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Director's Update, February 2, 2025

Dear Patrons,

 

February is Black History Month when we commemorate the history and accomplishments of Black people in the United States. During the month of February, we'll be hosting programs and events at the Main Library and Branch locations highlighting these accomplishments. Learn more about Black History Month programs at the Library.

 

On Tuesday, February 4, from 5-6 p.m., celebrate the Central Square community and view this month's On the Wall Gallery exhibition created by...YOU! Join us for an opening reception with light refreshments. In January, we invited patrons to contribute to a community mosaic with the prompt share what you love about Central Square. Throughout February, we'll have the mosaic on display for everyone to enjoy. No registration is required.

Learn how to make pop-up cards for any occasion on Wednesday, February 5 at 3 p.m. at the Valente Branch! The library will provide all materials. This program is recommended for ages 5-11 and their guardians.

On Thursday, February 6, from 12 p.m.-1 p.m., join Cambridge Black History Project at the Central Square Branch Library for a lunch and learn event about trailblazing Black Cantabrigians. Although erased from most of the standard histories, Black communities of many different roots have maintained a continuous presence in Cambridge for centuries, contributing to Cambridge culture morally, philosophically, politically, and financially. Bring your own lunch and we’ll have cookies for everyone.

 

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute has launched the Massachusetts Statewide Digital Equity Survey to better understand the needs of Massachusetts residents when it comes to computers and internet access. If you have struggled to access or use high-speed internet, we want to hear from you! Complete the brief survey here: https://mbicx.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bxTlMGFVF8KjigC

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Weekly Activities for Kids              

This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations.

Book Groups

Learn more about our Book Groups.    

The Hive Workshops

Check out this week’s classes in The Hive.      

ESOL Classes

Find an ESOL Class.

Tech Help                    

Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Valente)
Monday, February 3
11-11:45 a.m.  
  
This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! Registration is required for each sessionThis is a hybrid event, available online and screened at the Valente Branch. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Class will not be available at the Valente Branch on February 3. 

 

Estate Planning for All (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 4
10-11:30 a.m.

 

The Cambridge Public Library and Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School are excited to offer Estate Planning for All. Estate plans can help you prepare for unexpected changes, offer a sense of security in uncertain times, and ensure that your wishes will be carried out if you become ill, incapacitated, or die unexpectedly. Everyone—regardless of background or financial situation—can have an estate plan.  This webinar will be presented on Zoom. Registrants may phone in if preferred. Zoom information will be sent to registrants before the session. Questions? Contact Brynne at bquinlan@CambridgeMA.gov or call 617-349-4041.


Introduction to Genealogy Sources (Main)
Tuesday, February 4
1
1 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Thinking about trying to research your family tree? This class will teach you how to use the library's genealogy resources, and provide tips for researching at city halls, courthouses, and other institutions. Registration is required.


Reading is Magic: Story Time and Craft (O’Neill)
Tuesday, February 4
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

We invite children of all ages and their grown-ups to join us for stories and a simple art activity. This month we will make magic wands!

 

Paint Party (O’Connell)
Tuesday, February 4
2-5 p.m.

Treat yourself to an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community while a local artist guides us step-by-step through the process of creating a beautiful, acrylic mountain landscape painting in your choice of colors. We'll provide the tea and coffee. No experience necessary. All are welcome. Acrylic paint can stain clothing. Please wear old clothing. Seating is limited to 8. Registration is required.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, February 4
2:30-3:30 p.m. 

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, and mend. Refreshments will be provided.   

Read to a Dog (O’Neill)
Tuesday, February 4
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Read with a cuddly friend! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins on Tuesday, January 28 by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).


Central Square Shares the Love Opening Reception (Central Square)
Tuesday, February 4
5-6 p.m.

Celebrate our community and view this month's On the Wall Gallery exhibition created by...YOU! Join us for an opening reception with light refreshments. In January, we invited patrons to contribute to a community mosaic with the prompt share what you love about Central Square. Throughout February, we'll have the mosaic on display for everyone to enjoy. No registration is required.

 

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, February 4, Wednesday, February 5, and Thursday, February 6
5-6 p.m.

Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration is required. Stop by or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.

 

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, February 4
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Registration is not required.


Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, January 15
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 buttons for Black History Month!

 

Pop-Up Card Workshop (Valente)
Wednesday, February 5
3-4 p.m.

Learn how to make pop-up cards for any occasions at the Valente Branch! The library will provide all materials. This program is recommended for ages 5-11 and their guardians.


Tween Hang Out (Main)
Wednesday, February 5
4-4:45 p.m.

Every Wednesday from 4 – 4:45 p.m. 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.  


Dog Man Pop-Up Party! (O'Connell)
Wednesday, February 5
5:30-6 p.m.

Come join other fans of Dog Man to share puns, sniff out crime, and draw your own comic strip! Recommended for ages 5 and up.

 

Cocoa and Crochet (Main)
Wednesday, February 5
6-7 p.m.

What could be cozier than sipping a warm beverage and crocheting with friends and family, especially in the depths of winter? Join us for this three week program in which you'll learn how to crochet by making an adorable mug cozy (mugs and materials will be supplied). Registration is required.

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Thursday, February 6
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 requiredThis is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Lunchtime History: Black Cantabrigians from the 1700s on (Central Square)
Thursday, February 6
12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Join Cambridge Black History Project at the Central Square Branch Library for a lunch and learn event about trailblazing Black Cantabrigians from the 1700s through today. Although erased from most of the standard histories, Black communities of many different roots have maintained a continuous presence in Cambridge for centuries, contributing to Cambridge culture morally, philosophically, politically, and financially. Bring your own lunch and we’ll have cookies for everyone.

 

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, February 6
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.

Read to a Dog (Valente)
Thursday, February 6
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 Thursday, January 30 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).

 

CPL Nature Club: Winter Bird Story Time (O’Connell)
Thursday, February 6
3:30-4 p.m.

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes about birds in winter! Learn what they eat and how to make a birdfeeder! No registration is required. Please call (617) 349-4019 for details.

 

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, February 6
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!

Demystifying Tea Blending (Central Square)
Thursday, February 6
5:30-7 p.m.

Looking to make something warm and cozy for your Valentine, your Gal-entine, or your Pal-entine? Make a delicious herbal tea blend! We will discuss a handful of common herbs for tea: their uses, flavors, energies, and what they add to a blend. We will smell each of the herbs and taste some as well, learning how the flavors blend and how they complement each other. Part information and science, part sensory exploration, this class will be as playful as it is educational! Bring your own jar to take your tea blend home. Registration is required. 

Cambridge Cooks: The Life of a Plantain with Dietitian Nutritionist Christine (Main)
Thursday, February 6, 6-7 p.m.
Community Room

Join Christine, registered dietitian nutritionist on a global journey to highlight a delicious staple enjoyed by many around the world, the plantain! This delicious, tropical fruit is used to prepare a multitude of flavorful, mouthwatering dishes. Let’s talk about the plantain, it’s health benefits and how to incorporate the plantain into a balanced meal. We will taste test a few ways the plantain is enjoyed by many around the world.  Registration is required.

 

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, February 7
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.

 

Coffee and Games for Adults (Valente)
Friday, February 7
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us at the Valente Branch for coffee and games. We have Scrabble, cribbage, cards, Bananagrams, chess, checkers, Boggle and more! Registration helpful.


Expressive Arts for Older Adults: Open Studio (Main)
Friday, February 7
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.  

Kids’ Zine Collective (O’Neill)
Friday, February 7
4-5 p.m.

What's a zine? And how do I make one? Come find out! Kids are invited to explore making, copying, sharing, and swapping zines. Making zines will include activities like writing, drawing, and using a photocopier. For kids ages 7 and up. Snacks are provided!


CPR for Parents and Caregivers (Main)
Saturday, February 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Curious George Room

This CPR class will cover life-saving skills for infants, children and adults. We will use multi-media and hands-on practice to be sure students acquire skills and confidence to assist in a life-saving medical situation. This class will also cover training and the use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for all ages, along with life-saving skills in choking situations. Students will receive their certificate upon completion of class. Please note that the City is not responsible for the content or training equipment.  Space is limited to 20 adults, and registration is required.

Sew a Valentine (O'Neill)
Saturday, February 8
2-4 p.m.

Come to the O'Neill Branch to sew a fabric Valentine or a heart plushie! This project is open to children and families who have some experience hand sewing. No registration required.

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Stay Connected                      

Please subscribe to our e-mail list, follow us on X, Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website                           

 

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

  

 

 

 

 

Page was posted on 2/2/2025 10:26 AM
Page was last modified on 2/2/2025 10:35 AM
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