Director's Update, March 9, 2025

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, March 11
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.  

Death Cafe (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 11
7-8 p.m.

Join us for a virtual Death Cafe - an evening of open, lively, and insightful discussion about death for adults aged 18 and older. While not a support group nor a venue for bereavement, a Death Cafe seeks to provide an unscripted, non-judgmental platform for those wishing to explore the many facets of this often-taboo subject. Facilitated by Richard Davis, a long time Death Cafe organizer and hospice volunteer. Come with an open mind, a healthy curiosity, and a willingness to share your thoughts, feelings, and questions with other like-minded individuals. This is a virtual event on Zoom. Space is limited.  Questions? Contact Daryl at dcabrol@cambridgema.gov.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)

Wednesday, March 12
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!

Expressive Arts for Older Adults: Open Studio (Main)
Wednesday, March 12
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 12
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 month we will be making masks.

STEAM Afternoon: Invisible Ink (Valente)
Wednesday, March 12
3-4 p.m.

Join us at the Valente Branch to write your own secret messages with invisible ink! The library will provide all required materials. This program is recommended for ages children ages 5 and up, and their guardians.

Mindfulness Meditation Session (Central Square)
Wednesday, March 12
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Join us in the Lewis Room at the Central Square Branch for an introduction to mindfulness meditation followed by a guided practice session with instructor Zeenat. Stop by if you are curious or would just like to be in community. Zeenat Potia teaches meditation in Buddhist and secular spaces and has taught at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center since 2014. Zeenat is committed to healing and recovery through trauma-sensitive mindfulness. She is an instructor for Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare’s Mind the Moment program and works directly with corporations, non-profit organizations and universities in the delivery of secular mindfulness programs. Registration is required.

Wiggle Party (O'Connell)

Wednesday, March 12
5:30-6 p.m.

Join us for a dance party to get your wiggles out! Play a freeze dance game, shake some shakers, and learn the steps to Cotton-Eye Joe!

This program will take place indoors at the O'Connell Branch Library. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4019.

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Thursday, March 13
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 13
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 13
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.

CPL Nature Club: Danehy Park Winter Plant Walk (O'Neill)
Thursday, March 13
3:30-5 p.m.

Join herbalist Mo Katz-Christy for a meander through Danehy park to meet wintertime city plants and explore their medicinal uses! We will explore weeds and cultivated plants, trees and shrubs, and have lots of space for questions and conversation. Bring a notebook if you like and meet us at the parking lot on Sherman Street (if you're late you should be able to find us -- we won't move too far too fast!). Registration is required. This event has been rescheduled from 2/27/25.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, March 13
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!

Puppetry Studio (Main)
Thursday, March 13
5-6:30 p.m.

We will adapt the tale “Baba Yaga” and perform our masterpiece for family and friends. Using mixed media, we will create our own puppets fit for a tiny stage. This four-week puppetry workshop is for youth ages 9-12. We will meet on March 6, 13, 20 and 27. No experience necessary! Registration is required. Participants must attend all sessions and have read a version of the tale before the first session. Stop by the Children’s Room to pick up a copy or call 617-349-4038. For questions about Puppetry Studio, please email nzylicz@cambridgema.gov.

Opening Reception Still Marching 1970-2017 Exhibition (Main)

Thursday, March 13
6-7:30 p.m.

The Still Marching 1970-2017 exhibit opens with a reception sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library, the Cambridge Women's Commission, and the Cambridge Historical Commission. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required.

Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Beginner (Valente)
Friday, March 14
10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. This is an in-person event at the Valente Library. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Pi Day Pie Potluck (Valente)
Friday, March 14
12-1:30 p.m.

Join us to celebrate Pi day by eating lots of pie! You are welcome to bring a pie to share, but are not required to bring anything to enjoy the potluck. All types of pie are welcome. Registration is helpful.

Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
Friday, March 14
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!

Shop for Free with The Spot: Prom Day (Main)
Saturday, March 15
11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Join the Spot Cambridge and the Cambridge Public Library for its Shop for Free: Prom Day event. A wide range of dresses, suits, and accessories suitable for Prom will be available. All clothing and accessories are free of charge. All high school students, regardless of school attended or city of residence, are welcome to come Shop for Free. For more information, please get in touch with spotcambridge@karayallc.com. No registration is required.

Drop-in Maker Studio (O'Neill)
Saturday, March 16
1-3 p.m.

Come to the Library to create something special! Use your own supplies or try out our equipment! You can use our 1-inch button maker, 2.5 inch button maker, 3-D Doodle pens, or Janome sewing machines. The Library will provide basic supplies. This drop-in program is for people who feel comfortable using these machines on their own. The Library will not provide instruction. Anyone wishing to use the sewing machines must have completed a Sewing 101 training through the Library. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wicked Sing-Along! (Valente)

Saturday, March 15

1:30-4:15 p.m.

Join the Valente Branch to sing along to the film, Wicked! We will provide popcorn, candy, and beverages. Registration helpful.

Intro to Tarot (Main)
Saturday, March 15
2-3:30 p.m.

Tarot offers a mirror to the soul. The cards depict our emotional and spiritual landscape and provide insight into our innermost selves. The cards validate our intuitive sense of knowing and open us up to greater awareness. By looking inward with a fresh perspective, we grow deeper in understanding of our lives and gain confidence in walking the path of our destiny. Join tarot teacher, Laura Campagna, for a fun workshop to learn how to read tarot. No experience necessary. Participants will connect with their intuition and gain confidence in reading for themselves or friends.

This event is open to both teens and adults. If you have your own tarot deck, please bring it (a limited number of decks will be available). Bring your journal, too, if you'd like to record your insights. Registration is required.

                                             +++   

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.