Director's Update, May 18, 2025

Dear Patrons,

The Main Library will close early at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 23. There will be a power shutdown for several hours starting on Friday to install new transformer equipment for ongoing building resiliency. The Library will reopen late at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. This project will ensure that the Main Library has up to date, redundant electrical controls in place to deal with power surges or other issues on the City’s power grid.    

Upcoming Events

On Monday, May 19, from 6-7:30 p.m., unleash your creativity at O’Neill’s open crafting program for adults! Bring your own projects or start something new with our assortment of materials and supplies. This self-guided, relaxed environment is perfect for crafting enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy a casual evening and connect with others. Snacks provided! Registration suggested.

On Wednesday, May 21, 5:30-7 p.m., join herbalist Mo Katz-Christy for a meander through the Central Square neighborhood to meet city plants and explore their medicinal uses! 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 at the Central Square Branch Library. Note this program begins at the library but will then walk throughout the neighborhood. Registration is required.

Are you curious about the hype around artificial intelligence (AI)? Are you concerned about the environmental impact of AI and wondering what can be done about it? Join Dr. Noman Bashir at the Main Library on Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. as he discusses his work and answers your questions about the environmental implications of generative AI. Dr. Bashir is currently a Computing & Climate Impact Fellow at MIT's Climate & Sustainability Consortium (MCSC) as well as a postdoctoral researcher at the MIT Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) Registration is required.

Best,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.

Director of Libraries 

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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: Chair Yoga (Central)
Monday, May 19
10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join us each Monday at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker. This is an in-person program taking place in the Lewis Room at Central Square. Registration is required for each session. 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.

Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, May 19
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 for each session is required.

Drop-in Hours with the Social Worker (Central Square)
Monday, May 19
2-5 p.m.

Get support from our Library social worker!

Middle Grade Mystery Writing Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Monday, May 19
2:30-5 p.m.

Our Middle Grade Mystery Writing group is for kids aged 10-14. We're writing a mystery about a "murder" of crows -- bring your best crow facts, crow puns, character names, and plot ideas!

This book group will meet virtually and in person at the O'Connell Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019.For questions about the Middle Grade Mystery Writing Group, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.

STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Monday, May 19; Tuesday, May 20; Wednesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 22
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.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, May 19
5-6 p.m.

Come join us at the Boudreau branch for a chess challenge. Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community. There's no need to register in advance - simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov. 

Tween Hangout (Main Library)
Monday, May 19
5:30-6:30 p.m.

On the first and second Mondays we’re opening up the Curious George Room on the third floor for ages 10 –12 to snack, relax, and play video games. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and 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.

Artful Evenings: Social Crafting for Adults (O'Neill)
Monday, May 19
6-7:30 p.m.

Unleash your creativity at our open crafting program for adults! Bring your own projects or start something new with our assortment of materials and supplies. This self-guided, relaxed environment is perfect for crafting enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy a casual evening and connect with others. Snacks provided! Registration suggested.

Sahil Bloom presents: The 5 Types of Wealth (Main)
Monday, May 19
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Sahil Bloom—inspirational writer, owner of SRB Holdings, and content creator, captivating millions of people every week through his insights and biweekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle—for a discussion of his debut book The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life. Registration is required.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, May 20
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.

Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Tuesday, May 20
3:30-5:30 p.m.

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 6p.m. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov.

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, May 20, Wednesday, May 22, and Thursday, May 23
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.

Tourmaline presents: Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson (Main)
Tuesday, May 20
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Tourmaline—award-winning artist, filmmaker, writer, activist, and TIME 100 Most Influential Person in the World awardee—for a discussion of her new book Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson. Registration is required.

Money Management Workshop Series: Budgeting & Smart Spending (Valente)
Tuesday, May 20
6-7 p.m.