Director's Update, March 16, 2025

The meeting location for this walk will be in front of the Fresh Pond Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway (under the clock tower). Registration is required. 

Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Monday, March 17
10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join us each Monday at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker. Louise Parker has been practicing yoga for close to 20 years. She is trained in the Yoga Shanti method of practice, which is rooted in the Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga traditions. This is an in-person program taking place in the Lewis Room at the Central Square Branch. Registration is required for each session.

Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual)
Monday, March 17
11-11:45 a.m.

A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful class. We'll work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful happy mind/body/spirit. Good for everybody! This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Registration for each session is required.

Beading Keychains for Middle Schoolers (O'Neill)
Monday, March 3
11-11:45 a.m.

Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to make beaded keychains. Snacks provided. No registration necessary.

STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Monday, March 17; Tuesday, March 18; Wednesday, March 19; Thursday, March 20
3:30-7:30 p.m.

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.

STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
Monday, March 17
4:30-6:30 p.m.

In Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs, students dive into the exciting world of social robots—machines designed to interact, learn, and connect. From brainstorming ideas to building prototypes, students explore how AI and robotics can foster fairer, more inclusive communities. They design robots that serve as friendly companions, offering support, connection, and solutions to real-world challenges. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Skills Learned: Human-Centered Design, Mechanics, Electronics, Computer Programming, AI, and more.

Collage Workshop with Local Artist Elena Stone (O'Neill)
Monday, March 17
6:30-7:45 p.m.

In stressful times, collage can be a powerful practice for well-being and resilience. Join local artist Elena Stone to create collages in a relaxing, fun, and reflective community setting. We will use simple materials and a lightly structured process to promote creativity and connection. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own collage papers (e.g. old magazines, calendars, wrapping paper, etc.) to share. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Culinary Classes for Older Adults: Cooking to Reduce Food Waste (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 18
10-11 a.m.

Join us for a fun and educational one-hour cooking class focused on reducing food waste! Chef Kelcy will show you how to creatively use what you have on hand to reduce food waste while making flavorful dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. Whether you're looking to minimize waste in your own kitchen or just love learning new cooking techniques, this class is sure to inspire! Chef Kelcy is a Lowell-based chef and educator who emphasizes seasonal eating and community support. As the Farm Chef at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, MA, she conducts educational programs for all ages and creates delightful farm-to-table food experiences. Registration is required.

Internet Basics (O'Connell)
Tuesday, March 18
10-11 a.m.

Learn how to navigate internet browsers, search engines and websites. We will provide online search tips and tricks. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, March 18
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.   

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, March 18, Wednesday, March 19, and Thursday, March 20
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.

Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, March 18
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of board games. We have: Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Azul, Splendor, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages. Registration helpful.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, March 18
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.  

Family STEAM Night (O'Neill)
Tuesday, March 18
6:30-7:15 p.m.

Families with elementary school-age children join us for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! This month we will be exploring paper microscopes!

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, March 19
11 a.m.-12:30 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, mend, cross stitch and more. All crafts are welcome!

Lunch at the Library for Teens (O'Connell)
Wednesday, March 19
1-3 p.m.

Take a break from your studies and join us for lunch! Free pizza will be provided while supplies last and you will have the chance to share your ideas for future events at O’Connell! This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18. No registration required.

Expressive Arts for Older Adults: Open Studio (Main)
Wednesday, March 19
1:30-3:30 p.m.

Looking for a space to unleash your creativity? Join instructor Marguerite White, Wednesday afternoons March 5 through April 30 (No group on April 2), 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)349-4041. Registration required for each session.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, March 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 explore the Library's collection of STEAM Kits.

Read to a Dog (Valente)
Wednesday, March 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, March 12 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).

Family Board Game Night (Valente)

Wednesday. March 19
6-7 p.m.

Challenge your family or meet new friends over board games in the Community Room at Valente. The library will supply games and snacks. No registration is required for this drop-in event. This event is recommended for children ages 5 and up, with their caregivers. Contact the library at 617-349-4015 for more information.

Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group (Main)
Wednesday, March 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, March 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.

Creative Aging: Improv (Main)
Thursday, March 20
1:30-3:30 p.m.

A series of classes with instruction from Comedian Jack Grey. Learn how to seamlessly integrate interactive improv games, scenes, and skillful storytelling that all come together with performance. The 10-week course will take place every Thursday, from 1:30pm-3:30pm, starting February 27 through May 1. This will be an in-person program at the Main Library. Space is limited to 15 participants. Due to the popularity and to gain the most out of this program, we expect all participants to commit to all sessions in this 10-week course. Instructor Jack Grey is a local comedy performer with over nine years of combined improv and stand-up comedy experience. They produce their own shows and workshops in Camberville, believing that kindness and community can be born from laughter. Learn more at constellationcomedy.com. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a wait list is available. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, March 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, March 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!

Body Kintsugi with Zanya Harriott (Main)
Thursday, March 20
6-7:30 p.m.

In honor of Women's History Month, come to the library and experience Body Kintsugi! Zanya Harriott has facilitated this workshop in Boston at the former City Pop Egleston community center and successfully led online sessions with diverse groups of people. Participants left expressing a profound sense of connection and empowerment. A little more info about Body Kintsugi below.

Body Kintsugi is a reflective practice that combines movement, music, and authentic expression to help women embrace and heal their relationships with their bodies. During our guided movement and visualization sessions, participants will be gently encouraged to engage with their physical selves in meaningful ways. This isn’t just movement; it’s a journey toward self-love and body positivity. Picture it as an affirmative yoga experience—aimed at nurturing, rather than challenging, one’s personal journey. Please bring your own yoga mat and any other supplies you may need. Registration is required.

Activist Sharing Night: Button Making (Central Square)
Thursday, March 20
6:30-8 p.m.

Join the Cambridge YWCA, the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Central Square Branch Library for a screening of the short documentary Ephemera about Libby Bouvier's activist button collection. Libby Bouvier has spent most of her life collecting an archive of cause buttons and other "ephemera" from the women’s movement, the LGBT movement, and other radical causes she's been directly or indirectly involved with over the decades. This is a moving image portrait of her and her collection. Produced by Lily Bouvier. After the documentary screening, we'll have an opportunity to share about our own activism and to use the Library button makers. We'll have magazines, paper, markers, and more so you can make your own buttons to share your activism with the world! Get creative with us, and join other local activists! Registration is not required.

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

Coloring Party! (Central Square)
Friday, March 21
3-5 p.m.

Drop by the Central Square Branch's Lewis Room to color and chat with your neighbors. Coloring supplies and snacks will be provided. No registration required!

Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS with guest author Kate McGovern (O'Neill)
Saturday, March 20
4-5 p.m.

Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! This week we will be joined by guest author Kate McGovern. If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful but not required.

Saturday Screening: Barbie (Main)
Saturday, March 22
1-3 p.m.

In honor of Women's History Month stop by for a free movie screening of the 2023 film Barbie directed by Greta Gerwig. Barbie is a feminist film that promotes women's empowerment and challenges patriarchal stereotypes.

                                                                                                 +++   

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       

                                                                                               ++++

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.