Director's Update, August 14, 2022

Dear Patrons,
Our Summer Reading Program has two weeks to go! You can still get your bingo card and attend many related programs taking place at the Main Library or the branch location near you. On Wednesday, August 17, we will be pleased to present Rhythm Delivered by DrumatiX.This will be a high-energy blend of tap dance, body percussion, and drumming. Learn more.

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I was interviewed by the Christian Science Monitor, in my capacity as president of the Public Library Association, about the ways public libraries continually adapt to meet community needs. This article features "Libraries of Things" available for checkout at libraries across the country. CPL's "Library of Things" are our STEAM Kits. I also participated in an American Library Association and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services event in Prince George's County, Maryland, to highlight the role of libraries in providing accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines to parents and families, particularly those with younger children, the age group with the lowest vaccination rates.

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One of the joys we have with the adjacent green spaces at our libraries is being able to hold programs outdoors when the weather permits! For many of us without outdoor space of our own, being able to create and gather in the park is special. We were pleased to hold a Terrarium Workshop last week in collaboration with our friends from the Emerald City Plant Shop. Some 50 participants of all ages learned how to create an enclosed small green space of their own. Here is a photo of a participant holding their terrarium.

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Fall Job Openings at the City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs

Are you or a friend looking for a job in Cambridge this fall? Do you enjoy working with young children, middle schoolers, or teens? The City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) has a variety of child and youth-serving positions open! DHSP's part-time positions earn $20-$24 per hour; full-time positions offer salary and benefits. Learn more about the open positions and how to apply: https://camb.ma/DHSPJobs.

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Have a wonderful week, readers! Here are this week's programs.

Outdoor Programs for Kids

This week, these programs will be offered (weather permitting) at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O'Connell, O'Neill, and Valente locations:

• Outdoor Baby Lapsit: Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents, caregivers, and babies to play and develop language and motor skills.
• Preschool Story Time: Recommended for children ages 3-5.
• Sing-Along: All ages are invited to sing and dance!
• Songs and Stories: All ages are invited to sing, dance, and share a story!
• Story Time: All ages are invited to join us for a half hour of stories!

Please see the events calendarfor further details. Registration is not required.

Book Groups

Learn moreabout our Book Group offerings this week.

Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Monday, August 15
2-3 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.

Summer Reading Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Monday, August 15
1:30-2 p.m.

In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Before attending workshops, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers. Registration is required.

Summer Reading Crafternoon (O'Neill)
Monday, August 15
2-3 p.m.

Visit the O'Neill Branch to make and take a hands-on project. Recommended for children ages 5-10 and their caregivers. This week, explore fiber arts and projects with recycled clothing. Feel free to bring an old T-shirt or two that you want to repurpose! No registration required.

Patio Project: Push & Pull (Valente)
Monday, August 15
5-6 p.m.

Join us in front of the Valente Branch for activities for all ages! This month we will make Monster Mouths by pushing and pulling air through pistons! We will also build catapults to see how far we can launch small objects. In case of rain, this program will be held in the Community Room. No registration is required.

Summer ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, August 15
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class this summer! This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. Learn more.

Meet a Mini!
Tuesday, August 16
O'Connell - 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Boudreau - 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Therapy horses bring happiness, hope, and a sense of well-being to people of all ages. Come meet a miniature horse from Lifting Spirits Miniature Therapy Horses! Listen to a story, learn about what therapy horses do, and pat the horse afterward. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Registration is required for each person. Register to meet a mini at the O'Connell Branch here. Register to meet a mini at the Boudreau Branch here.

Equipment and Studio Reservation (Main)
Tuesday, August 16
1:30-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 18
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, August 19
1-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 20
1:30-4 p.m.

During this reservation period, anyone who has completed The Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Learn more.

Summer Reading: Snail Mail Party (Main)
Tuesday, August 16
3-4 p.m.

Join us for an epic letter-writing event! Get connected with a pen pal so you can exchange letters. Or send a note or picture to a senior in our community. There's nothing better than a letter! For children of all ages. Learn more.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 16
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.

Coffee and Chat (O'Connell)
Wednesday, August 17
10:30-11:30 a.m.

Stop by the O'Connell's Reading Garden For coffee and chat with library staff and your neighbors. Learn about awesome library services and meet folks in your community over light refreshments. In case of bad weather, we'll move indoors. Learn more.

Summer Reading: Connect with Cards (Central Square)
Wednesday, August 17
11 a.m.-Noon

Come make greeting cards and postcards to connect the old-fashioned way with our neighbors in the Manning Apartments across from the library, and join us as we deliver them. You can make some cards for your friends and family too! We will do this indoors unless it is very dry and calm outside. Learn more.

Summer Reading Teen Book Discussion (Main)
Wednesday, August 17
Noon-1 p.m.

Attention, teen readers! Join other students to talk about Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds, the CRLS "One School One Story" read. Learn more. For more information, please contact Paul at [email protected].

Summer Reading: Rhythm Delivered presented by DrumatiX (Main)
Wednesday, August 17
2-3 p.m.

A fun, funny, and high-energy blend of tap dance, body percussion, and drumming on and with various drums, found objects, and invented instruments. This show is an intersection of genres, presenting "audible dance" and "visual music." Families will enjoy following the antics of a group of friends as they discover objects in cardboard boxes and creatively turn each one into a musical or rhythmic device.

DrumatiX is a Boston-based novel tap dance and percussion group, created by the award-winning choreographer, dancer, and musician Noa Barankin. DrumatiX creates a brand-new blend of dance and drumming using tap dance, everyday objects, large drums/barrels, body percussion, technology, audience interaction, and tons of humor!

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, the East Cambridge Savings Bank, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Summer Reading: STEAM Airplane Workshop (Valente)
Wednesday, August 17
4-5 p.m.

Prepare for take-off with paper airplanes of all sizes, shapes, and structures in this workshop! Participants will be given all the materials required to create the smoothest, strongest, and wackiest airplane of them all. Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their families. No registration is required for this drop-in event. Call 617-349-4015 for more information.

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, August 17
5-6 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 at designated times. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must take part in a Glowforge workshop to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must first complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

Summer Reading: Family Game Night (O'Neill)
Wednesday, August 17
5-6:30 p.m.

Challenge your family or meet friends over board games and puzzles. Play an old favorite or learn a new game. The library will supply the games. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Call 617-349-4023 for more information. Learn more.

Videography 101 (Main)
Wednesday, August 17
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, become familiar with our video editing software while working with your footage. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

Summer Reading: Create Augmented Reality Greeting Cards (Main)
Thursday, August 18
10 a.m.-Noon

In this workshop, participants will learn about augmented reality (AR) and how to create AR content using Hoverlay technology. They will make two-dimensional greeting cards and add AR media, such as a short video or image that will make any greeting really "pop." The workshop is designed for adults and teens. Traditional card-making materials and STEAM Kits will be available for children accompanying an adult. Registration is required.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Thursday, August 18
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters! Drop in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch, and more. All crafts are welcome! Learn more.

Summer Reading: Snail Mail Party! (O'Connell)
Friday, August 19
3-4 p.m.

We'll make cards, pictures, postcards, and letters to send to someone you know - or to someone at a senior living center! For children of all ages and their grownups. No registration is required.

XR Lab (Main)
Saturday, August 20
10-11 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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.Registration is required.

Summer Reading: Outdoor Fun with Bubbles (O'Neill)
Saturday, August 20
2-3 p.m.

Join us outdoors to explore and learn with bubbles! We will blow bubbles of all sizes, make our own bubble wands, and play bubble games! In case of bad weather, this event will be moved to Saturday, August 27.

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All the best,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries

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