NaNoWriMo at Cambridge Public Library

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is right around the corner in November.  You can start prepping now with these programs right here at the Main Library.

*****

Lisa Borders discusses “Characterization”
Saturday, October 5, 2:00-2:30 * Community Room

Lisa Borders’ second novel, The Fifty-First State, will be published by Engine Books in October, 2013. Her first novel, Cloud Cuckoo Land, was chosen by Pat Conroy as the winner of River City Publishing’s Fred Bonnie Award, and received fiction honors the Massachusetts Book Awards. Lisa’s short stories have appeared in Kalliope, Washington Square, Black Warrior Review, Painted Bride Quarterly and other journals. She teaches at Grub Street, Boston.


Steve Yarbrough discusses “Putting Place on the Page”
Saturday, October 12, 2:00-2:30 * Community Room

Steve Yarbrough is the author of three story collections and six novels including The Oxygen Man, which received the Mississippi Author’s Award, the California Book Award, and an award from the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters, and Prisoners of War, a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner award. He is also the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. His work has been translated into Japanese, Dutch and Polish.


Margot Livesey discusses “Point of View and Plot”
Saturday, October 26, 2:00-2:30 * Community Room

Margot Livesey has taught in numerous writing programs, including the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and is the author of a collection of stories and seven novels. The House on Fortune Street won the L.L.Winship/PEN New England award, and her most recent novel, The Flight of Gemma Hardy, won the New England Independent Booksellers’ Award in fiction for 2012. She is a distinguished writer-in-residence at Emerson College in Boston.




PLUS

NaNoWriMo Write-Ins
November 4, 6, 12, 14, 18, 21, 26, 27 * 6:00-8:00pm * Community Room

Come write-in! In celebration of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) the Cambridge Public Library is offering a series of twice-weekly write-ins. Enjoy powerstrips, caffeine, and quiet writing space as you work towards your goal of completing a novel in a month. We supply the coffee, you supply the word count.

NaNoWriMo at Cambridge Public Library

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is right around the corner in November.  You can start prepping now with these programs right here at the Main Library.

*****

Lisa Borders discusses “Characterization”
Saturday, October 5, 2:00-2:30 * Community Room

Lisa Borders’ second novel, The Fifty-First State, will be published by Engine Books in October, 2013. Her first novel, Cloud Cuckoo Land, was chosen by Pat Conroy as the winner of River City Publishing’s Fred Bonnie Award, and received fiction honors the Massachusetts Book Awards. Lisa’s short stories have appeared in Kalliope, Washington Square, Black Warrior Review, Painted Bride Quarterly and other journals. She teaches at Grub Street, Boston.


Steve Yarbrough discusses “Putting Place on the Page”
Saturday, October 12, 2:00-2:30 * Community Room

Steve Yarbrough is the author of three story collections and six novels including The Oxygen Man, which received the Mississippi Author’s Award, the California Book Award, and an award from the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters, and Prisoners of War, a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner award. He is also the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. His work has been translated into Japanese, Dutch and Polish.


Margot Livesey discusses “Point of View and Plot”
Saturday, October 26, 2:00-2:30 * Community Room

Margot Livesey has taught in numerous writing programs, including the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and is the author of a collection of stories and seven novels. The House on Fortune Street won the L.L.Winship/PEN New England award, and her most recent novel, The Flight of Gemma Hardy, won the New England Independent Booksellers’ Award in fiction for 2012. She is a distinguished writer-in-residence at Emerson College in Boston.




PLUS

NaNoWriMo Write-Ins
November 4, 6, 12, 14, 18, 21, 26, 27 * 6:00-8:00pm * Community Room

Come write-in! In celebration of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) the Cambridge Public Library is offering a series of twice-weekly write-ins. Enjoy powerstrips, caffeine, and quiet writing space as you work towards your goal of completing a novel in a month. We supply the coffee, you supply the word count.

July is STILL Anti-Boredom Month!

Here are some ideas...

• All Cambridge youth centers are FREE!  All summer!

• Watch a free screening of Life of Pi outside at the Harvard Medical School Quadrangle on Thursday, July 11.

• Become a soap bubble magician.

• Write a letter (and mail it also).  You will make someone very happy!

Image: Dhiren Gala, 2012.

• Check out the Boomtown Festival at the Multicultural Arts Center July 29 thru August 1. 

•  While you are there, visit the rooftop garden at Kendall Square.

• Cut your hair.  Yes, you will initially feel trepidation, but once you get going it is quite exhilarating!

• Make popsicles.  If you don't have popsicle molds, use ice cube trays, muffin tins, or paper cups!

• Learn to say "hello" in another language.  You may also wish to learn how to say "help!"
  

• Go to the sandcastle competition at Revere Beach on July19-21.

• Wait for someone to water their yard, and then dive through their sprinkler.

• Learn some dance steps at The Mission (call 617-349-6273 to register), then salsa at Boston City Hall on Friday, July 12.

• Join an online writing community.

• Learn something new about birds, plants and animals at a free Fresh Pond event.

• Give your old Barbie a makeover.

 

• Watch cliff divers fall 90 feet into Boston Harbor at the ICA on August 25.

• Name all the feels. 

• Museums all over Massachusetts are participating in Free Fun Fridays -- find one near you!

• Just play: at the Sunday Parkland Games near the Weeks Footbridge on Memorial Drive.

• Finally, make your own souvenir t-shirt to commemorate it all!

Got more ideas of how to beat boredom to a pulp?  Share them with us in the comments!

July is STILL Anti-Boredom Month!

Here are some ideas...

• All Cambridge youth centers are FREE!  All summer!

• Watch a free screening of Life of Pi outside at the Harvard Medical School Quadrangle on Thursday, July 11.

• Become a soap bubble magician.

• Write a letter (and mail it also).  You will make someone very happy!

Image: Dhiren Gala, 2012.

• Check out the Boomtown Festival at the Multicultural Arts Center July 29 thru August 1. 

•  While you are there, visit the rooftop garden at Kendall Square.

• Cut your hair.  Yes, you will initially feel trepidation, but once you get going it is quite exhilarating!

• Make popsicles.  If you don't have popsicle molds, use ice cube trays, muffin tins, or paper cups!

• Learn to say "hello" in another language.  You may also wish to learn how to say "help!"
  

• Go to the sandcastle competition at Revere Beach on July19-21.

• Wait for someone to water their yard, and then dive through their sprinkler.

• Learn some dance steps at The Mission (call 617-349-6273 to register), then salsa at Boston City Hall on Friday, July 12.

• Join an online writing community.

• Learn something new about birds, plants and animals at a free Fresh Pond event.

• Give your old Barbie a makeover.

 

• Watch cliff divers fall 90 feet into Boston Harbor at the ICA on August 25.

• Name all the feels. 

• Museums all over Massachusetts are participating in Free Fun Fridays -- find one near you!

• Just play: at the Sunday Parkland Games near the Weeks Footbridge on Memorial Drive.

• Finally, make your own souvenir t-shirt to commemorate it all!

Got more ideas of how to beat boredom to a pulp?  Share them with us in the comments!

Wednesday Tech Tips: 50 Best Websites from TIME

I had myself a good time yesterday checking out TIME Magazine's 50 favorites sites of 2013.  (I know, the year isn't even half over but go figure.)

Among my favorites was My Permissions, which touches on a subject we've talked about a lot in the WTT: your online privacy.  This humble little site keeps track of the sites and services that require you to click some version of a "I Agree with These Terms and Conditions" button.  My Permissions gives you the breakdown of what exactly you're allowing companies to do with your information, updates you on any changes in policy, and helps you take back control if necessary.

If you've ever decided to delete your Facebook account, you know that it is not as easy as setting up that account in the first place.  That's 'cause businesses don't want to let you go, and they DEFINITELY don't want to let your data go.  So thanks, My Permissions, for letting us know when our info is being passed around.

Another nifty site from TIME's list is TWiT (This Week in Tech) where you can get schooled by folks far more tech-savvy than me.

Finally, I would be a bad librarian if I didn't mention Digital Public Library of America, collecting and digitizing books, images, historic records, and audiovisual materials from libraries, universities, and museums so that everyone can access it! 

Turning this:

Raiders of the Lost Ark. Paramount Pictures 1981.

Into this:

And you know where it all started?  Right here in Cambridge, MA y'all.  Because if there is knowledge we are all up in it.

Bike safety and community service

Useful stuff from the City of Cambridge!

There are two upcoming bicycle safety classes for high school students.

You gotta bring your own bike but they will give you lunch.

10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Saturday, April 6, 2013
 *OR*

10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Saturday, June 1, 2013

Location:
Tobin Montessori School
197 Vassal Lane
Cambridge
To register, contact Jennifer Lawrence

No, no, no -- not that Jennifer Lawrence.  Here's the info:
jlawrence@cambridgema.gov
617-349-4671

I hope they teach you how to do this:

For those of you who have already mastered bicycle safety and stopped riding on the dang sidewalks, it's time to give back to the city you love.  That's right, y'all -- it's the Police Department's April vacation community service week!

The program begins on Tuesday, April 16 and runs daily from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. through Thursday, April 18. Community Service Week, offered for the second year in a row by the Cambridge Police Department, aims to give students the opportunity to make a difference in their community by donating their April Vacation to better their city.

This program also gives teens a chance to learn valuable skills, meet new people, experience the importance and value of helping others, enhance their resume or college application, and fulfill graduation and/or court-ordered service requirements.

For more information about Community Service Week, or to sign up, please contact the Cambridge Police Department Personnel Office at 617-349-3374 or email Personnel@CambridgePolice.org.

MLK Day of Service volunteer opportunities

Monday, January 21 from 2-5pm in Central Square. The Kick Off will take place on the City Hall steps.

Come volunteer for an afternoon of hands-on service on behalf of Cambridge residents in need as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. You can form your own team or just come on your own. High School students can earn community service hours, too. We will be making fleece blankets and scarves for the homeless, bookmarks for literacy projects, valentine cards for homebound seniors and veterans, sorting donated clothes, food and books and more.

Don't come empty handed: Bring a can of food, gently used winter clothing or a children's book. All are welcome! (Children accompanied by adults please.)

Sign up as an individual or group and learn more about the event at Many Helping Hands 365.

City of Cambridge Scholarship Applications Now Available

The City Scholarship has awarded thousands of dollars to college-bound high school seniors and others who want to pursue higher education. Scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of Cambridge residents, businesses and taxpayers who support the annual fund.

In FY12, the City awarded 50 scholarships of $2,500 each.

Applications may be obtained at Cambridge Public Schools, Cambridge Public Library branches and at Cambridge City Hall.  For more information, proceed here.


Get off your butt and take care of this, seniors!  Deadline is March 11, 2013.

Holiday volunteer opportunity at the Main Library

Thank you to everyone who has already donated books to our donation drive for children in transitional lodgings! We are still taking donations of new books (for children from birth to age 18) at all the Cambridge libraries until December 3, and are now gearing up to get them all wrapped! If you're interested in volunteering your time, here's where it's needed:

Thursday, November 29, 6-8pm
Friday, November 30, 10-noon
Friday, December 7, 10-noon

All the wrapping parties will be held in the Beech room at the Main library. Give us a call if you're interested, 617-349-4038.

Volunteers needed for Cambridge Family Literacy Fun Day!

Community service, literacy and fun all in one event!  It's like a Reece's Peanut Butter Cup of helpful good times.

CRLS student volunteers are needed to help run the annual Cambridge Family Literacy Fun Day!

This Saturday

November 3

10:30 - 2:30

Cambridge City Hall

Central Square

Volunteers needed beginning at 8AM for the setup until end of the event and clean up.

For more information call: 617-349-6492 or email dbonilla@cpsd.us

21 Days of Questions Domestic Violence Campaign

Tonight is the launch of 21 Days of Questions 365 Days of Action, Cambridge's campaign against domestic violence.

October 17th 

4:00pm - 7:00pm 

Cambridge College 

1000 Massachusetts Avenue 

Cambridge MA 02138

The evening will be filled with various art, music, and activities for all ages. 

Food will be served throughout the event.

Please contact Sara Doherty at sdoherty@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4276 if you have any questions.  If you'd like to become an ambassador, email getinvolved@21dayscambridge.org

After school jobs

John Cusack, Better Off Dead (1985)

I know many of you are enjoying one last glorious weekend of freedom before school starts on Tuesday.  (Some of you are running all over creation trying to find a copy of The Contender.)

But hey, early birds, you may want to get a jump on some of these after school employment opportunities offered by the Cambridge Department of Human Services.  Job shadowing and internships, resume writing, career planning and more!

Summer in Cambridge

Are you looking for something to do in our fair city?  (Besides visiting your charming librarians, natch.)  Here are a few guides to get you started!

Cambridge Recreation Guide
Hours and activities for the War Memorial Pool and facilities

Summer Youth Guide 2012
The Department of Human Services guide to camps, youth centers, parks, and more!

City of Cambridge Events Calendar
Whether you want to see what's going down with the Board of Zoning Appeals or take a FREE urban bicycling workshop, there's something for everyone.

Cambridge Office for Tourism Community Events calendar
There is so much going on in your city, guys!  For instance, did you know that there's a free cocktail & snacks event every Thursday in June at the Hyatt Regency?  I DID NOT KNOW, and I pride myself on knowing where the snacks are.

Cambridge Discovery Days
We've even got ye olde historical Cambridge covered.  Includes a link to the library's own amazing Archives and Special Collections.  Just think, someday there may be noteworthy and archival about you! 


I mean, check out this dude.  Oh Cambridge, you make me so proud!

Volunteer for Cambridge Recycling

Want to help Cambridge Recycling? Volunteer at a summer in the city movie night to get the word out and sign people up to receive the Cambridge Recycling newsletter. It’s fun because you are outside, get to talk to people, enjoy music & movie, and get a free t-shirt. Email recycle@cambridgema.gov if you can help at:

August 9, 7pm 
Eric Royer’s One Man Band & Outdoor Movie Screening (East Cambridge Savings Bank parking lot, 292 Cambridge St)

August 16, 7pm  
Vegetable Circus & Outdoor Movie Screening (East Cambridge Savings Bank parking lot, 1310 Mass Ave)

August 23, 7pm  
Levins Family Band: Uncle Eye & Aunt Julia & Outdoor Movie Screening (Volpe Center Lawn, 55 Broadway St)

August 30, 7pm  
Improv Boston’s Family Show & Outdoor Movie Screening (University park @ Sidney & Franklin St)

19th Annual Hoops n Health on June 16th

This year's Hoops 'N' Health sports tournament and health fair at Hoyt Field will be held Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition to live entertainment and kids' games, more than 30 organizations will be on hand to offer health information and screenings.

For more information, contact Richard Harding at 617-665-3769 or rharding@challiance.org.

Deadline for Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program is May 11

If you are looking for a summer job, hurry hurry and submit your application!  MSYEP is a six-week program for Cambridge youth between the ages of 14 & 18.

You can print out the application here.

More volunteer opportunities

Can be found at Many Helping Hands 365!

Cambridge Teens Needed to Shovel Snow

Help your neighbors, and make a little money for holiday shopping!

The Council on Aging, with some assistance from the Office of Workforce Development (OWD), puts together a list of teens each winter who are interested in being hired to shovel snow for seniors or residents with disabilities who might otherwise have difficulty clearing snow from their property.

Teens and residents negotiate the rate, with the resident making the payment directly to the teen. The COA helps to make the connection between the two.

If you are interested in adding your name to the list, please fill out the application below and return it to OWD (51 Inman St.), the Youth Employment Center at CRLS (459 Broadway, Rm. 2101) or to the Citywide Senior Center (806 Mass. Ave.)
http://www2.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridge_Content/documents/SnowApp.pdf

Essay contest for high school seniors

The Cambridge Police Department (CPD) invites high school seniors in Cambridge who are entering college to participate in our High School Senior Essay Challenge.  The winner and runner up of this competition will be awarded a brand new laptop computer, courtesy of Micro Center, to assist them in their academic journey. The purpose of this contest is for students to examine the community in which they live and analyze how it relates to public safety.
The essay should demonstrate the writer’s understanding and appreciation for the importance of community partnerships and how each individual plays a role in strengthening their community. For information on requirements and eligibility, click here. Entry packets are available at all Cambridge neighborhood youth centers. The contest deadline is June 1, 2011.

Thinking about summer

In the middle of a snowstorm. Well, aren't we all?

But more specifically, it's not too soon to start thinking about a summer job. If you are considering applying for a position in the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program and think you might like working at the library, by gosh tell a librarian! If you'd like to tell me, call 617-349-4027, or email mescobar@cambridgema.gov

There are a limited number of spaces for summer library workers, so don't delay!