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Dear Patrons,
In May we celebrate the accomplishments and the contributions of our Asian American and Pacific Islander community members. I invite you to join us for the opening reception of an exhibition of traditional Chinese watercolor paintings currently on display on Level 2 of the Main Library, on Thursday, May 8, from 5-7 p.m. Created by the artist Xiang Li and her daughter Fei Wu, the canvasses celebrate important Chinese empresses. The opening reception will include an artist talk. Registration is required.
Join Christine, registered dietitian nutritionist for a special Cambridge Cooks in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander month. We’ll be taking a trip to the Philippines for some tasty, and nutritious takes on Filipino cuisine. We'll discuss the amazing flavors and health benefits of our featured recipes. 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
An Afternoon of Poetry with Several Award-winning Poets (Main)
Sunday, May 4
2-3:30 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of great poetry and music, featuring a quintet of acclaimed poets: Robert Carr - winner of the 2024 Rane Arroyo chapbook prize and author of three full length collections; Patrick Donnelly - program director of The Frost Place; Matt Donovan - Director, The Boutelle-Day Poetry Center at Smith College; Richard Michelson - former Poet Laureate, Northampton, MA & recipient of a National Jewish Book Award; Dzvinia Orlowsky - award-winning poet & translator and a founding editor of Four Way Books; plus music by tenor saxophonist Jay Hoffman. This event is cosponsored by Cambridge Public Library. Registration is required.
Mental Health First Aid (Main)
Monday, May 5
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. The program is designed to build mental health literacy, providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge. This workshop will cover:
Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges
How to interact with a person in crisis
How to connect a person with help
Expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care
Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Monday, May 5
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 5
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. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
Drop-In Hours with the Social Worker (Central Square)
Monday, May 5
2-5 p.m.
Get support from our Library social worker!
Middle Grade Mystery Writing Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Monday, May 5
2:30-3 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 5; Tuesday, May 6; Wednesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 8
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.
Light-up crafts for Middle Schoolers (O'Neill)
Monday, May 5
3:30-5 p.m.
Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to make light-up crafts out of paper, fabric and LED lights. Snacks provided. No registration necessary.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, May 5
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 5
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.
Craig Thompson Presents: Ginseng Roots: A Memoir (Main)
Monday, May 5
6-7:30 p.m.
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Craig Thompson—cartoonist and the author of the award-winning books Blankets, Carnet de Voyage, Good-bye Chunky Rice, and Habibi—for a discussion of his new memoir Ginseng Roots. Registration is required.
Gmail Basics - Organize your inbox (Main)
Tuesday, May 6
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Learn how to manage your email inbox by labeling, archiving and deleting emails. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is recommended, but not required.
May Flowers: Story Time and Craft (O'Neill)
Tuesday, May 6
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
We invite children of all ages and their grown-ups to join us for stories and a simple activity. This month we will draw with chalk outside the Library! (weather permitting)
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, May 6
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 6
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 6pm. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, May 6, Wednesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 8
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.
Building a Caring Community (Main)
Tuesday, May 6
6-8 p.m.
Join the Cambridge Public Health Department, the Community Safety Department, and the Cambridge Public Library for a panel discussion that aims to raise awareness and community knowledge about how to access national, state, and local resources.
Attendees will hear from representatives with the Samaritans, the Community Safety Department (CARE team), and the Community Behavioral Health Center. Light refreshments and childcare will be provided. Registration is required.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, May 6
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, May 7
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!
CPL Nature Club: Protecting Urban Biodiversity Nature Walk (Main)
Wednesday, May 7
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Join Earthwise Aware for a fascinating walk as we explore how land use and climate change shape the future of urban green spaces. The loss of biodiversity and the impacts of climate change are pressing challenges, but small actions can lead to big change.
Discover how you can make a difference by helping to protect urban ecosystems. Learn to observe and document the incredible interactions between plants, animals, and their habitats while contributing to EwA’s community-driven ecology science projects. Together, we can create a brighter future for urban nature! We’ll meet in Joan Lorentz Park. Registration required.
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, May 7
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 collages with natural materials.
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, May 7
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.
Meet me at the Bookstore: A Panel Discussion on Community, Bookselling, and Publishing (Main)
Wednesday, May 7
6-7:30 p.m.
Join us for an insightful conversation about community, bookselling, and publishing moderated by Perpetua Cannistraro, Publicist at Beacon Press, and Boston Publishing Chair of the National Women's Book Association. Panelists include Christina Pascucci-Ciampa, the owner of All She Wrote Books; Franchesca Viaud, the store Manager at JustBook-ish; Kayla Januchowski, the General Manager at Lovestruck Books; and Caroline Brink, the Director of Operations at Beacon Hill Books. Registration is required. Cosponsored by Cambridge Public Library.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, May 8
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle. An hour of fun and conversation on a Monday afternoon at the Cambridge Main Library.
Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, May 8
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!
Xiang Li's Traditional Chinese Watercolor Opening Reception (Main)
Thursday, May 8
5-7 p.m.
Celebrate the breathtaking art of Xiang Li, featuring over a dozen selected canvas portraits of Chinese empresses. Meet the artist Xiang Li and her daughter Fei Wu (the mother-daughter team) in person, hear their artist talk and presentation, and enjoy a relaxed and engaging conversation. Ask questions, connect, and discover the stories behind the art. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.
Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Beginner (Valente)
Friday, May 8
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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Overflow Study and Hang (Central Square)
Friday, May 9
3-5 p.m.
Drop in the Central Square Branch’s Lewis Room for extra space to study and hang out. Supplies will be provided to color, do puzzles, and play games. No registration required!
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS (O'Neill)
Friday, May 9
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! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful, but not required.
Free Family Concert: Radius Ensemble presents Peter and the Wolf (Main)
Saturday, May 10
10-11:45 p.m.
Join us for a relaxed Saturday morning concert with Radius Ensemble! The concert, geared toward preschool children but appropriate for all ages, features a delightful abridged version of Prokofiev's Peter & the Wolf (at the end of which the wolf, instead of meeting his demise, is taken to the zoo), plus also other silly songs about animals, as well as a show-and-tell of the instruments of the woodwind family. For the final piece of this 45-minute program, children are invited to play along on hand percussion instruments such as tambourines and claves, and each child receives a free colorful shaker to take home. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5 years with caregiver. This program can accommodate 130 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Chess Hour (O'Neill)
Saturday, May 9
3-4 p.m.
Join us for a game of chess at the O'Neill Branch Library! Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is a space for individuals to play and test their skills against other members of the community. This is not an instructional class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via email: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov.
The Royal Rumpus (Valente)
Saturday, May 9
3-5 p.m.
Put on your best royal outfit and join us for a special afternoon! Listen to a story, decorate a crown and dance to some royal music! This program is for children of all ages and their grown-ups. Registration is required. When registering, please include the total number of children who will be attending the program as your number of attendees. Call the library at 617-349-4015 for more information.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries
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About the Cambridge Public Library:
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