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Library Foundation Blog

“Kellie Ruccolo on Programs and Events at the Library”

8/9/2022

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Photo of Kellie Ruccolo, Program and Events Coordinator.
PictureDirector of Libraries, Maria McCauley (L) and Deputy director of Libraries (R) with Malinda Lo the author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club who spoke at the library in June 2022.

It's no secret: we love the Cambridge Public Library staff! From circulation to admin, facilities to adult and youth services - the enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication of the library’s team makes Cambridge an amazing place to live, learn and explore.​

The Cambridge Public Library Foundation is taking you on a virtual tour of the library and introducing some of the library’s superstar staff. Our next stop is Marketing & Communications with Kellie Ruccolo!

What is your position at the library?
I joined the library in February 2022 as the Program and Events Coordinator! I work on the Communications team to create and schedule programs and events at the library. This can range from hosting award-winning authors who draw large crowds, to smaller programs such as a grant writing workshop which we’ve held in recent weeks. 

When I first started the library was hosting events exclusively online because of the pandemic, but over the course of my six months here I have seen the transition back to in-person events. It’s really exciting to be able to invite the community back into the library!

Can you tell us more about the library’s programs and events over the past year? 
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the library (with careful planning from the Communications team) hosted a number of events that have drawn large crowds. In March 2022 we hosted the latest installment of the library’s Our Path Forward series, which encourages education and dialogue around democracy. This event featured Barbara F. Walters, author of How Civil Wars Start, in conversation with Erica Chenoweth. [Editor's note: this event was dedicated in memory of Janet Axelrod, Chair of the Library’s Board of Trustees for over 20 years and beloved Library Foundation Board Member, who passed away in December 2021.] The Zoom event was extremely well attended. We also hosted a Zoom event with Louise Erdrich, the author of The Sentence, which promoted a lot of conversation and audience engagement and had 200 attendees!

As we moved to in-person events in May, the library hosted Katie Kitamura, Malinda Lo, and Homeira Qaderi. I have loved every author and poetry event, but Homeria Qaderi’s reading was particularly memorable. Homeria was joined by a translator - she read excerpts of her book, Dancing in the Mosque: An Afghan Mother’s Letter to Her Son, in her native language which was then translated from Persian to English. Patrons were able to interact with Homeira by asking questions in both Persian and English. It was a really powerful event.

When the library hosts author events, we like to have the author in conversation with another person; this helps with the flow of the event, and the moderator is able to field questions from the audience. We try to be very intentional about our pairings between the moderator and the authors - either they have similar backgrounds, common themes in their work, or sometimes they even know each other personally. When we hosted Katie Kitamura she was joined by her friend Meghan O’Rourke. We’ve also had authors who connected so well with their moderator that they became friends after the event!

On July 14th the library kicked off its Park Sounds series, featuring DJ Johnny Stevents from Soulelujah. The library will be hosting two more Park Sounds events outside the library in Joan Lorentz Park in August and one in September. Park Sounds is an opportunity to invite local performers to share their musical talents with the Cambridge community.  

The library has also held a number of smaller events like the grant writing workshop I mentioned, a presentation on March Madness, a class on how to be a plant parent and more! In May, we hosted a number of lectures in celebration of Haitian Flag Day that were presented by Dr. Régine Michelle Jean-Charles, Dr. Jean Eddy Saint Paul, and former Cambridge Poet Populist Jean Dany Joachim. They spoke about the history of the Haitian Flag and the importance of women authors, artists, and activists in Haiti. It was a wonderful and educational celebration.

Could you tell us about the process of reaching out to authors?
Sure! There are two main ways we go about identifying a potential author. Sometimes the Communications team researches authors and we make a list of authors we’d like to invite. Other times we get recommendations from patrons or library staff. Once we have identified an author, we reach out to them through their website and connect with either their agent or the author themselves. We work with their team to see what dates and times they are available. A lot of work goes into preparing for these events, and it is so rewarding to meet these authors and introduce them to the audience. 

What programs and events can we look forward to at the library?
There are a number of exciting events and programs at the library in the coming months! As I mentioned, there are two more Park Sounds at the end of the summer. We are also holding a Drawing in the Park class in Joan Lorentz Park in August. This is an opportunity for patrons to join an artist in drawing trees in the park. 

In the fall, the library is celebrating Latinx Heritage Month, Indigenous People's Day, and Native Heritage Month. In September and December we are holding a Sacred Songs and Rituals musical series with two incredible performers. The September event includes Yacouba, who plays the kora, a sacred instrument native to West Africa. Then in December, musician Sara Aroeste will be performing music with both Spanish and Jewish roots. The intention of Sacred Songs and Rituals is to highlight the positive impact and solace people found in music during the height of the pandemic.

How has the community participated in these programs? What feedback are you hearing from patrons?
The community loves free library events, and we always have excellent patron turnout! One event that stands out to me is when we hosted author Malinda Lo. Malinda lives in Cambridge so attendees were excited to hear one of their community members speak. One mother told us that her daughter was eager to attend the event because she is a huge fan of Malinda’s book Last Night at the Telegraph Club. We love hearing feedback like this, especially when we are able to provide opportunities for young readers to engage with their author heroes!

We have seen a lot of patrons actively participating in Q&As, and many patrons like to stay after the programs when there are book signings. A lot of the feedback we receive is patrons saying they are happy to see the authors they know. It is so rewarding to hear their positive feedback - it motivates us to plan more events! 

The best part about library events - whether they have large audiences or are more intimate - is that they foster a sense of community. The Communications team does our best to be intentional about the range of events and programs we are offering because we want to appeal to a variety of interests and attract as many patrons as possible! We do this through inviting a diverse range of authors and poets, and offering a number of different workshops to people of all ages and interests.

What do you enjoy most about working at the library?
Every day at the library is different and I never know what to expect. Some days I have visits from patrons, or I am working with different stakeholders and performers, or researching authors for an event. I get to meet a lot of people, which is an exciting element of this job!

For example, when organizing the Park Sounds series, I coordinated with a number of people and departments. I’ve worked with City officials, parking enforcement officers, vendors, performers, and obtained permits. There are a lot of pieces that go into events, and it is so rewarding to see the final product. We hope you are able to attend a library program or event (or multiple events!) in the future!

What’s your favorite book?
I like to read romance, like an easy beach read. Right now I love all of Emily Henry’s books, she even has a book called Beach Read! My favorite of hers is Book Lovers because there is a lot of banter. Her books are fast paced and easy to read through, there’s also a lot of quick wit. 

You can visit the library’s calendar to learn more about upcoming programs and events here.

Contributions from the Library Foundation’s generous donors support programs and events, such as the authors series, at the library. If you would like to support the Cambridge Public Library, please reach out to Library Foundation Director, Katie Welch, at katie@cplfound.org or make a donation through our secure online portal here. 

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“The Secret to Senior Programming: A Conversation with Adult Services”

5/23/2022

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It's no secret: we love the Cambridge Public Library staff! From circulation to admin, facilities to adult and youth services - the enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication of the library’s team makes Cambridge an amazing place to live, learn and explore.
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The Cambridge Public Library Foundation is taking you on a virtual tour of the library and introducing some of the library’s superstar staff. Our next stop is Adult Services with Diana Fendler and Janet Borron, focused on the library’s services for seniors. 

Diana Fendler is the library’s Manager of Adult Services, and oversees a team of 20 staff members who provide services to all patrons, but are primarily geared towards helping adults and seniors. Diana’s incredible team provides information services, book recommendations, basic technology assistance, program facilitation and more. 

Janet Borron is the library’s Senior Services Librarian, and has been part of the library’s Adult Services team for more than seven years. In her role, Janet coordinates monthly curated home delivery of library materials to Cambridge residents who are unable to visit the library and establishes partnerships with local area assisted living facilities and the city’s senior center. Her expertise and knowledge about the library and community is unparalleled. 

Diana, please tell us about Janet’s role in the community, specifically bringing library resources to seniors where they are.
Sometimes described as a “human book mobile,” Janet provides home delivery of an average of 600 items to more than 50 Cambridge residents every month. She also does monthly outreach visits to community partners in order to showcase the library’s vast collection, highlight popular books, and promote library resources and programs. 

Can you tell us more about the library’s senior programming and what’s currently available to seniors.
Back in 2017, the library received funding through the Library Foundation to begin a Creative Aging series for older adults. These eight-week long courses provided instruction in various written and performing arts, including dance and storytelling. The workshops were taught by professional teaching artists, and offered participants the opportunity to explore new skills which bolstered self-confidence and created an avenue for lasting social connections between participants.

We had to pause the Creative Aging series due to the pandemic, but we look forward to restarting this program in the near future! If you’d like to be notified when Creative Aging gets restarted, you can sign up for the Director’s Weekly Message or the Events & Programs newsletter. You can learn more here.

Currently, there are two virtual program series being offered for older adult patrons. The first is a weekly Wellness Exercise Program. Each month we offer different themes such as Zumba Gold, Low Impact Fitness, and Let Your Yoga Dance. Our second series is the Active Older Adult Lecture and Workshop Series. The library launched this series with 10 workshops centered around the topic of “Navigating Solo” and “Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well.” The ten virtual workshops are offered every other Thursday from February through June and you can learn more and sign up here.

How is the library’s programming for seniors being received in the community?
We can tell how popular these programs are from the number of attendees and from the feedback that we get from participants. The weekly Wellness Exercise Program consistently has over 40 participants who are engaged, interacting with each other since there are a lot of “regulars” and it’s clear they’re having fun during the program. At the end of every class, the Zoom chat fills up with words of praise and thanks.

As for the library’s Active Older Adult Lecture and Workshop Series, we are halfway through the ten workshops, and it has been incredibly well received and well attended! On average there are over 100 participants in each session. Many participants share their gratitude with comments submitted in the chat. Here are a few from our very first session:

Can't begin to say how appropriate this is for me and my brother.

This is so timely; I have just written my will.

This has been tremendous; this is so so important.

I really like this. It came out at a perfect time.

Thank you for this program and guidance.


This is terrific, a marvelous offering.

What programming, specifically for seniors, is coming up at the Library?
We are cautiously optimistic about bringing back the Creative Aging series in-person, and there are a few currently being planned for late summer and fall. The Wellness Exercise Program ends soon, in late May, and we hope to offer it again in the fall potentially in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format. As for the Active Older Adult Lecture and Workshop Series, we have been doing early planning with potential author speakers on the topics of nutrition, health and happiness relating to aging. There’s more to come!
 
Thanks Diana! Is there anything else you’d like to share?
It’s wonderful to be able to share a glimpse of our work and to highlight the importance of services and programs for older adult patrons. People often feel isolated as they age, and it’s been wonderful to have resources from the Library Foundation to break down some of the natural barriers. We are grateful for the support, and we love being a part of the Cambridge community.

Janet, can you tell us about your position at the library?
I’m officially the Cambridge Public Library’s Staff Librarian for Senior Services. My position focuses on outreach services to the aging populations in Cambridge and to those members of the community who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to leave their home. These outreach services include personalizing book selections and coordinating deliveries with our Support Services staff, going to the senior center to run book groups, and bringing programs and services to these important populations.

What do you enjoy most about working at the library?
There’s a concept called “the third space” – which refers to society’s communal space, or a space that isn’t a person’s home or workplace.  From the moment I encountered this concept it resonated with me because a public library is the quintessential “third space” and answers why I love working here so much- there’s no barrier to entry and it’s a place where people can come together and let life happen!

What’s your favorite book?
I don’t play favorites. My reading tastes vary as frequently as the New England weather. I am currently reading American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears by Farah Stockman. The author is a Pulitzer Prize winner and Cambridge native. The book looks at the impact of a plant closure on the workers employed in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Senior Center book club selection for this month is On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, an examination of loss, immigration and addiction among other societal issues.

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Photos courtesy of Jean Altidor and Valeria Mendes Ochoa.
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“Central Square Branch: A Conversation with Branch Manager Philecia Harris”

5/17/2022

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Cambridge Public Library's Central Square Branch
PicturePhilecia Harris, Manager of the Central Square Branch and Manager of Branch Services
It's no secret: we love the Cambridge Public Library staff! From circulation to admin, facilities to youth services - the enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication of the library’s team makes Cambridge an amazing place to live, learn and explore.
​

The Cambridge Public Library Foundation is taking you on a virtual tour of the library and introducing some of the library’s superstar staff. Our next stop is the Central Square Branch.

This week we’re excited to introduce you to Philecia Harris! Philecia works in the Central Square Branch and oversees the six branches in the Cambridge Public Library system. Philecia loves each branch for their unique programs and tight knit communities, and has nothing but praise for branch librarians who go above and beyond to forge meaningful relationships with patrons.  

What’s your role at the library? 
I recently joined the Cambridge Public Library as the Manager of the Central Square Branch and the Manager of Branch Services. I worked as the interim Branch Manager for the Central Square Branch about 25 years ago, so things are coming full circle! I used to live a ten-minute walk from Central Square when I was growing up. It is nice to be back in my old neighborhood and to see old familiar faces at the library. 
My background includes being a children’s librarian, a library media specialist, a Library Directory and entrepreneur. I was the Director of Library Media Services for public schools in Washington D.C. and owned and operated Coffy Café in D.C for five years! 

Could you please tell me more about your role? 
I do a lot! My role as Manager of the Central Square Branch involves programming, outreach, hiring, overseeing a tech and literacy center and more. As the Manager of Branch Services, I work with an Assistant Manager to oversee the same activities and take on goals and policy work as well. 

What do you love about the Central Square Branch? What makes it unique?
Central Square is the largest branch in the Cambridge Public Library system [editor note: other than the Main Library!] and it is busy. This location has always been a gateway for new immigrants and has been newly dubbed the Art Corridor. Central Square Branch serves university students, businesspeople, children, elderly, the unhoused and longtime residents. People come to the Central Square branch to learn new skills, practice their English, write resumes and look-up which shelters have openings. You are assisting people acquiring vital skills or filling out important documents so you really get to know them and start to develop real connections with them. The development of rich relationships with our community is one of the reasons that staff members love working here. We are truly a neighborhood library.  

Are there any exciting programs that are unique to Central Square? 
In addition to the Main Library, Central Square is the only branch with a Tech Center and our computers get a lot of use. Barely forty percent of African Americans have broad band internet, elders often need tech assistance and many, many people without home own technology find themselves forced to fill-out paperwork online. The Tech Center closed during the pandemic and will reopen when the branch is fully staffed. We currently have computers and take-home laptops available, but people are excited about the tech center reopening. 

We host the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. event at the Central Square Branch. January of 2022 we held an amazing virtual program for the 47th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day lecture with Clint Smith, author of the New York Times best-seller, How the World Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America. It was a powerful, well attended event. We’re currently developing an emerging Black Voices collection that’s starting in the new fiscal year (July 2022) and will encompass black literature, arts, history, Black Lives Matter and the African diaspora in general. 

Another big program at the Central Square Branch is the Cambridge Youth Poetry Contest. On April 30th we closed the submission for our 23rd Annual Youth Poetry Contest for K-8 students who live or attend school in Cambridge. We got over 1,000 submissions this year! Poems will be judged for interesting content and creativity as well as consistent and imaginative style. This year there will be an extra prize for winning poems about trees. Winners will be notified in early May, and prizes will be awarded at a ceremony and reading on Thursday, May 26, at 6 p.m. This is my first year working at the library during the poetry contest and I am so excited to read the poems!  

The Central Square Branch also does an “On the Wall Gallery,” which is a way for local artists to display their work. Applications are accepted up to 12 months in advance and priority is given to Cambridge residents. In the past we’ve had all kinds of two-dimensional work, including paintings, drawings, photographs, tapestries, fabric art, needle arts, etc. If you’re interested in showing your work, please come to the Central Square Library or call (617) 349-4010. 

Why do you like working at the library? 
For me, being a librarian is an identity. Whether or I’m at work, I’m connecting people to resources, finding and giving books to kids and helping people or community centers create their own libraries. It is a very fulfilling profession, you are able to watch people grow and discover new things—It allows you to feel like you are making a difference. 

Being a children’s librarian is my first love! Sometimes you come across a child that says they don’t like to read. I love the special challenge of getting an “oooh, oooh, I want this book!” It's great when you can show them that it's not that they don’t like to read, it's just that they haven’t found the right book yet. 
The public library is the number one way for people without internet access at home to have access to the internet and computers. We’re thinking about digital equity a lot here in the City of Cambridge, so having open access to computers is important for all members of the community. 
 
What's your favorite book? 
Oh… my all-time favorite children’s book recently changed. It was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis. But now it's the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman. It is an amazingly imaginative trio of books with many dimensions and concepts. I am someone who only read the first book of a series because I love the new unique concepts, characters, worlds and ideas. The second book always loses its mystery. That being said, the first book in His Dark Materials hooked me and I had to read the whole series. It’s a lot like the Harry Potter series in terms of imagination and then amazing on many other levels. 
 
My new favorite book for adults is The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson. It’s one of the best nonfiction books I’ve ever read. 
 
Is there anything else you’d like to share? 
I think one of the things I love about Branch Services is that each community in Cambridge is unique and the branches reflect that. Cambridge is also special in that the libraries are so
accessible - there is a main library and six library branches in a city that is only two by three miles! That means every community has a library that is within walking distance. 


I also want patrons to know that the library is here for you. The librarians at each branch are eager to answer your questions, help you find materials, and forge relationships.   


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Your Key to the Library: A Conversation with Becky Rowlands on the Role of Borrower Services

4/17/2022

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Photo courtesy of CRLS student Jean Altidor.
PicturePhoto of Becky Rowlands at a library MBTA outreach program.
It's no secret: we love the Cambridge Public Library staff! From circulation to admin, facilities to youth services - the enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication of the library’s team makes Cambridge an amazing place to live, learn and explore.
​

The Cambridge Public Library Foundation is taking you on a virtual tour of the library and introducing some of the library’s superstar staff. Our next stop is Borrower Services with Becky Rowlands!

This week we’re excited to introduce you to Becky Rowlands! Becky oversees the amazing Borrower Services team that helps patrons navigate the library and reshelves the library’s highly sought-after materials. From the front lines to behind the scenes, the Borrower Services team is steeped in knowledge about the library, and we can’t wait to share this with you!

What is your position at the library?
I am the Manager of Borrower Services. I have worked at the library for six years now, and I love it! I previously worked at a much smaller library in Massachusetts where we used to handle five bins of materials a day compared to the 60 bins a day we see here, so coming to the Cambridge Public Library was a big, exciting change! I oversee a lively team of 20 people who are dedicated to helping patrons. 
 
Could you please tell me more about Borrower Services and the important role your team plays at the library? 
The role of Borrower Services is two fold: we are frontline staff welcoming patrons to the library and answering their questions, and we also work behind the scenes scanning materials back into the system and reshelving.
 
The Borrower Services desk is located on the left immediately when you walk into the Main Library, so we are often the first people that patrons see when they enter the library. We issue library cards, answer questions about patrons’ library accounts, help them check out materials and more. I like to think that by giving people their library card we are giving them their key to the library, unlocking the door and providing access to everything the library has to offer. Beyond books, patrons can use their library cards to check out magazines, e-books, DVDs, take out technology (which can be checked out at Tech Bar), and even STEAM kits! 
 
The library has a broad range of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) kits that include non-traditional, educational materials that engage people of all ages and interests. When a STEAM kit is checked out, the Borrower Services team member goes through the STEAM kit with the patron, tells them how the kit is returned, and prepares patrons for the fun and exploration they are about to have! STEAM kits are available at all Cambridge Public Library locations and can be checked out by Minuteman Library cardholders.  
 
We also connect patrons with other materials in the network by managing requests on library items. Patrons can pick up their books on hold at the ‘hold’ shelving area to the right side of the Main Library’s lobby. If you have a logistical question about a particular item you’ve borrowed, returned or requested, our team will happily investigate for you.
 
Could you please tell me more about Borrower Services’ role behind the scenes?
Members of our team split their time between working at the Borrower Services Desk and handling materials behind the scenes. Our library is a very high-circulation, high-volume library, and the Borrower Services team handles thousands of items per day, whether we are checking them out, checking them back in, or receiving them in delivery bins from other libraries. When library materials are returned, we rescan the items back into our system and reshelve almost all of the materials, except for books in the Teen Room and the Children’s Room. 
 
Our team receives up to 60 bins full of materials per day from other libraries – that’s approximately 3,000 items per day just through delivery! Plus, two to three thousand more materials through check-in and check-out. Our goal is to have all materials reshelved in 24 hours of their return.
 
Borrower Services maintains a ‘Staff Picks’ display in the lobby that showcases books from the genre each staff member prefers, so patrons can see what staff gravitate towards based on their interests. The library has been doing this for about seven or eight years, and we are always encouraging new staff to participate! We also occasionally create fun pop up displays, like a display of Batman books that you can find by our self-checkout machines right now. Collection Services and Adult Services collaborate on the displays in the lobby area that feature the newest fiction and non-fiction titles, and Borrower Services assists with those as well.
 
Could you please tell us a bit about the lifecycle of a book?
The Library Foundation and a member of the Borrower Services team, Alden, recently collaborated to showcase the lifecycle of a library book. A book arrives at the library from a vendor and makes its way to Collection Services. Here, the book is given a sticker and is scanned into the library’s system that is shared by all libraries in the Minuteman Library Network. Collection Services then brings the new library book to find its home on the shelf. 
 
Patrons can peruse the shelves to find a book, but they can also easily and conveniently place a hold on the next available copy in the CPL or Minuteman Library Network. You can place a request online, or call the library and our staff can help you out! Once your book has arrived at your library branch ‘hold’ shelving area, patrons can come within five days to check out the book. After it’s checked out, the book is ready to go home with you!
 
After finishing your book, it is time to return it to the library. When patrons put the book into the book chute at the Main Library, the book slides down the chute into a large red bin that is collected by Borrower Services. The book is then scanned back into the system and is returned to the shelf. Each item returned is touched by three to four people as it’s scanned back into the system, out on a cart to go upstairs, and reshelved. About 10% of materials returned to the Main Library have to be transported back to different branches. 
 
As you search for your next read, Adult Services and Borrowers Services staff can answer questions, recommend books, and help you locate materials in the library. 
 
[Editor’s Note: You can see the Library Foundation’s posts following the lifecycle of a book on our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.]
 
What is your favorite part about working at the library?
I love the fact that we are not a quiet library. While there are dedicated quiet spaces in the library - like the Second Floor of the Main Library, which is a quiet floor and has an additional Silent Study Room - this is also a place where you can and will find unexpected things. A Thriller flash mob in the hallway, the Honk! Band playing in the lobby at our Summer Reading kickoff one year, a “laughing room” – set up like a sitcom set – in our Rossi meeting room - these are only a few things that have happened in the six years I’ve been here. I love that we mix study and research with singing, dancing, and laughing. The library has it all!
 
What is your favorite book?
One of my all time favorites is The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, which I read for the first time at least 20 years ago. I find that book to be even more poignant and chilling since it’s set in and around Cambridge. I love Margaret Atwood’s style of writing, she is one of my favorite authors of all time!
 
Is there anything else you'd like patrons to know?
There are so many wonderful things about the library, and there’s a lot that I would like patrons to know about! 

First off, it is absolutely free to use the library! You’d be surprised how many times we are asked “How much does a library card cost?” and we can happily say “Zero!” The library recently did away with overdue fines, so we are 100% fine-free and the Borrower Services team was key in delivering this good news to the community. This is an important step in the library becoming more equitable, and increasing access to the library for all users.

I also want patrons to know that you don't have to live in Cambridge to get a library card! There are nine library networks in Massachusetts, and as long as you live or own property anywhere in Massachusetts, the Cambridge Public Library is happy to give you a library card. Your library card will work at all libraries in the Minuteman Library Network, which Cambridge is a part of. Prior to the pandemic, library staff including members of the Borrower Services team went to the Alewife T-Station to get people excited about the library and show them how easy it is to get a library card!

​Finally, we have certain technology and automated processes – like self-checkout and open holds – that’s designed to make it easier for patrons to check out their books. We always have plenty of staff who are happy to assist you with those things, too. If self-checkout is not your thing, or you have a question, you can absolutely bring your books to a person at the Borrower Services desk who will gladly check them out for you and answer any questions!

Contributions from the City of Cambridge and our generous donors support the library’s staff and their growing collection of materials. If you would like to support the Cambridge Public Library, please reach out to katie@cplfound.org. 

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Photo of 'Staff Picks' courtesy of CRLS student Valeria Mendez Ochoa.
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Photo courtesy of Miga Purev-Ochir.
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Photo of the book chute at the Main Library.
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Remembering our dear friend Janet Axelrod: Community Leader, Philanthropist and Visionary

3/1/2022

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Janet (center), pictured with Joy Kim, Deputy Director of Libraries (L) and Shira Gubb, former Assistant Director for Human Resources (R)
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Janet, pictured with Shippen Page, Foundation Board President (L), Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries, and Bill Rawn, the architect of the Main Library and the Valente Branch (R)
PictureJanet sharing a laugh at the Main Library with Julie Roach, Manager of Youth Services (R)
We are deeply saddened to share that Janet Axelrod, a beloved Cambridge Public Library Foundation Board member and Chair of the Library’s Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, died on Sunday, December 26th at her home in Cambridge. To have known Janet was a blessing. Quick to laugh, quick to call out injustice, quick to suggest a solution, Janet was an integral part of elevating Cambridge’s beloved library system.

Committed to progressive work in both her professional and personal life, Janet dedicated decades to improving, expanding and enhancing the Cambridge Public Library. She knew that the library could (and should) actively promote equity and accessibility, privacy and dignity for all people.

In the early 2000s, Janet led the Library Trustees during the robust community process advocating for the construction of the new library, which she did with determination, humor, and kindness. She was resolute in her support of Susan Flannery, the former Director of Libraries, in overseeing the $95 million development of the Main Library which opened in 2009. “She was the right leader for the right time,” says Susan. “Her method and style were always respectful, friendly and honest. [Janet] was always thinking about how the library could better serve the community and expand it beyond the traditional people who use it.”

Even in the final weeks of her life, Janet was working to expand the library’s reach into every neighborhood in Cambridge, remaining actively involved in the exploration of a major Central Square Branch renovation. “There’s a difference between opening the doors and saying everyone is welcome, and going out into the community and showing people that they belong at the library. That’s what Janet did,” says Donna Davis, an instrumental figure in founding the Library Foundation and a Library Foundation Board Member emeritus.

Janet was part of the team that helped welcome and orient Dr. Maria McCauley as the new Director of Libraries almost six years ago. Dr. McCauley shares, “Janet understood and internalized the mission, vision and values of the library. She fully supported and embraced everything we were doing to get library services out to the public, especially to vulnerable populations. She was a very wise leader; we at the library miss her every day.” Dr. McCauley and Janet partnered closely on many library projects, including the successful series Our Path Forward (which encourages education and dialogue around democracy), the renovation of the Valente Branch, and the opening of The Hive makerspace at the Main Library.

Janet was a passionate philanthropist who held fast to her belief that “the people doing the work should decide how the money should be spent.” In 1974, Janet was the first hire at the Haymarket People’s Fund, which raised money from young progressives with inherited wealth and redistributed it to grassroots organizations fighting for racial, economic and gender justice throughout New England. In that role, Janet helped develop a model of activist-led philanthropy, putting decision-making power in the hands of local activists, rather than donors. Decades later, she was instrumental in the creation of the Cambridge Public Library Foundation, which she believed was necessary to garner private support and ensure the library's bright future.

The President of the Library Foundation’s Board of Directors, Shippen Page, remembers Janet as “a towering figure in the modern era at the Cambridge Public Library. Generous with her time and treasure, Janet could be counted on to support an all-embracing library and to work hard to make sure sufficient resources were available. As a vital member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Janet was present, forceful and respectful. On behalf of the entire Board, Janet is sorely missed as a colleague and a friend."

​The Cambridge Public Library, the Library’s Board of Trustees and the Cambridge Public Library Foundation are honored to remember Janet with a named fund in the library’s endowment: The Janet Axelrod Memorial Fund. This fund will help the library fulfill its mission and uphold the values of equity, democracy and intellectual freedom that Janet held so dear. Nancy Woods, who served as a Trustee with Janet, says, “[Janet] was steadfast in her belief that the library belonged to everyone and must aspire to serve the needs of everyone. She firmly believed that private funds were crucial to ensure that our great library does just that.”  

If you would like to make a gift to the Janet Axelrod Memorial Fund, you can mail a check to the Cambridge Public Library Foundation or make a gift online through our secure donation portal. All gifts that have been made in Janet’s memory since January will be added to this Fund. Please email Foundation Director Katie Welch at katie@cplfound.org with any questions.

If you would like to read more about Janet’s life and her incredible impact in Cambridge and beyond, we invite you to read her obituary published in the Cambridge Chronicle.

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Janet (R) with Donna Davis, Library Foundation Board Member emeritus (L) and Susan Flannery, former Director of Libraries (center)
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“Behind the Scenes: A Look Inside Collection Services with Kathy Penny”

2/8/2022

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Members of the Collection Services team unboxing and shelving materials!
PictureKathy Penny, Manager of Collection Services
It's no secret: we love the Cambridge Public Library staff! From circulation to admin, facilities to youth services - the enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication of the library’s team makes Cambridge an amazing place to live, learn and explore.
​

The Cambridge Public Library Foundation is taking you on a virtual tour of the library and introducing some of the library’s superstar staff. Our next stop is Collection Services!

This week we’re excited to introduce you to Kathy Penny! Kathy, along with her mighty team of eight, is responsible for maintaining and growing the library’s vast collection. She is up to date on all library trends, what’s new in the collection, and she even shares what books patrons are most eager to get their hands on.

What is your position at the library?
I am the Manager of Collection Services. We're responsible for the acquisition, processing, cataloging and distribution of library materials to all seven library locations. 

Could you please tell me more about Collection Services and the important role it plays at the library?
Sure! Collection Services is comprised of eight dedicated staff who ensure that new library materials are ready and available to the public. This includes ordering new materials every week, receiving and unboxing these materials, processing and cataloging them and then distributing them to their respective locations. In a given year, Collection Services handles more than 50,000 new items for the Cambridge Public Library!
 
A small percentage of that 50,000 are replacements or materials to add to an existing collection - the majority are new items. We collaborate with our vendors to receive books ahead of their release date so we can process them in our system, put stickers on them, and get them on display the day of release. Our goal is to offer patrons the same experience as walking into a bookstore!
 
In addition, Collection Services orders eContent from the Overdrive platform, responds to patron requests for items we don’t already own, services Interlibrary Loan and Commonwealth Catalog requests for the Main Library, and serves as back-up coverage for public service needs. 
 
Commonwealth Catalog is a very cool aspect of the library, and it is an increasingly popular service. If a patron is looking for material that cannot be found in the library or MinuteMan System, we can check the state’s library system, Commonwealth Catalog, to see if they have the item. If it is not in the state’s system we can check with other libraries and institutions across the United States. There are libraries in all 50 states that will lend out materials to Cambridge Public Library patrons. We are fortunate to be part of a national network of libraries that support one another. 
 
What are some of the trends you are seeing in what patrons check out?
Catabridgians remain voracious readers across many genres and formats! We continue to see an increase in eContent consumption across our two primary eBook vendors - Overdrive and hoopla. Additionally, we now have magazines available in digital format across three platforms, Overdrive, hoopla and Flipster. eContent has been growing in popularity over the past 15 years, but has really gained traction in recent years as new publishers have uploaded digital content! From a growing number of movies, music, books, and magazines available digitally, it's no wonder eContent is so popular. 
 
The library paused print magazine subscriptions during our closure in 2020 and early 2021, but I’m happy to say they are available on our shelves again!
 
The list of popular titles is ever-changing but current favorites are Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty and Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. 
 
What is your favorite part about working at the library?
The people that I work with! They are dedicated, energetic, lovely humans focusing each day on our mission to serve our community. I also enjoy selecting and purchasing new materials for our libraries, whether it's books or movies. There are so many interesting and exciting releases forthcoming, especially for the Spring! And, as I had said before, I love the Interlibrary Loan. It's super-cool to be able to obtain items for our patrons from all over the country. We love seeing packages arrive from different states and knowing we've located a rare or obscure item for our patron to borrow!

What is your favorite book?
Just one? I've always loved White Oleander by Janet Fitch. My favorite read from 2021 is Dog Flowers, a memoir of a Navajo woman who returns to the reservation her Mom was born on to learn more about her. Bonus points because the author, Danielle Geller, is also a librarian! 
 
Is there anything you’d like library patrons to know?
I’d like to plug Reading Together: A Yearlong Library Challenge! Each month, we offer a theme and curated book lists that relate to the theme. Patrons can download the app and log into the reading tracker (Beanstack) to complete each challenge. The Beanstack software is generously funded by the Library Foundation. 
 
I really enjoyed working with library staff in different departments to curate these special reading lists. Each month we feature 12 books for readers in their respective categories: youth, teens and adults. That’s 36 books a month that we recommend across ages and interests! January's theme is "Try Something New" and February’s theme is “Celebrate Black Voices.”
 
In addition, the Cambridge Public Library is offering a new book group for adults in conjunction with Reading Together: A Yearlong Library Challenge. The Book Group will meet virtually via Zoom the fourth Monday of every month. Patrons can read one of the suggested books or any other book that fits the current month’s theme. We hope you'll join us! 

​You can learn more about Reading Together: A Yearlong Challenge here. If you would like to register for our Reading Together Book group you can do so here.

Contributions from the City of Cambridge and our generous donors have supported the library’s collection services. If you would like to support the Cambridge Public Library, please reach out to katie@cplfound.org.

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Learn more about 'Reading Together: A Yearlong Library Challenge,' and join the fun!
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'Thank You, America' & the Library!

11/23/2021

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Hello friend, 

In 2018 National Public Radio asked Americans what they were the most grateful for, and poet, educator and novelist, Kwame Alexander, wove their responses into a cohesive and powerful poem. Many respondents were grateful for their local libraries, which one person described as “sacred places to share knowledge and creativity.” I couldn’t agree more.
 
As we race to the end of another challenging year, I want to share my deep appreciation to you for your support of the Cambridge Public Library. Thanks to the generosity of you and your neighbors, our library nimbly responded to ever-changing directives and stayed focused on serving everyone – particularly the most vulnerable – in our community.

The wonderful poem below celebrates our differences, acknowledges our past, and looks hopefully towards the future. Thank you for ensuring a bright future for libraries by making a gift – if you haven’t already done so – to the Cambridge Public Library.
 
I wish for you and your family a happy, peaceful and restorative holiday.

Best,
 
Katie Welch
Director, Cambridge Public Library Foundation
DONATE
Thank You, America

The sun rising behind farm houses in the Midwest 
The clear mountain rivers in Montana
I hope we have the wisdom to treasure all of it.

A glimmer of dawn
First flickers in Maine

For the mountains. 
magnificent weathered beacons of topographical wonder.

Tengo gracias that I can speak my mind 
y no hay consecuencias graves when I do so.

I won't lie, I struggled with this question 
With all the fighting, hate and violence 
it has been difficult to remember to be thankful. 
However, when I read stories of people who 
stand up and speak out 
for justice and truth 
I become immensely grateful and proud of America.

Freedom to whisper against kings
My grandmother who carried her green card 
in the broken tattoos on her back

I am thankful that other people are still trying to come here.
I am thankful for the vastness of our borders and the beauty of our natural lands.

Sunshine streaming softly 
while we sip our morning coffee.
But across the oceans our troops fight
ensuring that we keep our rights, 
to give us a land of the free.
For the first responders
For hope

I am thankful for America's history, warts and all. 
Our past, full of light and dark, 
Read the history 
of heroes and villains 
See our country for what it is.

Free Press and Free speech
to speak out against injustices in our country,

For family
For places to walk safely
places to paddle
arcades of trees
varied, inexpensive food
tools and workplaces
longtime friends who listen
tennis courts

Indoor plumbing,

to worship whoever we want, 
to say whatever we want,
to go wherever we want.

for the public libraries. 
They raise up voices whom others attempt to silence.

For diversity. 
For differences 
My son is transgender and I am grateful for those who treat HER with respect and kindness.

for Cape May; for parties on the Fourth of July; for anarchist coffee shops; for church-run thrift stores; hole-in-the-wall BBQ joints; Lake Michigan; Vinny's Pizzeria in the 90s; beer delivery in a snow storm;

for second, third and fourth chances. 
For forgiveness. 
I am thankful that my hybrid existence, hinted by my brown skin and slanted eyes, can make sense in America.

For many spectacular parks in our nation--from the huge and awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the tiny neighborhood park with the small playground and the pretty benches painted by local artists.

I am grateful that America can change, too. 
for the millions who take to the streets, 
challenge authority, 
insist on change, 
demand justice, 
resist evil, tell their stories,

Wrought through division
Sustained by freedom's hope
Seeking reunion 
I am thankful for America, most of the time.
AMERICA LETS ME CONNECT AND PLAY VIDEOS WITH THE WORLD 
AMERICA ALLOWS ME TO PLAY BASKETBALL
AMERICA GIVES ME A GOOD EDUCATION

Thank you, America,
For the mom and pop shops and rest stops.
For the back roads and the beaten paths.
For the love that greets me when I come home.

For the dream to become, 
the dream to make better or different, 
the dream to inspire, 
the dream of something on the other side 
of whatever is facing us in the moment

For You❤
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'After the Storm' by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson. A large-scale reproduction of this painting can be found in the Community Room of the library's Valente Branch.
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Joy Kim on Waving Goodbye to Late Fees

11/5/2021

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It's no secret: we love the Cambridge Public Library staff! From circulation to admin, facilities to youth services - the enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication of the library’s team makes Cambridge an amazing place to live, learn and explore.
​
This week we are pleased to introduce you to Deputy Director of Libraries, Joy Kim! 

Joy is giving us a behind-the-scenes peek at how the Cambridge Public Library decided to join a growing number of libraries that have decided to eliminate late fines.

Joy, what is the fine free initiative?
Fine free is a movement happening in public libraries across the United States. About five years ago we began to see some of the largest libraries in the country make the shift to fine free. The libraries that were at the forefront of this initiative questioned whether late fines were consistent with the mission of libraries as institutions designed to serve all members of the community. So far, the libraries that have gone fine free have seen positive impacts in their communities!

There have been studies done on the benefits of going fine free. Research has shown that late fines are a significant deterrent to people with low incomes - they either won’t get a library card to begin with out of fear of fines or they lose access to materials because they accrue fines. When books are returned late or lost, it’s often because people are facing other hardships, such as housing instability or poverty, and we don’t want to make people's lives even harder with late fines. Eliminating library fines removes the financial barrier, and at times shame, that comes with library charges. 

Studies have also shown that small fines don’t change behavior. In fact, some large libraries realized that the cost of fining patrons was more expensive than the fines they were collecting. There’s a myth that going fine free discourages patrons from returning their items, but libraries that are fine free still have their materials returned. In fact, some people are more inclined to return their overdue library books because they aren’t nervous about the repercussions!

So how did it work here in Cambridge? How did our community make this important decision?
As we saw other libraries go fine free, our leadership team wanted to explore it here. We were so fortunate to have the full support of Mayor Siddiqui and Vice Mayor Mallon, who passed a policy order asking the library to look into this question, and of the City Manager’s Office. Cambridge is a really unique and special city in that way - our elected and City leadership understand the importance of libraries for families in the community, and support our efforts to provide a warm, welcoming space for all. 

The Cambridge Public Library became temporarily fine free at the beginning of the pandemic because we wanted to respond to the immediate needs of our community members: if someone was unable to return materials to the library because of Covid-19, we didn’t want them to be penalized. Prior to the pandemic, if a patron had more than $10 in fines they were barred from taking out materials, but during the pandemic we lifted that ceiling to $1,000. 

We waited until library buildings had reopened and returned to a semblance of normalcy to officially launch the fine free initiative by waiving eligible past charges. We are a member of the Minuteman Library Network, a regional consortium, and we worked with our partners there on the logistical work necessary to update our borrowing settings and to remove eligible past changes. 

What does fine free actually look like for library patrons?
Going fine free is a game changer! Just a few weeks ago, on October 19th, the library cleared all the past overdue fines that had accumulated on patrons’ accounts. We also cleared the bills on lost Cambridge-owned children and young adult materials. Cambridge has been fine free for youth materials for decades, and people have still brought back their books. We expect that to continue to be true as we become fine free for all materials.  

This is what fine free looks like for us:
  • Patrons are still responsible for returning items so that other people may enjoy them;
  • We will continue to email patrons to remind them to return their items;
  • We will bill patrons for items that are 4 weeks overdue, but if they return the item the bill will be cleared from their account; and
  • We will clear all bills for lost and damaged children’s and young adult materials under most circumstances even if the item cannot be returned.
What’s most important to us is that all library patrons feel comfortable and confident making full use of all the library has to offer.  Already, we have seen a positive response from the community! We have had library patrons share with librarians how exciting it is that we are fine free. 
​

Could you tell us how going fine free fits into the library’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives?
Last year the library committed to expanding our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and programs. We have been doing both outward-facing work in the community and internal work with the library staff and teams. We are actively working to understand and dismantle the structures of oppression that exist within our organization and community. 

At one point in time librarians created late fees which reduced people's access to library materials, so by eliminating overdue fines we are removing barriers to equitable access and helping to break the cycle of oppression.

What do you like most about working at the library?
I like doing mission driven work, and I feel fulfilled when I get to help people at the library. Going fine free is a great example of that! I like working in Cambridge because the community loves and values the public library. Our patrons understand the library’s mission in the community and have consistently invested in library services. That’s really special. What’s also unique about this library in particular is the community support we receive from residents, stakeholders, elected officials and city leadership. 

What is your favorite book?
Oh that is so hard, I can't pick just one! I read really widely, but I lean towards science fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels. Earlier in my library career, I was a youth services librarian, and I had the opportunity to serve on two Young Adult Library Services Association book committees (the William C. Morris YA Debut Award Committee and the Great Graphic Novels for Teens Committee). 

Thank you for joining us this week, Joy! If you would like to learn more about the library’s Fine Free Initiative, you can do so here. Please contact the library if you have questions about the status of your account.

Contributions from the City of Cambridge and our generous donors have supported the library’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. If you would like to support the Cambridge Public Library, please reach out to katie@cplfound.org.


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A Conversation with Reinhard Engels: The Mind Behind the Tech Bar

10/7/2021

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Reinhard Engels speaking to patrons at The Hive.
PictureStudents from STEAM Academy with their piece "The Looking Glass" in Kendall Square.
It's no secret: we love the Cambridge Public Library staff! From circulation to admin, facilities to youth services - the enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication of the Library’s team makes Cambridge an amazing place to live, learn and explore.
​
The Cambridge Public Library Foundation is taking you on a virtual tour of the library and introducing some of the library's super star staff. Our next stop is the Tech Bar!

This week we’re excited to introduce you to Reinhard Engels, the mind behind the Library’s Tech Bar. The Tech Bar, located in the Library’s Main Branch, allows patrons to take out Chromebooks, hotspots and more for free!

What is your position at the Library?
My title is Manager of Innovation and Technology. I like that title because it captures the broad range of work that I do. Under this umbrella I have two teams: a more traditional IT team, who ensure that any technology at the Library is working smoothly (“keeping the lights on”), and a more experimental team that focuses primarily on STEAM education (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) at the Library. STEAM at the Library encompasses the Tech Bar, the Hive, the STEAM Learning Lab, and the STEAM Academy. 

Can you tell us about the Tech bar?
The Tech Bar is a GREAT resource for Library patrons. It’s a physical space that has the vibe of a coffee bar and four digital screens mounted above (like a menu at Starbucks!) where you can browse and then order tech for take-out. Except unlike the menu at Starbucks, these tech menus automatically update every 10 minutes to reflect the number and types of items available.

Two of the mounted screens are these tech menus that reflect what technology is available. The two other provide additional details about our services and technology including pictures of the different devices, so our patrons could get a better sense as to why to order one device vs. another. Our goal was to make ordering tech feel as normal and as accessible as possible.

The Tech Bar space consists of a beautiful wooden service bar in the historic part of the Library, and a ‘work bar’ seating section along the hallway by the Rindge Room. There are also numerous desktop computers by the Tech Bar that are available for public use in two hour increments. 

We were about to open the Tech Bar in March of 2020, but then the pandemic hit. While we couldn’t allow public access to the space then, the need for at home technology was suddenly greater than ever. So in a very different way than we expected, it was the perfect time to launch a takeout tech program. We pivoted and offered phone ordering with contactless pickup at the main Library entrance. It’s much nicer now, of course, when we can allow patrons inside this beautiful physical space, but it met a pressing need, and was an important first step. 

The two most important and popular items at the Tech Bar are Chromebooks and hotspots. The Library owns hundreds of Chromebooks, 95 hotspots, and we have an additional 200 hotspots via a government program that we make available to partner organizations via bulk loans. Now that we have the basics covered, we are increasingly branching out into “fun” technology like Go Pros, all in one DVD players, and e-readers. Suggestions from the public are more than welcome! 

One of the most important pieces of the Tech Bar isn’t “tech” at all - it’s the humans, the knowledgeable, patient and friendly staff who are available to answer patron’s technology-related questions.

How do patrons take out tech from the Tech Bar? Do they need an appointment? 
There is no appointment necessary. It’s just like Starbucks. Patrons can come to the Tech Bar and look at the menu to see what is available. They can say: “Hm, I think I need a 14-inch Chromebook today!” and they can use their Library Card to borrow it, just like they would with a library book. Technology is available to borrow for a two-week loan period with two automatic renewals if no one is waiting.

One of the great aspects of getting a tech loan from the Tech Bar is that you can make the Chromebook as personal as you want it during your rental. We adopted a hybrid model so that you can either log into the laptop as a guest or using your personal Google account. 

Is takeout tech available at all Cambridge Public Library branches? 
Yes - takeout tech is available at all the branches! While the Tech Bar itself is located at the Main Library, patrons can get free technology to-go at any local branch.

Could you talk more broadly about STEAM at the Library?
One of my favorite programs that really encompasses the purpose and goal of STEAM at the Library is our STEAM Academy. The Academy is a partnership with  Innovators for Purpose (IFP), an amazing local nonprofit that has been a Library partner for more than four years. With IFP we provide a series of free, immersive project-based learning summer and afterschool courses for teens that goes beyond mere project-based learning -- it’s product based learning. The teens actually make a product for a customer. They learn not just the tech and science skills required to do that (which is huge) -- from computer programming, to materials science, to math, to robotics, to 3D design but just as important they learn valuable business and organizational “soft” skills for the workplace: how to brainstorm, how to get feedback, how to present, how to iterate on product ideas. The teens regularly present their projects to stakeholders (usually Library staff and community members) at review sessions for feedback and really drive what is going on. I am consistently blown away by what these kids come up with, and their poise, maturity and skill. Every semester the program gets bigger and bolder. 

[Editor’s Note: You can visit a STEAM Academy project in Kendall Square called “The Looking Glass.” This piece is a five-foot aluminum statue that tells the origin story of Kendall Square. “This Should Not Be” is another STEAM Academy project - a groundbreaking augmented reality experience exploring racial and social justice that can be found on the lawn of Cambridge Public Library’s Main Branch.]

What is your favorite part about working at the Library?
I have worked at the Library for just about five years and there are a lot of things I love about it. Libraries are the culmination of an ancient tradition going all the way back to the Great Library of Alexandria and beyond. So it appeals to the history geek in me. But public libraries are also distinctly modern and American, free public institutions to truly benefit everyone in our community. It gives me a kind of patriotic rush to consider this. The Cambridge Public Library has a broad array of services from the Children's Room to Adult Services to the Hive that all mesh together to create amazing programs for everyone in Cambridge to enjoy. And my coworkers are so passionate and driven by this sense of mission. It’s inspiring.

I also like that my job is so tangible for my kids – they really understand and appreciate what I do because they love the Library too! I sometimes joke that my real job is shuttling materials back and forth from the Library for my book loving family. 

What is your favorite book?
Well that’s a tough question…I can’t pick just one! I would say War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy; I like a lot of those older Russian authors. I am also a big fan of Jane Austen and Shakespeare. I’m big on the classics.
​
You can learn more about the Library’s takeout technology service here. 
​
Contributions from the City of Cambridge and the Library Foundation’s generous donors have made the Tech Bar and STEAM at the Library possible. If you would like to support the Cambridge Public Library, please reach out to Library Foundation Director, Katie Welch, at katie@cplfound.org.

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Marie Mathieu on the Importance of Social Workers in Libraries

9/10/2021

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It's no secret: we love the Cambridge Public Library staff! From circulation to admin, facilities to youth services - the enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication of the Library’s team makes Cambridge an amazing place to live, learn and explore.

​
The Cambridge Public Library Foundation is taking you on a virtual tour of the library and introducing some of the library’s superstar staff. 
This week we are pleased to introduce you to the Library's first social worker, Marie Mathieu!

The Library has always served as a welcoming, central gathering place for the community. The important addition of a social worker allows for the Library to continue to support the people of Cambridge. 

What is your role at the Library? 
I am the Library’s first social worker! I joined the team in March and our website went live two months ago. For years the [Cambridge Public] Library has wanted a social worker and there has always been a need for one.

I help people meet a variety of needs. Some people have material needs; they are looking for back to school supplies, diapers, food, or clothing. Everything else runs the gambit from helping people apply for housing, helping with paperwork to stay in current housing, employment resources, and completing applications for MassHealth and disability. It is such a broad range, which is the unique piece of working at a Library. It is also cool to be able to work with people across the lifespan, from children to older adults. 

What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no typical day! Since I have gotten myself more familiar with the community and my routine, I am trying to meet with patrons on specific days and allow myself time on other days to do the more administrative parts of my role. I am usually seeing patrons via the phone, Zoom, or at the Library branch that is most convenient for them. 

I also set aside time to do research and connect with other community partners who can assist folks. Most days I’m referring out to other agencies across the city and beyond.

How can patrons connect with you?
The first step usually entails filling out one of the referral forms on the website, or submitting a form at one of our drop boxes that can be found at each branch of the Library. I usually meet with patrons briefly the first time to do an assessment of needs and learn how I can best support them. 

What is your favorite thing about working at the Cambridge Public Library? 
It's a different setting where you don't typically find a social worker so I think that’s pretty cool! I like that there’s no entry criteria to a Library; everyone is welcome in this space so everyone is welcome to use me as a resource. 

Do you do any staff training?
Not yet, but that is to come! I look forward to helping Library staff learn how they can best meet the needs of their patrons and community. 

What’s your favorite book? 
It’s called ‘Year of Yes’ by Shonda Rhimes. [Editor's note: You can borrow this book from the Library!]

Is there anything else you would like to share?
My hope is that I’m able to help as many people in this community as possible, and to see an increase in Library social workers across the country. In the two months that we’ve had our website up, I’ve already received over 60 referrals and I have connected with a majority of them. It shows the need for this kind of support in the community, so I see this as a fast growing program. 

​You can schedule an appointment with Marie here, or submit a form at one of the drop boxes located in each branch of Cambridge Public Library. Ask any Library staff member if you need assistance connecting with Marie. Please allow 48 business hours for Marie to respond to your inquiry.


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