Director's Update, October 20, 2024

Dear Patrons,      

  

Want to vote in the upcoming election? Need to double check that you’re still registered? Swing by the Central Square Branch on Wednesday, October 23, from 3 to 6 p.m., to learn all about what you need to know to vote on Tuesday, November 5. We’ll have snacks and voter registration support for everyone, including registration forms in many languages and information about how to register without a permanent address.   

 

  

+++     

     

Weekly Activities for Kids          

      

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

• Sing-Alongs     

• Story Times     
       

Book Groups        

Learn more about our Book Groups.      

     

The Hive Workshops     

Check out this week’s classes in The Hive.      

     

ESOL Classes      

Find an ESOL Class.     

     

Tech Help     

• Basic Tech Classes   

• One-on-One Tech Help  

Wellness for Seniors: Let your Yoga Dance (Virtual)
Monday, October 21
11-11:45 a.m.

A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful routine. We'll work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful, happy mind/body/spirit. Good for every body! Registration for each session is required. This is a virtual event.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, October 21
5-6 p.m.  

Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to test their skills against other members of the community. No registration is required. Simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via e-mail: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.

Paint Party at the Library (O'Connell)
Tuesday, October 21
2-5 p.m.

Come treat yourself to an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community while a local artist guides us step-by-step through the process of creating a beautiful, acrylic mountain landscape painting in your choice of colors. We'll provide the tea and coffee. No experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome. Acrylic paint can stain clothing, so please wear old clothes. Seating is limited to 8. Register early!

Sit 'n' Knit (Main) 
Tuesday, October 22
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.    

Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Tuesday, October 22
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Read with a cuddly friend! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023). 

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)  
Tuesday, October 22, Wednesday, October 23, and Thursday, October 24
5-6 p.m.    

Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration is required. Stop by or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.     

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, October 22
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.  

Fiber Crafts Drop-In (O’Connell)

Wednesday, October 23 

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! 

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

Wednesday, October 23 

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 making model hands.

 

Voter Registration Drop-In (Central Square)

Wednesday, October 23 

3-6 p.m. 

 

Want to vote in the upcoming election? Need to double-check that you’re still registered? Swing by the Central Square Branch to learn all about what you need to vote on Tuesday, November 5. We’ll have snacks and voter registration support for everyone, including registration forms in many languages and information about how to register without a permanent address.   

 

Wiggle Party (O’Connell)

Wednesday, October 23 

5:30-6 p.m. 

Join us for a dance party to get your wiggles out! Play a freeze dance game, shake some shakers, and learn the steps to the Macarena and the Electric Slide! 

Candle Making with Craft Loft (Main)

Wednesday, October 23 

6-7 p.m. 

Fall is in the air! Come create your own fall-scented candle with Craft Loft! Learn about the art of candle making and practice creating your own candles with deliciously scented essential oils. We will use soy wax and glass jars with beautiful natural decorations. You'll be delighted by the candles you make, perfect for enjoyment or gifting! They will also come with a fitted bamboo lid to keep your candles clean and the scents fresh! 

Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Main) 
Thursday, October 24
11-11:45 a.m. 
 
A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful class. Work your way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful, happy mind/body/spirit. Good for every body! Registration for each session is required. 
   

Puzzle Party (Main)  
Thursday, October 24
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.    

 

Read to a Dog (Valente)

Thursday, October 24 

3:30-5 p.m. 

 

Read to Dante, our cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).   

  
Evening Yoga (Main)

Thursday, October 24 

7-8 p.m. 

Shayla Tate of M.U.D.D. Flower Yoga leads an evening flow in the Community Room. The Library will not provide any materials; please bring your own mat and any items in your practice.   

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)  
Thursday, October 24
7-8 p.m.   

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

Coffee, Cribbage, and Chess (Boudreau)

Friday, October 25 

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! 

Creative Aging: Drawn to Nature (Main)  
Friday, October 25
1:30-3:30 p.m.  
 
This introductory drawing course focuses on the plant world as a basic subject. Botanical drawing is an ancient art, and we will examine how scientists and artists have drawn the natural world through the ages. Over 10 weeks, we will focus on a variety of plant life as we explore line, volume, space, and color with graphite and watercolor. Students will keep notebooks recording both the plants they draw and the techniques they learn. All levels are welcome. Space is limited to 10 participants. To gain the most out of this popular program, we expect all participants to commit to all 10 sessions. Registration is required.  

  
Cambridge Young Authors’ Squad (O’Neill)

Friday, October 25 

4-5 p.m. 

Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful but not required. 

Create a Huggable Monstrosity (O’Neill)

Saturday, October 26 

2:30-3:30 p.m. 

Come to the O'Neill Branch to sew a "huggable monstrosity" - a lovable but terrifying toy! This project is open to children and families who have some experience sewing by hand. No registration is required. 

 +++

Stay Connected     

Please subscribe to our e-mail list, follow us on X, Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website.      

     

All the best!     

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.    
Director of Libraries