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Director's Update

Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
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Marshall Ganz Presents: People, Power, Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal (Main)

Wednesday, October 16 @ 6:00 PM
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Marshall Ganz—Rita T. Hauser Senior Lecturer in Leadership, Organizing, and Civil Society at the Harvard Kennedy School—for a discussion of his new book People, Power, Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal. He will be joined in conversation by Doran Schrantz—the founding Executive Director of ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota, a state-wide, multi-racial, state-wide, grassroots membership organizations comprised of community-based institutions. Registration is required.
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Beyond Her Time: The Visionary Works of Pauline Hopkins (Main)

Thursday, October 17 @ 6:00 PM
Join us for a captivating exploration of the life and literary legacy of Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins. A pioneering figure of her time, Hopkins was a novelist, journalist, playwright, and activist who fearlessly tackled issues of race, gender, and social justice. This lecture will delve into her formative years in Cambridge, uncovering the influences that shaped her groundbreaking work. We will examine her powerful stories and essays, which continue to resonate today, and discuss her enduring impact on Black literature and culture. This will be a discussion between Dr. Nicole Aljoe, Professor of English and Africana Studies at Northeastern University, and Virginia Pye, a Cambridge-based author. Registration is required.
Learn More

News

Coming Up

  • Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)

    Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

  • Sing-Along (Valente)

    Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together, and maybe share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups. This program will take place in the Community Room at the Valente Branch Library. If the weather is particularly fine, the program may move outside to the Valente Reading Garden on Berkshire Street. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.

  • Toddler Story Time (Main)

    We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Designed for children 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 45 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

  • [NEW DATE] Downsizing and Decluttering: AARP (Main)

    If you’re looking to get rid of some unwanted stuff around the home, join us for our free downsizing and decluttering event led by AARP MA Speakers Bureau. You’ll hear about important organizing tips while exploring how streamlining your things could help you feel happier, less stressed, and more productive. We’ll explore: - How to start your decluttering and organizing journey - Practical tips on organizing and decluttering - How better organization could positively impact your daily life

  • High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)

    Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high beginner level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

  • Sewing 101 (Main)

    In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Beginner ESOL Class (Valente)

    Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. All are welcome. No registration is necessary. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013 or Kerri McQuown at 617-349-4015

  • Sit 'n' Knit (Main)

    Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Drop-in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend,... Refreshments will be provided. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

  • Advanced ESOL Class (Central Square)

    Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an advanced level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

  • Sewing 101 (Main)

    In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)

    Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more on the iFp website and submit an application .

  • Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)

    Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 4 and 6pm. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

  • Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)

    Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

  • Sing-Along (Valente)

    Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together, and maybe share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups. This program will take place in the Community Room at the Valente Branch Library. If the weather is particularly fine, the program may move outside to the Valente Reading Garden on Berkshire Street. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.

  • Toddler Story Time (Main)

    We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Designed for children 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 45 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

  • [NEW DATE] Downsizing and Decluttering: AARP (Main)

    If you’re looking to get rid of some unwanted stuff around the home, join us for our free downsizing and decluttering event led by AARP MA Speakers Bureau. You’ll hear about important organizing tips while exploring how streamlining your things could help you feel happier, less stressed, and more productive. We’ll explore: - How to start your decluttering and organizing journey - Practical tips on organizing and decluttering - How better organization could positively impact your daily life

  • High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)

    Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high beginner level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

  • Sewing 101 (Main)

    In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Beginner ESOL Class (Valente)

    Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. All are welcome. No registration is necessary. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013 or Kerri McQuown at 617-349-4015

  • Sit 'n' Knit (Main)

    Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Drop-in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend,... Refreshments will be provided. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

  • Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)

    Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

  • Sing-Along (Valente)

    Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together, and maybe share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups. This program will take place in the Community Room at the Valente Branch Library. If the weather is particularly fine, the program may move outside to the Valente Reading Garden on Berkshire Street. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.

  • Toddler Story Time (Main)

    We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Designed for children 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 45 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

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