Director's Update, June 2, 2024

Dear Patrons, 

In June, we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community by acknowledging the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights while uplifting their vibrant history and culture. I invite you to join us in celebrating PRIDE with these programs offered by the Main Library and its branches. 

On June 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Library and Harvard Book Store welcome Dr. Karen Tang, a  minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, for a discussion of her new book, It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told). She will be talking with Schuyler Bailar, an educator, author, and the first transgender athlete to compete on an NCAA Division 1 men's team. Registration is required.

Join us on Wednesday, June 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., as  the Library and Harvard Book Store welcome Ann Leary, the New York Times bestselling author of The Good House and The Foundling, for a discussion of her new essay collection, I've Tried Being Nice. She will be talking with Denis Leary, a stand-up comedian, actor— and her husband! Registration is required.

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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 3
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 3, Tuesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 6
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m. 
Wednesday, June 5, and Friday, June 7
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 3 
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 is 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 3
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.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main) 
Monday, June 3, 2-4:30 p.m. 
Tuesday, June 4, 3-6 p.m. 
Wednesday, June 5, 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.

Pride Button Drop-In for Youth (Valente)
Monday, June 3
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Join us to usher in Pride month in style! Make buttons to show off Pride flags or make your own pronoun pins! We will have templates available to fill in. Use your new Pride swag to celebrate all month long! This drop-in event is recommended for ages 8 and up. If siblings younger than 8 are joining, they must be accompanied by a caregiver. Registration is helpful to receive a program reminder but is not required.
 
LEGO Time (Main)  
Monday, June 3
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 3
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 3
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.  

CPL Nature Club: Bug Walk and Story Time (O'Neill)
Tuesday, June 4
11 a.m.-Noon

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for stories, followed by a walk around the Library (weather permitting) and a simple, insect-themed craft. Registration is required.

Google Docs Basics (Main)
Tuesday, June 4
11 a.m.-Noon

Create online documents using Google Docs. Learn how to create and save your own documents online! You will need a Gmail (Google e-mail) account. Please remember your e-mail and password. 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 4
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. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main) 
Tuesday, June 4
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.  

Decorate the Library for Pride! (O'Neill)
Tuesday, June 4
3-4:30 p.m.

Help us decorate for Pride month! We will have craft supplies and decorations to help us celebrate. All ages are welcome! No registration is required.
 
Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square) 
Tuesday, June 4
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. 

STEAM Backpack Showcase (O'Connell)
Tuesday, June 4
4:30-5 p.m.

Did you know you can check out backpacks full of fun STEAM activities? Join us as we show off our Birdwatching Backpack, Brain Busters Backpack, Jurassic Pack, and many more. If you're lucky, maybe you'll even take one home!

No registration is required. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.

Karen Tang in conversation with Schuyler Bailar (Main)
Tuesday, June 4
6-7:30 p.m.

The Library and Harvard Book Store welcome Dr. Karen Tang, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, for a discussion of her new book, It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told). She will be talking with Schuyler Bailar, an educator, author, and the first transgender athlete to compete on an NCAA Division 1 men's team. Registration is required.

The Art of Translation: Modern Greek Voices, Ancient Greek Sources, with George Kalogeris (Valente)
Tuesday, June 4
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join the poet and translator George Kalogeris as he discusses translating works by the Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy, examining the challenges of translating poetic grammar and syntax.

George Kalogeris’s most recent book of poems is Winthropos (Louisiana State University, 2021). He is also the author of Guide to Greece (LSU), a book of paired poems in translation, Dialogos, and poems based on the notebooks of Albert Camus, Camus: Carnets. His poems and translations have been anthologized in Joining Music with Reason, chosen by Christopher Ricks (Waywiser, 2010). He is the winner of the James Dickey Poetry Prize, the Stephen J. Meringoff Award, and the Sheila Margaret Motton Prize. Registration is required.
 
Knitting Group (Boudreau)  
Tuesday, June 4
6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.   

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, June 4
7-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Sindoh 3D printers. In this workshop, 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. Before taking this workshop, you will need to complete The Hive Safety Training and create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account. Register here.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)   
Wednesday, June 5
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  
 
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, and cross stitch.

Half-Day Take-and-Makes (Valente)
Wednesday, June 5
1-3 p.m.

Stop by Valente after the half-day to pick up a take-and-make activity to make at the Library or take home with you. Available while supplies last. No registration is required.

English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill) 
Wednesday, June 5 
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, June 5 
1-3 p.m.  
 
Looking for help creating a résumé or finding jobs? Join us for assistance with job hunting and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. 
 
Serger Training (Main) 
Wednesday, June 5
1-2:30 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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

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 before using our serger. 

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Wednesday, June 5
1-2 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!

Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW - Open Gameplay with One Up Games (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 5
1:30-4:30 p.m. 
 
Join us for a video game free play event hosted by the Massachusetts eSport and gaming venue, One Up Games! Explore virtual worlds with the Oculus Quest or play the latest titles on XBOX Series S, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch! No registration is required. This event is recommended for ages 7 and up. We will also have board games and puzzles available for younger children.

WildKat Hoops Presents: Hula Hooping Fun! (Main)
Wednesday, June 5
3-4 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes for an unforgettable workshop of hula hoop magic with Kat Suwalski! You will learn basic hooping moves while increasing hand-eye coordination, strength, balance, and agility. No prior hooping experience is required. Wear comfortable clothes, and bring a water bottle and an open mind. Hoops are provided.

The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, June 5
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 patrons ages 12-18.

One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, June 5
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.

Ann Leary in conversation with Denis Leary (Main)
Wednesday, June 5
6-7:30 p.m.

The Library and Harvard Book Store welcome Ann Leary, the New York Times bestselling author of The Good House and The Foundling, for a discussion of her new essay collection, I've Tried Being Nice. She will be talking with Denis Leary, a stand-up comedian, actor—and her husband! Registration is required.

Wednesday Word Puzzles (O'Connell) 
Wednesday, June 5
6:30-7:30 p.m. 
 
Drop in to try some fun puzzles every week: word searches, riddles, and variety crosswords! You can come alone or bring a grown-up. Recommended for ages 11 and up. No registration is required. E-mail cmeisler@cambridgema.gov for more details. 

Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, June 6, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 8, 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.

Narcan Distro (Central Square)
Thursday, June 6
12-3 p.m.

Learn about overdose prevention and pick up free Narcan from the Cambridge Public Health Department.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, June 6
2:30-3:30 p.m. 

Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle—an hour of fun and conversation. 

Pride Month Story Time (O'Connell)
Thursday, June 6
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 being yourself! No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for details.

Rainbow Chalk Art (O'Connell)
Thursday, June 6
4-5 p.m.

Celebrate Pride month by decorating the O'Connell Reading Garden with chalk in all the colors of the rainbow! For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is necessary.

Videography 101 (Main)
Saturday, June 8
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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Celebrate World Oceans Day with Delilah the Whale (O'Neill)
Saturday, June 8
2-4 p.m.

People of all ages can go inside a life-size inflatable whale! Registration is required. This program will happen outside. In case of rain or bad weather, it will be in the gym of the Peabody School.

Please sign up at the following website to reserve your 15-minute slot to interact with Delilah the Whale! Each person attending (of any age) must sign up individually. https://form.jotform.com/240895659754071.

Sewing 101 (Main)
Saturday, May 11
2:30-4 p.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.

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All the best!    

Maria McCauley, Ph.D. 
Director of Libraries                                                                                                       

                                                                                                    ### 

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.