Director's Update, October 27, 2024

Dear Patrons, 

 

On Tuesday, October 29, from 7-8:30 p.m., celebrate LGBTQ History Month with the Library and the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission at the Central Square Branch. We'll be joined by the local historian and author Sarah Boyer for a presentation and Q&A about Cambridge's own LGBTQ+ history. Boyer served as an oral historian at the Cambridge Historical Commission from 1997 to 2015. She wrote four books about Cambridge neighborhoods and one on World War II and the Home Front in Cambridge.

In 2015, Lois Johnson, the former president of the Boston Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), invited Boyer to help interview former DOB members. Together they spoke with 21 lesbians who were part of the emerging gay liberation movement. Johnson, who died in 2020, wanted a book on the history of Boston-Cambridge DOB. Boyers Coming Out, Becoming Ourselves: Lesbian Stories from the Boston Daughters of Bilitis, 1969-1999, ensures that these stories of courage and love for other women become part of the historical record in the struggle of all queer people to live their lives without fear. Refreshments will be provided. 

Wednesday, October 30, from 3-5 p.m., get your tarot cards read at the Main Library by healer, artist, and educator Laura Campagna. Tarot tells the story of your life in pictures and is known as a mirror to the soul. This program is for teens ages 12-18. 

On Thursday, October 31, from 4-6 p.m., join the Central Square Branch for a drop-in Halloween celebration with stories, crafts, and treats. Costumes are encouraged! This program is for young children and their caregivers.
  

 

   

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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 28
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. 

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Monday, October 28
3-4 p.m.

Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! Therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins a week in advance. Sign up by phone or in person at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019). 

Paint Night: Owl on a Branch (O'Neill)
Monday, October 28
6-7:30 p.m.

Whoooo's that sitting on a branch? Paint along with Pop-up Art School to create this naturalistic owl. Learn how to create wings and feathers that look textural. Finish the painting off with a sprinkling of stars in the night sky. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. 
 
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)  
Tuesday, October 29 
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.    

Teen Advisory Board (Main)
Tuesday, October 29
4-5 p.m.

Teens! Help us plan teen programs for the Library! Earn community service hours! Enjoy free snacks! We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.

Greg M. Epstein Presents: Tech Agnostic (Main)
Tuesday, October 29
6-7:30 p.m.

The Library and Harvard Book Store welcome Greg M. Epstein,  the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard and MIT, for a discussion of his new book, Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World's Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation. He will be talking with Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, associate professor of Physics and Core Faculty Member in Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of New Hampshire. Registration is required.

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main) 
Tuesday, October 29, Wednesday, October 30, and Thursday, October 31
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 29
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.  

LGBTQ History with Sarah Boyer (Central Square)
Tuesday, October 29
7-8:30 p.m.

Celebrate LGBTQ History Month with the Library and the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission. We'll be joined by the local historian and author Sarah Boyer for a presentation and Q&A about Cambridge's own LGBTQ+ history. Boyer served as an oral historian at the Cambridge Historical Commission from 1997 to 2015. She wrote four books about Cambridge neighborhoods and one on World War II and the Home Front in Cambridge.

In 2015, Lois Johnson, the former president of the Boston Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), invited  Boyer to help interview former DOB members. Together they spoke with 21 lesbians who were part of the emerging gay liberation movement. Johnson, who died in 2020, wanted a book on the history of Boston-Cambridge DOB. Boyer’s Coming Out, Becoming Ourselves: Lesbian Stories from the Boston Daughters of Bilitis, 1969-1999, ensures that these stories of courage and love for other women become part of the historical record in the struggle of all queer people to live their lives without fear. 

 Refreshments will be provided. 

Fiber Crafts Drop-In (O’Connell)  

Wednesday, October 30  

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 30 

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 creating pretend potions and spells.

Tarot Readings for Teens (Main)

Wednesday, October 30
3-5 p.m.

Tarot tells the story of your life in pictures and is known as a mirror to the soul. Join the healer, artist, and educator Laura Campagna of Laura Campagna Astrology for drop-in tarot readings at the Library. This program is for teens ages 12-18.


Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Main)  
Thursday, October 31
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 is required for each session.
    

Puzzle Party (Main)  
Thursday, October 31
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.     

 

Halloween Party! (Central Square)
Thursday, October 31
4-6 p.m.

Join us for a drop-in Halloween celebration with stories, crafts, and treats. Costumes are encouraged! This program is for young children and their caregivers.
  
Creative Aging: Drawn to Nature (Main) 
Friday, November 1
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 participants to commit to all 10 sessions. Registration is required.   

Kids’ Zine Collective (O’Neill)
Friday, November 1
4-5 p.m.  

What's a zine? And how do I make one? Come find out! Kids are invited to explore making, copying, sharing, and swapping zines. Making zines will include activities like writing, drawing, and using a photocopier. For kids age 7 and up. Snacks are provided! 

Saturday Songs and Stories (O'Neill)
Saturday, November 2
3:30-4 p.m.

Music, movement, and stories! Join the librarians for 20 minutes of fun! For children of all ages and their grown-ups. 

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Stay Connected      

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All the best!      

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.     
Director of Libraries