Director's Update, February 16, 2025

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, February 19
2:30-4 p.m.

Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required. This week we will be making puppets!

Read to a Dog (Valente)
Wednesday, February 19
3:30-5 p.m.

Read to Dante, our local cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required and begins on Wednesday, January 12 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).

Tween Hang Out (Main)
Wednesday, February 19
4-4:45 p.m.

Every Wednesday from 4 – 4:45 PM we’re opening up the Curious George Room on the third floor for ages 10 –12 to snack, craft, relax, and play video games. We invite all tweens to make this space their own! There are no tickets or registration required. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

Beginner Crochet Workshop (O'Neill)
Wednesday, February 19
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a beginner-friendly crochet class at O'Neill! Learn how to chain, single crochet, and finish a project as we create simple and useful washcloths. All materials provided – no experience needed! Registration is required.

Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group (Main)

Wednesday, February 19
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Writers of all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported writing group.

In this group, participants take turns bringing short in-progress or completed pieces of any genre. The group reads several pieces each month, sharing feedback and constructive criticism in a supportive and inclusive environment. We may practice in-class writing exercises and read samples of published writing as time allows.

Registration is required. For more information, please email Susannah at sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov.

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Thursday, February 20
9-10 a.m.

This program, led by Zeenat Potia, will introduce and utilize mindfulness techniques to help us examine and regulate everyday life changes with a focus on aging. Participants will learn and benefit from the development of a mindfulness practice to enable responding to getting older in a calm, clear and thoughtful manner.

Presented in Partnership with Cambridge Insight Meditation Center (CIMC). Rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, CIMC is a welcoming refuge and teaching Center for all who seek inner peace through the liberating practice of Insight Meditation (vipassana). As an urban center, and now as an online community, CIMC is dedicated to the integration of practice into every aspect of community and daily life. Visit the CIMC Website. Registration is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Live at the Library: The Storytime Quintet presents The Tortoise and the Hare (O'Connell)
Thursday, February 20

11-11:45 a.m.

The Storytime Quintet is a professional woodwind quintet that specializes in performances for children and families, bringing high quality music combined with storytelling to create a very engaging performance that kids really enjoy, featuring professional musicians who perform regularly with the Boston Symphony and the Boston Pops, and are members of the Boston Ballet, the Boston Lyric Opera, the Rhode Island, Springfield, and Albany Symphonies.

Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, February 20
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Join our librarians for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle. An hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon at the Cambridge Main Library.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, February 20
4-5 p.m.

Bring your project and join other fiber crafters in your community! Crochet, sew, embroider, knit, cross stitch, spin, mend, and more at this informal drop-in fiber arts circle. All crafts are welcome!

Cambridge Cooks with Yego Coffee (Main)
Thursday, February 20

6-7 p.m.

Yego Coffee is a family-owned company based in Somerville, Massachusetts by Fatuma and her husband Francois Tuyishime. Learn about the basics of coffee roasting with a presentation and demo. Cambridge Cooks invites local chefs for a free cooking demonstration, followed by a Q&A with the chef.

Homecoming: Celebrating Black Voices (Central Square)
Thursday, February 20
7-8:30 p.m.

Join us in Central Square for an evening event hosted by the Central Square Library, “Homecoming: Celebrating Black Voices.” Hear from Omo Moses about the process of writing a family memoir and his experience living in Cambridge. Following the author presentation, attendees will be invited to share their experiences living in Cambridge and how they commemorate those experiences and their own family's legacy.

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)

Friday, February 21

9:15-10 a.m.

Join instructor Darren Hairston for Zumba Gold – the fun and energizing dance fitness class tailored for active older adults and beginners! Set to vibrant, upbeat music, Zumba Gold features low-impact, easy-to-follow dance moves that make staying fit enjoyable and accessible for all fitness levels. Improve your balance, flexibility, and cardio health while having a great time in a supportive and friendly environment. No dance experience needed—just bring your smile and a willingness to move!  Registration is required.

Expressive Arts for Older Adults: Open Studio (Main)
Friday, February 21
1:30-3:30 p.m.

Looking for a space to unleash your creativity? Join instructor Marguerite White, Friday afternoons January 10 through February 28, for two hours each week to work on a drawing or watercolor project of your choice. A still-life arrangement and basic supplies will be provided. If you have any questions, please reach out to Brynne Quinlan at bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or (617)349-4035. Registration required for each session.

Family Movie at the Library - Lilo and Stitch (O'Neill)
Friday, February 21
2-3:34 p.m.

Join us over winter vacation for a cozy family movie at the Library! We will be screening Lilo and Stitch - (Walt Disney, rated PG) Snacks will be provided.

Colors of Ukraine: Folk Art and Resilience (Main Library)
On Exhibition at the Main Library
February 22 – March 7

In this exhibit, curated by Sophia Sushailo, Ukrainian folk art demonstrates a people's "heroic stoicism and resilience." The artworks on display were created in the Petrykivka tradition, using an intricate brush made with cat fur. Sophia Sushailo grew up in Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine, which is world-wide known for its ethnic Hutsul culture and arts of the mountain highlanders. Sophia is a passionate advocate for promoting folk art and artists, and her ethnographic portfolio narratives span across cultural regions of Ukraine, including Crimea.

CPL Nature Club: Birdwatching at Fresh Pond (O'Neill)
Saturday, February 22
1-2:30 p.m.

All ages are welcome to join us as we search the water and trees for birds! Fresh Pond Reservation attracts many birds throughout the year, and winter is no different. We will look for interesting ducks, sparrows, finches and more! A limited supply of binoculars will be available. We will be outside for the duration of the walk so dress accordingly. Registration is required for this event. The walk will meet outside the ranger station/water department building at Fresh Pond. In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled. For more information, contact the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.

ART Presents: Odyssey Puppetry Workshop (Main)
Saturday, February 22
2-4 p.m.

Inspired by the design elements in A.R.T’s World Premiere production of The Odyssey, join A.R.T’s Engagement Team for an introductory, hands-on workshop that explores puppetry design and shadow work and how they can advance theatrical storytelling. This interactive workshop will allow participants to learn by doing and engage with thematic elements from the production. Registration is required. Recommended for ages 13+. Refreshments will be provided. The same workshop experience will be offered at each location and runs for two hours. A.R.T.’s Engagement workshops allow community members from across Greater Boston to deeply engage in the themes, questions, and ideas sparked by our productions through theatrical frameworks, generative dialogue, and community-building activities. This program is cosponsored by Cambridge Public Library.

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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.    

Director of Libraries       

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About the Cambridge Public Library:
At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds, and empower community. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives and democracy thrives. The Library’s programming provides an opportunity for civic dialogue, conversation, and learning, which includes exploring a wide range of views. Visit our website to learn more. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on our events here.