Director's Update, June 16, 2024
6/16/2024 • 2 weeks ago
Dear Patrons,
I hope your summer is off to a wonderful start! It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through 2024. I wanted to take this time to give you an update on some of the Library’s key initiatives. As you may know, our work is guided by four strategic priorities developed by and for the community. They are:
Welcome and Inclusion
Art and Ideas
Learning and Literacy
Community and Democracy
You can learn more about our Strategic Framework here.
As we focus on these priorities, we center antiracism, equity, and inclusion. In October 2020, the Library launched an antiracism initiative to support the City’s goals of dismantling institutional structures, beliefs, and behaviors that perpetuate inequity based on race. Over the past year, we have taken several steps internally and externally to expand on these efforts. This work is being guided by a Steering Committee made up of Library administration and staff.
The Library’s volunteer and staff Antiracism Task Force brings together employees from a broad range of departments and positions. In FY24, its activities focused on integrating antiracism into library work through programming and serving as a bridge between staff and the community.
Formal and informal learning sessions have also been important parts of the Library’s antiracism efforts. The Library hosts antiracism learning sessions for managers to build their capacity to create an antiracism, equity, and inclusion culture. This year, 42 staff members are participating in Freedom Lifted: Justice at Work in Public Libraries, an asynchronous training on justice in library services.
I’m excited to continue sharing this process with you all! Keep reading to learn about some interesting events and programs.
Juneteenth
On Saturday, June 22, celebrate Juneteenth with a drum circle at the Valente Branch. Enjoy stories and songs about freedom with Ammaya Dance & Drum. This event is hosted jointly by the O'Connell and Valente branches and will take place in the courtyard outside the Valente Branch.Registration is required.
Summer Reading
Summer Reading starts in one week! This year, we’re celebrating with bingo. Pick up a bingo board from any Library location starting on Monday, June 24. Complete the reading challenges and fill out your bingo board for a chance to win prizes! Learn more atcamb.ma/summerreading.
Art Exhibit
Join us for a workshop to celebrate the opening of "Freedom, Liberty, and Independence: Celebrating Independence Day with Autistic Artists" at the Main Library (L2). The exhibition, which takes place from June 24 through July 10, explores the theme of independence as it showcases the works of extraordinary Korean and American artists with autism. The workshop will be led by the exhibit's director, Heyon Choi. A reception will take place after the workshop.While registration is required for the workshop, the opening reception immediately after is open to all.
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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, June 17
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.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Monday, June 17, Tuesday, June 18, and Thursday, June 20
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19, and Friday, June 21
10:30 a.m.-Noon
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur every weekday. On Mondays, High Beginner ESOL is from 10:30 a.m.to noon and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Intermediate ESOL is at 11 a.m., High Beginner ESOL is at 1 p.m., and Advanced ESOL is at 3 p.m. Beginner ESOL is at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Registration is not required.
Wellness for Seniors: Introduction to Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Monday, June 17
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Join us in this 4-week Introduction to 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. No previous experience is necessary.
Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. He has taught classes at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at Senior Centers. Due to the popularity of this series, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Registration is required. This event is held in person. Priority will be given to individuals who have not previously attended a Tai Chi class.
Wellness for Seniors: Combo Dance Fitness & Let Your Yoga Dance® (Virtual)
Monday, June 17
11-11:45 a.m.
A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful combo. We start with some high-energy (low-impact) dance fitness and then 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. It’s good for everybody! Registration is required for each session. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
ASL at the Library - Signing ROCKS! (O'Neill)
Monday, June 17
Noon-1 p.m.
Join us for a party and an American Sign Language (ASL) class rolled into one! SIGNING Basics hosts this event, which teaches students various ASL signs through fun games and activities for beginners or intermediate learners with more advanced skills. Signing Rocks! events are conducted in ASL with experienced instructors. Sign language interpreting is not provided; you will learn the vocabulary in the course of the class. This program is great for adults, teens, and families with kids ages 7+!
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, June 17, 2-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 13, 3-6 p.m.
Thursday, June 20, 3-6 p.m.
During this period, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety Training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, June 17
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.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, June 17
5-6 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. 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 not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for anyone who wants to play and test their skills against other members of the community. Registration is not required.
ESOL Conversation Class (Valente)
Monday, June 17
6-7 p.m.
Join us for 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.
ASL at the Library - Signing Rocks! (Main)
Monday, June 17
6-7 p.m.
Join us for a party and an American Sign Language (ASL) class rolled into one! SIGNING Basics hosts this event, which teaches students various ASL signs through fun games and activities for beginners or intermediate learners with more advanced skills. Signing Rocks! events are conducted in ASL with experienced instructors. Sign language interpreting is not provided; you will learn the vocabulary in the course of the class. This program is great for adults, teens, and families with kids ages 7+!
E-mail Basics (Main)
Tuesday, June 18
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Don't have an e-mail address yet but want to make one? Maybe you have e-mail (like Yahoo or Hotmail), but don't have a Gmail (Google email) account yet. Create your very own in this class! Learn the basics to get started. Each participant will create a Gmail (Google e-mail) account; then we will cover basic e-mail skills together. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, June 18
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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
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.
Beginner ESOL Class (Valente)
Tuesday, June 18
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 is necessary. No testing is needed. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013 or Kerri McQuown at 617-349-4015
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, June 18
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, June 18
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 help with navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in hours. No registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov.
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 18
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:
Some topics we cover include:
- Downloading library eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop
- Navigating databases and other library resources such as Linkedin Learning
- Using the Internet and e-mail
- Setting up devices like smartphones or streaming devices
Guidelines for basic tech help:
- Scheduled sessions run between 30 and 45 minutes
- Please bring your device, cords, and any necessary account information
- Library staff cannot be held responsible for damage to patrons’ equipment
If you have questions, please send them to: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov.
Anime Afternoon for Middle School (O'Neill)
Tuesday, June 18
4:15-5:30 p.m.
Middle schoolers are invited to watch anime! Snacks will be provided.
Registration is helpful but not required. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via e-mail: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, June 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 22, 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 2-hour workshop replaces the previous 2-part Glowforge 101 offering; the content and length of this workshop and the 2-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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 18
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, June 20, 10-11 a.m.
Saturday, June 22, 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.
PRIDE Concert with Carrie Ferguson and the Grumpy Time Club Band (Central)
Thursday, June 20
11 a.m.-Noon
Join Carrie Ferguson and the Grumpy Time Club Band for a special family concert to celebrate PRIDE Month. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.
This program will take place in the library’s courtyard on Franklin Street. In the event of rain, we will move inside to the children's floor.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, June 20
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle—an hour of fun and conversation. Thank you to the Adult Services team for this program.
Read to a Dog (Boudreau)
Thursday, June 20
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Read with Ana the Therapy Dog! Therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each ten-minute time slot is required. Sign up the day of the program by phone or in person at the Boudreau Branch (617-349-4017).
CPL Nature Club: Butterfly Story Time (O'Connell)
Thursday, June 20
3:30-4 p.m.
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes about butterflies! No registration is required. Please call (617) 349-4019 for details.
Summer Solstice Collage Event (Central Square)
Thursday, June 20
6-8 p.m.
Join us for an evening of collaging. The summer solstice ushers in an abundance and blooming of spring seeds! What are you ready to receive? Materials will be provided! Just bring yourself.
Cambridge Cooks with the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts: PRIDE Pasta! (Main)
Thursday, June 20
6-7 p.m.
The Cambridge School of Culinary Art's Chef Simone is back with a special PRIDE class! Join us as we make rainbow pasta. Cambridge Cooks invites local chefs for a free cooking demonstration, followed by a tasting and Q&A with the chef. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Friday, June 21
9:30-11 a.m.
In this 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 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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
End-of-School-Year Party (Valente)
Friday, June 21
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer! Join us outside the Library after school, starting at 3:30, for snacks, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and fun! Free ice cream will be available—first-come, first-served, one ice cream per person, only while supplies last. This event is for children and their caregivers. No registration is required. In the event of bad weather, bring your snacks indoors to the Community Room! There will not be a rain date.
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad (O'Neill)
Friday, June 21
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.
Videography 101 (Main)
Saturday, June 22
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.
Juneteenth Drum Circle with Ammaya Dance & Drum (Valente)
Saturday, June 22
1:30-2:30 p.m.
To celebrate Juneteenth, come participate in a drum circle and enjoy stories and songs about freedom with Ammaya Dance & Drum. This event is hosted jointly by the O'Connell and Valente branches and will take place in the courtyard of the Valente Branch. The drum circle will move inside if there is bad weather.
Freedom, Liberty, and Independence: Celebrating Independence Day with Autistic Artists - Opening Day Workshop (Main)
Saturday, June 20
2-4 p.m.
Join us for a workshop to celebrate the opening of "Freedom, Liberty, and Independence: Celebrating Independence Day with Autistic Artists" at the Main Library (L2) from June 24 through July 10. The exhibition, which explores the theme of independence, showcases the works of extraordinary Korean and American artists with autism. It will be led by the exhibit's director, Heyon Choi. A reception will take place after the workshop. While registration is required for the workshop, the opening reception immediately after is open to all.
Saturday Songs and Stories (O'Neill)
Saturday, June 22
3:30-4 p.m.
Music, movement, and stories! Join your librarians for 20 minutes of fun! For children of all ages and their grown-ups.
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.