Director's Update, July 7, 2024

Dear Patrons, 

The new Library website will be live tomorrow, July 8. Visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/departments/cambridgepubliclibrary on Monday to check it out. We look forward to receiving your feedback about the new website. You can reach us by email at library@cambridgema.gov. 

Valente Summer Sundays are back! Starting today, 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 that during this time, the Main Library will be closed on Sundays. Its Sunday hours will resume on September 8.   

On Wednesday, July 10, at 6 p.m., the Library and Harvard Book Store will welcome Gary Janetti—the bestselling author of Start Without Me and Do You Mind If I Cancel? and the writer and producer of Family Guy and Will & Grace—for a discussion of his new book, We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay: (tips, tales, travels). Registration is required.

Join us in celebrating the opening of "Interwoven: A Multigenerational Showcase of Textile and Fiber Arts" on July 13, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Main Library. This exhibit, featuring the work of three Indian American women—Zahira Paul, Zebun Rangwala, and Aparna Paul—primarily in the form of quilts, bags, clothes, books, and other sewn goods, will kick off with an artist talk, fiber arts workshops, and performance poetry. Registration is required.

Bring your blanket, snacks, and friends to Joan Lorentz Park on Saturday, July 13, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for another session of Park Sounds with ALDRA, a performing and recording artist from Somerville whose music has been influenced by soul, R&B, and alternative pop. ALDRA captivates listeners with velvety tones, profound lyrics, and imagery to take them on a journey through her life experiences. In memory of Janet Axelrod.

Do you take the MBTA Red Line to get to your local library? Please be aware that the Red Line is scheduled to be closed Saturday, July 13 through Sunday, July 28. Riders will take shuttle buses instead of trains on parts of the Red Line for about two weeks while the MBTA repairs tracks and makes improvements. Find more information here.

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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.   

STEAM Academy: Innovators for Purpose Summer Studio (Main)
Monday through Friday
9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-powered design and innovation program where young creatives channel their energy and vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, iFp creatives engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. 

Baby Lapsit (Main)  
Monday, July 8 
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 8, Tuesday, July 9, and Thursday, July 11
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 10, and Friday, July 12
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.    

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, July 8, 2-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9, 3:30-6 p.m.
Thursday, July 11, 2-6 p.m.   
Friday, July 12, 1-4:30 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.   

Summer Reading: Chalk Art (O'Connell)
Monday, July 8
2-4 p.m.

Let's decorate the O'Connell Reading Garden with colorful chalk art! We’ll provide the chalk, you bring the creativity! For children of all ages and their caregivers.

LEGO Time (Main)  
Monday, July 8
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.   

Summer Reading: Patio Project (Valente)
Monday, July 8
5-6 p.m.

Join us outside in front of the Valente Branch  for STEAM activities for all ages! We will be using geometry to build tiny paper towns. In case of rain, this program will be held in the Community Room.

ESOL Conversation Class (Valente)  
Monday, July 8
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.   

Mouse and Keyboard Basics (Main)
Tuesday, July 9
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Get started with the basics of mouse and keyboard. Learn how to move the mouse, click, and use the keyboard. We will have laptops and mice prepared for the class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.

Summer Reading: Meet an Alpaca (O'Connell)
Tuesday, July 9
11 a.m.-Noon

Join the Harvard Alpaca Ranch for a presentation on the wonderful world of alpacas, including a visit by a live alpaca! This program is recommended for children older than 5 and their caregivers.

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, July 9
1:30-3:30 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.

Summer Reading Tuesday Teen Room Hangouts (Main) 
Tuesday, July 9
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. 

Beginner ESOL Class (Valente)
Tuesday, July 9
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, and 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, July 9
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.

Summer Reading: Stay Cool Craft (Boudreau)
Tuesday, July 9
3-4 p.m.

Exercise your creative muscles and give yourself a tool for staying cool with an afternoon of crafting. We will be making beautiful paper fans and other paper-folding crafts! No registration is required; this is a drop-in event. Recommended for school-age children and their caregivers.

Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square) 
Tuesday, July 9
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.   

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, July 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 11, 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 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.

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)  
Wednesday, July 10
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 10
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 10
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. This week we will use collage to make suncatchers (colorful window decorations) using tissue paper and washable glue. No registration is required. 
 
Summer Reading: Mike the Bubble Man (Main) 
Wednesday, July 10 
11 a.m.-Noon
 
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. 

Serger Training (Main) 
Wednesday, July 10
3:30-5 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.   

Summer Reading: Dungeons & Dragons 101 (Valente)
Wednesday, July 10
4-6 p.m.

Calling young adventurers! Ever wanted to learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons? Now's your chance! Patrons aged 9 to 13 can join us for an introductory session to arm them with all the basic rules of the game. Dice, character sheets, and everything else you need will be provided! Registration is required. For more information, please contact the Valente Branch at 617-349-4015.

One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, July 10
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

Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, July 10
5:30-8:30 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND receive support as you work on your projects with our sewing community. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of our Janome sewing machines. Participants must register, but they may drop in at any time during the program. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Summer Reading: LEGO Community Build (O'Neill)
Wednesday, July 10
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Join friends to build, build, BUILD! Let your imagination run wild with LEGOs. The Library has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. Remember that LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children. For children ages 5 and up. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Gary Janetti at the Cambridge Public Library (Main)
Wednesday, July 10
6-7:30 p.m.

The Library and Harvard Book Store welcome Gary Janetti—the bestselling author of Start Without Me and Do You Mind If I Cancel? and the writer and producer of Family Guy and Will & Grace—for a discussion of his new book, We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay: (tips, tales, travels). Registration is required.

Summer Reading: Kamishibai Theatre (Central Square)
Thursday, July 11
11 a.m.-Noon

Celebrate Tanabata, the star festival, with this Kamishibai performance from Yumi Izuyama. A picture-based storytelling from Japan, Kamishibai combines visual, oral, and gestural storytelling methods. This storytime will be followed by a Tanabata-based craft. Recommended for children aged 3-8 and their caregivers. Registration is required.

One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment) 
Thursday, July 11
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
 
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want 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: Wildlife Ambassadors with Mass Audubon (O'Neill)
Thursday, July 11
2-3 p.m.

What better way to learn about wildlife than by observing them in person? Meet wildlife ambassadors and discover the amazing adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Ask questions and learn what you can do to protect the wildlife of Cambridge. For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. This presentation is part of the CPL Nature Club!

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, July 11
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon.

Keyboard Tips and Tricks (Main)
Thursday, July 11
6-7 p.m.

Learn special tricks and keyboard shortcuts. Get more practice and improve your typing skills! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.

Evening Yoga at the CPL (Main)
Thursday, July 11
7-8 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Library's free outdoor yoga summer series every other Thursday from July 11 until August 22. No registration is necessary. The Library will not provide any materials; please bring your own mat and whatever item is in your practice. Shayla Tate of M.U.D.D. Flower Yoga leads us through this 60-minute evening flow.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, July 11
7-8 p.m.

Bring your project and 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!

Videography 101 (Main)
Friday, July 12
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.

XR Lab 101 (Main)
Saturday, July 13
9:30-10:30 a.m.

Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Saturday, July 13
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.

INTERWOVEN: A Multigenerational Showcase of Textile and Fiber Arts - Opening (Main)
Saturday, July 13
Noon-4 p.m.

Join us in celebrating the opening of "INTERWOVEN: A Multigenerational Showcase of Textile and Fiber Arts." This exhibit features the work of three Indian-American women—Zahira Paul, Zebun Rangwala, and Aparna Paul—primarily in the form of quilts, bags, clothes, books, and other sewn goods. It will open on July 13 with a kickoff event featuring an artist talk, fiber arts workshops, and performance poetry. Learn more and register for this event.

PARK SOUNDS: ALDRA (Main)
Saturday, July 13
1:30-3 p.m.

ALDRA is a performing and recording artist from Somerville whose music is influenced by soul, R&B, and alternative pop. She captivates listeners with velvety tones, profound lyrics, and imagery to take them on a journey through her life experiences. Rain date: Wednesday, July 17, 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 chairs, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.

Sewing 101 (Main)   
Wednesday, July 13 
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.   

Summer Reading: Fun with Bubbles (O'Neill)
Saturday, July 13
2-3 p.m.

Join us outdoors to explore and learn with bubbles! We will blow bubbles of all sizes, make bubble wands, and play bubble games! For children of all ages with a caregiver. In case of bad weather, there will be modified activities inside the Library.

Stay Connected   

Please subscribe to our e-mail list, follow us on X, Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website.   

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.