Director's Update, June 15, 2025

Dear Patrons,

Happy Father’s Day to all those celebrating or honoring a loved one. All Library locations will be closed on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth. 

 

Celebrate Pride with a concert for children and families at the Main Library! On Wednesday, June 18, 2-3 p.m., join Carrie Ferguson as they play original whimsical songs, bringing messages of acceptance and identity in a fun and jubilant way. Party in this outdoor concert with families of all ages and join CPL in showing your pride!

 

On Saturday, June 21, join us at Joan Lorentz Park for our Summer Kickoff Party! There will be a live performance from Crocodile River Music, arts and crafts, free ice cream, and more. Register for Summer Reading, pick up a Summer Reading bingo board and learn more about special events happening across branches all summer long!

The Library held the 26th Annual Youth Poetry Award on June 3 at the Main Library. The Youth Poetry Award celebrates original poetry written by kids in kindergarten through eighth grade (or the age equivalent) in Cambridge. Every spring, winning poems are selected from each grade. Winners are invited to a special ceremony to read their poem aloud and receive an award. The Youth Poetry Award program is organized by the Central Square Branch and is supported by the Friends of Cambridge Public Library. I Sit in Silence by Aliyah, a sixth-grade student at the Amigos School, received second place in the Sixth-Grade category.

 

I Sit in Silence

 

I sit in silence,

as words dance on pages,

lines twist and turn,

a maze I cannot follow.

 

Rhythms swirl in the air,

but they feel foreign,

like cold hands on warm skin,

nothing to hold onto.

 

I prefer the sharp clarity

of a simple truth,

the steady beat of life,

not the whispers of verse.

 

Yet here they are,

a puzzle I can’t solve,

and I wonder,

is it wrong not to love

what others find beautiful?

 

All Library locations will be closed on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth.

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.  

• Sing Alongs 

• Story Times 

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                    

• One-on-One Tech Help

 

Art Talks for Older Adults: Tulipmania and Dutch Flower Painting (Main)
Monday, June 16
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Let’s take a look at the events of the 1630s when speculators drove up the prices of tulip bulbs to dizzying heights. The development of Dutch flower painting and the phenomenon known as “tulipmania” share the same root causes in 17th century Netherlands; that is, an interest in objects of great appeal and rarity, whether just for their beauty or their scientific notoriety. But what was really happening and has it been overblown in history? We will discover where the practice of flower painting began for the Dutch, in response to the value of live flowers; a practice of painting beautiful still lives that continues today. Registration is required.

Drop-in Hours with the Social Worker (Central Square)

Monday, June 16
2-5 p.m.

Get support from our Library social worker!

Teen Pride Tie-Dye (Valente)
Monday, June 16
3:30-4:30 p.m.

In honor of Pride month, we are celebrating the colors of the rainbow with tie-dye! Teens are welcome to tie-dye a provided shirt or bag or bring something of their own to tie-dye. Snacks are provided. No registration required, supplies are provided until they run out. 

Sewing 101 with Cambridge Wildlife Arts (Main)
Monday, June 16
4:30-6 p.m.

This special edition of our Sewing 101 is offered in collaboration with Cambridge Wildlife Arts (Green Cambridge). In this 90-minute workshop, you'll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—hemming blank banners for the Banners Project launched by Cambridge Wildlife Arts. Registration is required.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, June 16
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.

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 16
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 17
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, June 17
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.

Money Management Workshop Series: Protecting Yourself from Financial Scams (Valente)
Tuesday, June 17
6-7 p.m.

Need to get better at managing your money? Join the East Cambridge Savings Bank for a workshop on how to protect yourself from financial scams. Thank you to the East Cambridge Savings Bank for sponsoring this program. Registration is recommended.

Starting a Business Workshop Series: Financial Management Basics (Central Square)
Tuesday, June 17
6-7 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.

• Workshop 4: Financial Management Basics (Date: Tuesday June 17th, 2025)
• Introduction to financial recordkeeping
• Understanding cost of goods sold (COGS) and pricing strategies
• Basic cash flow management and budgeting
• Capital and funding resources

Please register here.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 17
6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Bring your project, yarn and needles toenjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.

Death Cafe (Virtual)
Tuesday, June 17
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. Registration is required.

CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Wednesday, June 18
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a morning walk at one of the most renowned birdwatching spots in Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. 

The walk will meet at the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am. We will walk to Mt. Auburn Cemetery together (about a five minute walk). Please try to be on time as we will leave shortly after 10:15!

Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 18
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 andsocialize.Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch and more.All crafts are welcome! 

CPL Nature Club: Nature Story Time at Alewife Brook Reservation (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 18
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Children and families can join us for an outdoor story time and short walk at Alewife Brook Reservation. We will meet at the seating area on the bike path near the Alewife Brook Pathway and DCR Wetland Boardwalk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CC32nJqG1Xk3b5zDA. There is no parking available on-site. Parking is available at Alewife MBTA station or limited on-street parking on Cambridgepark Drive. No registration is required. In case of bad weather, this event will be cancelled and the listing will be updated on the website. Please call 617-349-4023 with any questions, including day-of weather cancellations.

Carrie Ferguson: Pride Concert for Children & Families (Main)
Wednesday, June 18
2-3 p.m.

Cambridge Public Library celebrates Pride with Carrie Ferguson! Carrie plays original whimsical songs with the assistance of their players to bring a rocking live show to the people, bringing messages of acceptance and identity in a fun and jubilant way. Party in this outdoor concert with families of all ages and join CPL in showing your pride!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 18
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 have Juneteenth crafts with ashley herring!

Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW - Open Gameplay with One Up Games (Valente)
Wednesday, June 18
2:30-4 p.m. 

One Up Games is bringing video games and Virtual Reality to the Valente Community Room! Virtual Reality (VR) Headset - Nintendo Switch - XBox Series S - PlayStation 4 - Oculus Quest 2 - and more. Board games and puzzles are also available for play. NO registration required - FREE - Ages: 8+ Snacks provided! 

Coffee & Games for Adults (Valente)
Friday, June 20
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us at the Valente Branch for coffee and games. We have Scrabble, cribbage, cards, Bananagrams, chess, checkers, Boggle and more! Registration is helpful.

TEEN TAKEOVER (Central Square)
Friday, June 20
1-3 p.m.

Come celebrate the end of the school year in the library’s Lewis Room. Play games on our Nintendo Switch, play board games, color, do a puzzle, and more!

Cozy Crafternoon (Collins)
Friday, June 20
3:30-5 p.m.

Come get creative at Collins! Join your neighbors at this casual, self-guided afternoon craft session for adults. Bring your own projects or start something new with assorted materials provided. No expertise required, snacks provided, registration is encouraged.

Zine Swap and Publishing Party (O'Neill)
Friday, June 20
4-5 p.m.

Members of the Kids' Zine Collective and Cambridge Young Authors' Squad are invited to a party to celebrate their work from this year! Kids can bring zines to swap and/or writing to share. Food provided! No registration is necessary.

'Froca Fitness: Series Event (Main)
Saturday, June 21
10:30-11:30 a.m.

Back by popular demand: Join us on the Lorentz Park Lawn, at the Main Library for an hour of electrifying, hip-whining, and upbeat African and Caribbean fusion dance fitness class with founder and instructor Sylver! In case of inclement weather, 'Froca Fitness will be held in the Community Room on L2. Registration is required!

Summer Kickoff Party! (Main)
Saturday, June 21
2-3:30 p.m.

Stop by Joan Lorentz Park to kick off summer with a live performance from Crocodile River Music, arts and crafts, free ice cream, and more! Pick up your Summer Reading bingo board and learn more about special events happening all summer long. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! All ages are welcome! This program is supported by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

 

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Stay Connected                      

Pleasesubscribe to our e-mail list, follow us onX, Instagram, orFacebook, andvisit our website.         

  

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 websiteto learn more. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on our eventshere.