Director's Update, June 23, 2024

Dear Patrons,

Summer Reading starts tomorrow! 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 at camb.ma/summerreading.

In other Summer Reading news, CPL librarian Susannah Borysthen-Tkacz was featured on GBH’s Under the Radar podcast for their summer reading episode. Check out the episode and Susannah’s recommendations here: The big list of summer 2024 book recommendations from your local librarians!

The Collins Branch Library will be closed for construction starting on Monday, July 1, with an anticipated reopening in the fall. During this time, patrons can use any of the other six Cambridge Public Library locations to check out and return books and attend programs. The Boudreau Branch at 245 Concord is the nearest location and all materials on hold at Collins will be transferred there.

Valente Summer Sundays are back! Starting on Sunday, July 7, the Valente Branch Library, at 826 Cambridge Street, will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays in July and August. Please note: during this time, the Main Library will be closed on Sundays. The Main Library’s Sunday hours will resume on Sunday, September 8.

The Library will be launching a new website on Sunday, July 7. Visit the site at www.cambridgema.gov/departments/cambridgepubliclibrary on July 7 to check out our new, user-friendly design.

Upcoming Events

Join the award-winning journalist Sebastian Junger on Wednesday, June 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a reading and discussion of his latest book, In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife. Registration is required.

On June 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month with a poetry reading and conversation featuring two award-winning local poets, Diannely Antigua and Patrick Sylvain. Each poet will read for about twenty minutes, followed by a conversation and audience Q&A. Registration is required.

Park Sounds, our outdoor concert series, is back! Bring your blanket, your friends, and a snack to Joan Lorentz Park on Saturday, June 29, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for a performance by the Strummerville Ukulele Club, a fun-loving, ukulele-strumming, singing, and humming group of amateur musicians. Bring your uke and join John and Nick as we sing and strum the hits! Song sheets will be provided. No registration is required. Cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod, the Chair emeritus of the Library's Board of Trustees.

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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 24
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.

CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Monday, June 24
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with the park ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if space becomes available. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Monday, June 24, Tuesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 27
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 26, and Friday, June 8
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 24
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 24
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 it starts.

Summer Reading: Summer Reading Kickoff (O'Neill)
Monday, June 24
1-3 p.m.

Join us to celebrate the start of the summer! We will have food, games, and outdoor art. No registration is required. All ages are welcome!

Serger Training (Main)
Monday, June 24
3-4:30 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 had experience using a sewing machine. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger.

LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, June 24
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.

ESOL Conversation Class (Valente)
Monday, June 24
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.

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, June 25
1-2:30 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 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.

Sewing 101 (Main)
Tuesday, June 25
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.

Beginner ESOL Class (Valente)
Tuesday, June 25
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 25
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.

Tuesday Teen Room Hangouts (Main)
Tuesday, June 25
3-5 p.m.

Drop into the Teen Room any Tuesday afternoon this summer and enjoy a variety of FREE activities, from board games to video games, 3D pens, paper crafts, anime, and more. Or just sit down with a great book from our shelves. No registration is required.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, June 25, 3:30-8:30 p.m. 
Thursday, June 27, 4:30-8:30 p.m. 
Friday, June 28, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 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.

Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, June 25
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.

Sebastian Junger Presents: In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife (Main)
Tuesday, June 25
6-7:30 p.m.

Join Sebastian Junger in a presentation about his latest book, In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife. Sebastian Junger is the New York Times-bestselling author of The Perfect Storm, Fire, A Death in Belmont, War, Tribe, Freedom, and in My Time of Dying.  As an award-winning journalist, a contributing editor to Vanity Fair, and a special correspondent at ABC News, he has covered major international news stories around the world and has received both a National Magazine Award and a Peabody Award. He is also a documentary filmmaker whose debut film, Restrepo, a feature-length documentary (co-directed with Tim Hetherington), was nominated for an Academy Award and won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Registration is required.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 25
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Make Along for Adults: Doodling with 3D Pens (Valente)
Tuesday, June 25
6:30-7:30p.m.

Join us for our monthly make-along series to create and socialize. Make this month's project or bring your own! This month we will try out 3D pens! All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.

Mindfulness and Aging with Wisdom (Virtual)
Wednesday, June 26
10-11 a.m.

Zeenat Potia, an instructor at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, will lead this workshop on mindfulness and the skills needed to establish an attitude of ease and stability in the context of aging. This session is appropriate for first-time meditators as well as those with meditation experience and will allow time for questions. This is a virtual event. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent out 1 hour before the event begins.

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, June 26
1-3 p.m.

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

English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 26
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.

Wednesdays of Wonder – WOW (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 26
1:30-4:30 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 building a solar system!

E-mail Basics (Main)
Wednesday, June 26
3-4 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 e-mail) account? Create your very own in this class! Learn the basics to get you started. Each participant will create a Gmail account, and 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.

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, June 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, 9:30-10:30 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! Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 26
4-5 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).

Summer Reading: Crocodile River Music (Main)
Wednesday, June 26
4-5 p.m.

African rhythms, history, and culture merge into an afternoon of movement, cultural exploration, and joy. Crocodile River Music’s mission is to connect audiences with African artists and cultures through performance and education. With artists from Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and the U.S., they are committed to presenting African art, music, and culture to audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and capabilities. This program is recommended for children of all ages and their families. No registration is required. 

Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, the Cambridge Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, June 26
5:30-8:30 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND receive support as you work on your own sewing projects with our Library sewing community. Participants must register but may drop-in any time during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required.

Caribbean American Heritage Month at the CPL: A Poetry Reading (Main)
Wednesday, June 26
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us in celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month with a poetry reading and conversation featuring two award-winning local poets with roots in the Caribbean, Diannely Antigua and Patrick Sylvain. Registration is required. Supported by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Trivia Night! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 26
6:15-7 p.m.

Come join us for Trivia Night! Players of all ages are welcome to test their knowledge of science, history, literature, and culture. Snacks will be provided. Individuals and groups are welcome. Registration is helpful, but not required.

Wednesday Word Puzzles (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 26
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.

Hive Safety Training (Main)
Thursday, June 27
10-11 a.m.

Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to use the resources we offer, 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.

One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment)
Thursday, June 27
11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by for our drop-in hours! These sessions will be limited to 30 minutes for each patron.

We can help you with:

• accessing Library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices
• e-mail and searching the web
• smartphone and mobile app questions

We are not able to help you with:

• installing advanced software programs
• completing online transactions for you
• computer hardware and technical maintenance

If you have any questions, please contact gjosette@cambridgema.gov.

Summer Reading: Boudreau Branch Summer Reading Kickoff (Boudreau)
Thursday, June 27
2-5 p.m.

Come help us kick off the start of summer. Enjoy some snacks, check out some books for your first summer reading challenge, and help us decorate our bulletin board with a beautiful summer ecosystem. There will be a multitude of nature-related crafts for you to take home or hang up on the board. This is a drop-in event; no registration is required. All ages are welcome!

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Thursday, June 27
2-4 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.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, June 27
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.

Digital Discovery: Exploring Fun and Practical Artificial Intelligence Tools (Main)
Thursday, June 27
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn about artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including DALL·E and ChatGPT, through fun and engaging exercises. AI technology can be used to plan a garden, assist with crosswords, create art, write poetry, and more. Registration is required.

Family Crochet Hour (O'Connell)
Thursday, June 27
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us for an hour of relaxing crochet with friends and family! Each month will feature a recommended project with hands-on instruction and limited supplies; you are also welcome to bring your own project. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Friday, June 28
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a morning walk at the renowned birdwatching spot in our own backyard, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted year-round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. Registration is required. The walk will meet at the courtyard of the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) at 10:15 a.m. and head over to  the cemetery together. For more information, contact Michael Roberson at mroberson@cambridgema.gov or call the Collins Branch at 617-349-4021.

Coffee, Cribbage and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, June 28
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!

Summer Reading: Make a Pinhole Camera (O'Neill)
Friday, June 28
2-4 p.m.

Join us to build your own camera and learn about long-exposure photography! Recommended for children age 10 and up. Children ages 5-9 are welcome to participate with an adult. Registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact us at 617-349-4023 or via e-mail: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov.

Summer Reading: Ed Popielarczyk's Comedy Magic (O'Connell)
Friday, June 28
4-4:45 p.m.

Ed Popielarczyk is a professional magician, balloon twister, and entertainer. The magic in what he does is not making a big duck riding a motorcycle out of balloons or fooling someone during a magic show but the laughter that it brings. That is the true magic!! This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required.

Cambridge City Dance Party Pre-party (Central Square)
Friday, June 28
5-5:45 p.m.

Gather with friends and neighbors for snacks and tunes before the annual Cambridge City Dance Party. We'll head over to City Hall together at 5:45 p.m. If we don't see you here, we’ll hope to see you dancing on the streets! More information about the City Dance Party.

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Saturday, June 29
9:30-10:30 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! Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

PARK SOUNDS: Strummerville Ukulele Club (Main)
Saturday, June 29
1:30-3 p.m.

The Strummerville Ukulele Cub is a fun-loving, ukulele-strumming, singing, and humming group of amateur musicians who love the ukulele almost as much as we love a good trainwreck. Grab your uke and join John and Nick as we sing and strum the hits! Song sheets will be provided. Rain date: Wednesday, July 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

PARK SOUNDS 2024 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Main Library. These events are for all ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation. Park Sounds is dedicated to the memory of Janet Axelrod, the late Chair emeritus of the Library's Board of Trustees.

Chess Hour (O'Neill)
Saturday, June 29
3-4 p.m.

Join us for a game of chess! 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 a space for individuals to play and test their skills against other members of the community. It is not an instructional class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via e-mail: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov.

Summer Reading: Mike the Bubble Man (Valente)
Saturday, June 29
3-4 p.m.

Bubbles come alive through music, choreography, and comedy to spark imagination and wonder. This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required.

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.