, cross stitch, spin, mend, and more at this informal, drop-in fiber arts circle. All crafts are welcome!

 

 

Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm-Beginner (Main)

Friday, September 6

10-11 a.m.

 

Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions. Participants are decided by lottery.

  

 

The Hive Safety Training (Main)

Saturday, September 7

9:30-10:30 a.m.

 

Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. 

Find out what you need to get started as a maker in The Hive here. Completion of The Hive Safety Training is the entry point to making, innovating, and collaborating in this space. Makers must also sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers. Registration is required.

 

Wellness for Older Adults: Drums Alive (Main)

Friday, September 6

10-11 a.m.

 

Led by our instructor, Yachun, Drums Alive combines exercise with rhythm and movement in a fun and upbeat setting. Drums Alive uses stability balls to create a unique drumming experience that has been shown to benefit individuals physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. All abilities are welcome. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required.

 

 

 

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Stay Connected

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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.