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Cambridge Public Library launches Creative Aging


8/24/20176 years ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 6 years ago.

Cambridge Public Library launches Creative Aging program, an intensive series of art workshops for adults 55+ 

CAMBRIDGE, MA – August 24, 2017 – Through generous funding from the Cambridge Public Library Foundation, the Cambridge Public Library (CPL) is partnering with the non-profit, Lifetime Arts, to offer the Creative Aging Program – a series of intensive 8-week courses for older adults that center on the arts. Taught by certified artists and instructors, the goal of this new program is to offer 55+ adults opportunities to learn new skills by professional teaching artists and to further develop the Library as a center for lifelong learning. It will additionally provide opportunities for participants to make new connections with other community members. 

CPL has committed to four of these workshop series over the course of the next year and will feature various areas of study. In June, CPL staff distributed a survey to over 200 patrons to determine what artistic disciplines are of interest to Cambridge residents. The results showed a high level of interest in drawing; this first course will explore this field of study. 

“It is quite exciting that with an anonymous donation to the CPL Foundation, we are able to extend the Library’s commitment to lifelong learning with the Creative Aging Program. This program aligns perfectly with our work in developing meaningful skills-building and learning opportunities for the community.” said Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries. 

The program will run on Wednesdays from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, September 20th through November 8th. The course will culminate with a public showcase of the participants art work and an opening reception. The course is free and open to the public and all course materials will be included for each participant.

Registration will open on Tuesday, September 5th via email at creativeaging@cambridgema.gov or calling the Research Desk at 617-349-4044. There is a maximum capacity of 25 students so participants are encouraged to sign up early. The next course in the series is planned for January 2018 and more details will be provided later this fall.