Director's Update, July 1, 2024

Dear Patrons,

Our Summer Reading 2024 program has begun! Pick up a bingo board from any Library location, complete the reading challenges, and fill out your bingo board for a chance to win prizes! Learn more at camb.ma/summerreading.  

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 Library branches 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.  

On Tuesday, July 2, from 2 to 3 p.m., join us in Raymond Park for a scavenger hunt celebrating nature and the summer season! Search for plants, animals, colors, and even a certain friend you may have already seen at the Boudreau Branch. If you find everything on the list, you can win a special prize! No registration is necessary.

All Library locations will be closed on Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day.         
                                                     

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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, July 1
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, July 1, Tuesday, July 2
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.  
Wednesday, July 3, and Friday, July 5
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.  

Serger Training (Main)
Monday, July 1
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, July 1
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, July 1
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, July 1
6-7:30 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, July 2
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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Summer Reading: Raymond Park Scavenger Hunt (Boudreau)
Tuesday, July 2
2-3 p.m.

Join us in Raymond Park for a scavenger hunt celebrating nature and the summer season! Search for plants, animals, colors, and even a certain friend you may have seen at the Boudreau Branch before. If you find everything on the list, you can have a special prize! No registration necessary.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, July 2
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, July 2
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, July, 4:30-8:30 p.m.  
Friday, July 5, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 
Saturday, July 6, 11 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, July 2
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.  

Knitting Group (Boudreau) 
Tuesday, July 2
6:30-7:30 p.m.  

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

Summer Reading: Mike the Bubble Man (Boudreau)
Wednesday, July 3
11 a.m.-12 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.

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)  
Wednesday, July 3
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, July 3
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, July 3
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 required. This week we will use collage to make suncatchers (colorful window decorations) using tissue paper and washable glue.

Summer Reading: Board Game Afternoon (Main)
Wednesday, July 3
2-3 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of board games, JENGA, and more! This program is for children of all ages and their caregivers.

Sewing 101 (Main)  
Wednesday, July 3
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.  

Hive Safety Training (Main) 
Wednesday, July 3, 6-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 6, 9:30-11:30 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. 

Wednesday Word Puzzles (O'Connell)  
Wednesday, July 3
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.  

Videography 101 (Main)
Wednesday, July 3
7:30-8:30 p.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.

Summer Reading: Nintendo Switch Party for Ages 7-10 (Valente)
Saturday, July 6
2-4 p.m.

Join our Nintendo Switch party! We will be using library consoles to enjoy multiplayer games. This program is for ages 7-10. This program can accommodate 16 gamers. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The gamer must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed spots will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4015 for further details.

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.