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Dear Patrons,
Join us on Sunday, June 1, from 2:30-4 p.m. for a Portuguese Heritage Month celebration featuring a performance by a jazz quartet performing works by Carlos Paredes and other Portuguese composers followed by a reception. This event is cosponsored by Cambridge Public Library and the Consulate General of Portugal in Boston, with the support of Camoes – Institute for Cooperation and Language (Portugal). Registration is required.
Happy Pride Month! This week, celebrate Pride and the beauty of self-expression through color and craft at the Central Square Branch! On Thursday, June 5, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. come together as a community to design a rainbow spectrum of felted Pride banners; wearable or hangable pendants created through the vibrant technique of felt painting. This is a welcoming space for all ages, all identities, and all expressions. Let's make something meaningful together with Alex Makes Art. Free & open to everyone. All materials provided. Registration is required.
At the Valente Branch, participate in Queer Zine Making on Saturday, June 7, from 2-4 p.m.! Learn what zine is and what it has to do with queer and trans liberation. Then, make your very own, very queer zine! Registration required.
Later this month, on June 25, we’ll welcome Kristen Arnett, author of Mostly Dead Things, With Teeth, and Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One. After a reading from her book, Arnett will be joined in conversation by poet Jill McDonough. This is a hybrid event, and registration is required. This event is cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Friends of the Cambridge Public Library Book Sale
Back by popular demand! Join the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library for their used book sale! They'll be selling gently used children’s and adult fiction and nonfiction books at low prices to benefit the Cambridge Public Library. The book sale will be held on June 7-8 from 11 am-5 pm at 20 Holyoke Street.
One-on-One Tech Help at the O’Neill Branch Library
You can now attend a one-on-one tech help session at the O’Neill Branch! Beginning on Wednesday, June 4, 30-minute one-on-one tech help sessions will be offered at 10 a.m. Learn basic computer or mobile device guidance, how to access audiobooks and eBooks, and more! Other one-on-one tech help sessions are available at the Main Library, Central Square Branch, and Boudreau Branch.
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
Celebrating Portugal in Massachusetts Concert (Main Library)
Sunday, June 1
2:30-4 p.m.
Every year, June is proclaimed Month of Portuguese Heritage in Massachusetts. Join us for a free concert at the Main Library in celebration of Portuguese Heritage Month.
The concert will feature a jazz quartet performing works by Carlos Paredes and other Portuguese composers. A reception with Portuguese pastries will follow the concert. This event is cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library and the Consulate General of Portugal in Boston, with the support of Camoes – Institute for Cooperation and Language (Portugal). Registration is required.
Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Monday, June 2
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, June 2
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, June 2
2-5 p.m.
Get support from our Library social worker!
Middle Grade Mystery Writing Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Monday, June 2
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.
Open Gameplay with One Up Games (O'Neill)
Monday, June 2
3-6 p.m.
Join us for a video game free play event hosted by Massachusetts eSport and gaming venue, One Up Games! Explore virtual worlds with the Oculus Quest, or play the latest titles on XBOX Series S, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch! No registration is required. This event is recommended for ages 7 and up.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, June 2
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, June 2
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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, June 3
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.
Money Management Workshop Series: Establishing & Maintaining Good Credit (Valente)
Tuesday, June 3
6-7 p.m.
Need to get better at managing your money? Join East Cambridge Savings Bank for a workshop on the importance of establishing and maintaining good credit. Thank you to the East Cambridge Savings Bank for sponsoring this program. Registration is recommended.
Starting a Business Workshop Series: Marketing & Customer Acquisition (Central Square)
Tuesday, June 3
6:30-8 p.m.
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to start a business in the City of Cambridge. This workshop is a comprehensive, four-week program tailored specifically for early-stage entrepreneurs and established business owners seeking to enhance their business operations. The curriculum addresses key aspects of business operations. This series of workshops will establish a solid foundation in essential principles of entrepreneurship and business ownership. Registration is required.
Workshop 2: Marketing & Customer Acquisition
Fundamentals of marketing for small businesses
Creating effective customer acquisition strategies
Introduction to social media marketing and e-commerce
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 3
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Wednesday, June 4
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots.
The meeting location for this walk will be in the courtyard of the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave. We will walk to Fresh Pond together from there. Registration is required.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 4
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!
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 4
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 play outdoor games!
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, June 4
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.
Karen Hao presents: Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI (Main)
Wednesday, June 4
6-7:30 p.m.
Harvard Book Store, the Harvard University Division of Science, the Harvard Library, and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Karen Hao—award-winning journalist and contributing writer for The Atlantic—for a discussion of her new book, Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI. She will be joined in conversation by Amy Nordrum—an executive editor at MIT Technology Review. Registration is required.
CPL Nature Club: Elder Walks (Collins)
Thursday, June 5
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Join guide Stefanie Haug while exploring our neighborhood nature and celebrating Elderhood. As a group we'll connect with nature and the neighborhood mindfully with a gentle walk and draw on contemplative practices. Registration is required.
What to bring: layered clothing, comfortable shoes and water.
Where to meet: Collins Branch entrance on Aberdeen Avenue.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, June 5
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, June 5
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!
Richard Russo presents: Life and Art (Main)
Thursday, June 5
6-7:30 p.m.
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Richard Russo—Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Somebody's Fool and The Destiny Thief—for a discussion of his new essay collection Life and Art. He will be joined in conversation by Andre Dubus III—author of Such Kindness and eight other books, including the bestsellers Townie and House of Sand and Fog. Registration is required.
Tai Chi Under the Tree (Main)
Thursday, June 5
6-7 p.m.
Explore Qigong warm-ups and the elements of Tai Chi with instructor Ellen DeGenova. This class offers highly adaptable and accessible ways of moving for everyone. No experience necessary. A seated option will be available. Registration is preferred but not required. In case of inclement weather, this event will take place in the Community Room.
Crafting Pride: Felted Banner Edition (Central Square)
Thursday, June 5
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Pride and the beauty of self-expression through color and craft! In in this inclusive, hands-on workshop led by local fiber artist Alex Makes Art, we'll come together as a community to design a rainbow spectrum of felted Pride banners; wearable or hangable pendants created through the vibrant technique of felt painting. Using beautifully dyed wool in a range of hues, you'll learn how to blend colors, add texture, and craft a soft, powerful symbol of identity, allyship, and joy. No experience is necessary - just bring your creativity and pride!
This is a welcoming space for all ages, all identities, and all expressions. Let's make something meaningful together with Alex Makes Art at the heart of the experience. Free & open to everyone. All materials provided. Registration is required.
Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
Friday, June 6
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!
Drop-in Maker Studio (O'Neill)
Saturday, June 7
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.
Queer Zine Making (Valente)
Saturday, June 7
2-4 p.m.
In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn what exactly a zine is and what it has to do with queer and trans liberation. Then, you will learn how to make your very own, very queer zine!
To get some context, we will take a brief look at the history of queer and trans zines, as well as the present-day zine scene. Then you will learn how to fold one sheet of paper into an eight page zine that is easy to make copies of for distribution. We'll also explore and brainstorm various ways that you can get your zine to the people in the world who are interested in reading, viewing, studying, and/or adoring it (these people exist!). Registration required.
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Stay Connected
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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.
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