Director's Update, June 22, 2025

Dear Patrons,

Join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating Pride Month by welcoming Kristen Arnett for a reading and discussion of her new novel, Stop Me If You've Heard This One. This is a hybrid event, and registration is required. This event is cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

On Saturday, June 28, from 2-3 p.m., join the Boston Festival Orchestra for an afternoon of music that explores the art of sound and color! Free for all, this vivid program features incredible live music and a colorful theme that is perfect for audiences of all ages. No registration required.

Summer Reading Bingo has begun! Have you registered and picked up your bingo board yet? Bingo runs from June 21 through August 15. Patrons of all ages are invited to play to celebrate reading all summer long.  Learn more at camb.ma/summerreading.

Best,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.

Director of Libraries

 

                                                                                     +++

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

 

Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi
Monday, June 23, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Collins
Tuesday, June 24, 3-4 p.m. Boudreau
Friday, June 27, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Main
Saturday, June 28, 3-4 p.m. Valente

Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.

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

Monday, June 23
2-5 p.m.

Get support from our Library social worker!

Fabric Mending: Darning (O'Neill)
Monday, June 23
6-7:30 p.m.

Darning is a fabric mending technique that involves reinforcing or re-weaving a portion of fabric by hand. In this workshop, we’ll learn how to visibly mend holes and weak areas in sweaters, socks, and other knit fabrics using seed stitch and square darning techniques. You’ll leave with a sampler of both techniques that you can refer back to when tackling your own darning projects at home. Suitable for beginners with little or no darning experience, though it does help if you have some experience with hand sewing. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

J. Courtney Sullivan presents: The Cliffs (Main)
Monday, June 23
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome J. Courtney Sullivan—New York Times best-selling author of the novels Commencement, Maine, The Engagements, Saints for All Occasions, and Friends and Strangers—to celebrate the paperback release of her new novel The Cliffs, a Reese's Book Club Pick, named a "Best Book of the Month" by The New York Times, Real Simple, and Kirkus. Registration is required.

ASL at the Library - Signing Rocks! (Main)
Tuesday, June 24
12-1 p.m.

Spend your lunchtime with us for a midday party and an American Sign Language (ASL) class rolled into one! Please feel free to bring your lunch with you to the class. Light snacks will be provided! Signing Rocks! events are conducted in ASL with experienced instructors. Sign language interpreting is not provided; you will learn the vocabulary as you go throughout the class. This program is great for adults, teens, and families with kids ages 7+. Registration is required.

Summer Reading: Last Day of School Celebration (O'Neill)
Tuesday, June 24
1-3 p.m.

Join us outdoors at the O'Neill Branch to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of the summer! We will have food, games and outdoor art. No registration is required. All ages are welcome!

Summer Reading: Last Day of School Celebration (Valente)
Tuesday, June 24
1-3 p.m.

Join us outdoors at the Valente Branch to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of the summer! We will have ice cream, games and outdoor art. No registration is required. All ages are welcome!

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, June 24
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 24
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.

Summer Reading: Community Coloring (Collins)
Tuesday, June 24
4-5:30 p.m.

Drop in to contribute to a communal coloring project. Share supplies with neighbors to color in a little or a lot of an oversize coloring page.  For all ages, while white space lasts.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 24
6:30-7:30 p.m. 

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

Sewing Circle: Make a Banner (O'Neill)
Tuesday, June 24
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Cambridge Wildlife Arts is inviting the community to join a sewing circle that collaborates on a protest/parade banner. Beginners welcome, no registration required. For teens and adults. For more information email wildlife@greencambridge.org.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 25
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! 

Summer Reading: Story Time with Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 25
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre for ballet story time and dancing! This event is suitable for all ages. No registration required. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. 

Summer Reading: Storytelling with Tony Toledo (Main)
Wednesday, June 25
2-3 p.m.

Tales from Toledo, Storyteller Tony Toledo that is. Once upon a time...THE END. You won’t believe what happens in the middle! From "What's in that House?" to "Give me back my Diamond Button!" the middle will be full of fun. Join us for a lively storytelling program for children and their caregivers. Tony Toledo has been telling stories to pay his rent since the end of the 20th Century. Tony has visited many libraries, told many stories, and passed out many riddle bookmarks. Tony grew up in Ohio, served in the Army, bicycled from Oregon to Virginia, sampled Law School, hosts his annual Corn Party In Beverly and loves peach pie more than chocolate cake. 

Summer Reading: Kickoff Wednesdays of Wonder (W.O.W.) (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 25
2:30-4:30 p.m.

People of all ages can kick off Summer Reading with games and a special art activity. No registration required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW (Valente)
Wednesday, June 25
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.

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 25
4-5 p.m.

Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! Therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins a week in advance. Sign up by phone or in person at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019).

Summer Art Nights: Watercolor (Main)
Wednesday, June 25
5-7 p.m.

Art on a nice Summer night? Nothing sounds better than that! Come to the Library and enjoy an art filled evening learning the techniques of watercolor painting. In partnership with artist Brooke Lambert, a professional printmaker and painter, she will take you through this guided art class. The library will provide all materials. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

CPL Presents: Kristen Arnett, Author of STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE (Main/Virtual)
Wednesday, June 25
6-8p.m.

Join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating Pride Month by welcoming Kristen Arnett, author of Mostly Dead Things, With Teeth, and—published just this past March—STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE.

After a reading from her work, Arnett will be joined in conversation by Jill McDonough, author of five books of poetry including American Treasure and Here All Night.

Called "a perversely funny novel about family, ambition, and desire" (Shelf Awareness), STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE follows a professional clown, Cherry Hendricks, as she tries to stay true to her needs as a person as well as an artist. This is a hybrid event and registration is required.This event is cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Summer Reading: Movie Night (Boudreau)
Wednesday, June 25
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us at the Boudreau Branch as we watch a movie together. There will be pizza available! No registration required.

iPhone and iPad Basics - How to clean up your phone memory (Virtual)
Wednesday, June 25
6-7 p.m.

Is your phone or tablet low on storage or running slowly? Join us for a free, online class where you’ll learn easy ways to clear space, organize your apps, and improve your phone’s performance.

To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Trivia Night! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 25
6:15-7 p.m.

Come join us for Trivia Night! Test your knowledge of science, history, literature, and culture. Snacks will be provided.  Individuals and groups are welcome. Registration is recommended but not required. 

Summer Reading: Bring Your Own Book (Main)
Wednesday, June 25
6-7:30 p.m.

Join for a casual discussion of your recent reads relating to a monthly theme from your Summer Reading Bingo Board. No specific book required! This month's theme is: read a book about an artist or maker. Enjoy light snacks, good company, and great book recommendations from your fellow readers! 

CPL Nature Club: Elder Walks (Collins)
Thursday, June 26
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 26
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.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, June 26
4-5 p.m.

Bring your project and come 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!

Coffee, Cribbage and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, June 27
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for coffee, treats, and games (Chess, Cribbage, Rummikub, etc.). Bring a friend or meet a new one at the library!

Kick Back and Watch a Movie (Central Square)
Friday, June 27
3-5 p.m.

Come watch Matlida (PG) on Central Square Library’s big screen and eat free popcorn! No registration required.

Teen Movie Afternoon (Valente)
Friday, June 27
3:30-4:45 p.m.

Movie. Food. Friends. This is an event for 12-18-year-olds. No registration required. See you there!

Summer Reading: Ed Popielarczyk's Comedy Magic (O'Connell)
Friday, June 27
4-4:45 p.m.

Ed Popielarczyk is a professional magician, balloon twister and entertainer who has been entertaining children and family audiences for over 40 years. His magic show is a comedy show that uses a lot of audience participation. The kids are the stars of the show. This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.

Internet Basics - Job Searching (Central)
Saturday, June 28
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to introduce you to the basics of using the internet. You’ll learn key terms, how to navigate web browsers, use search engines effectively, and explore websites with confidence. We'll also show you how to apply these skills to search for jobs online—all in a friendly, supportive environment. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. 

Summer Reading: Color Me Classical with the Boston Festival Orchestra (Main)
Saturday, June 28
2-3 p.m.

Join the Boston Festival Orchestra for an afternoon of music that explores the art of sound and color! Free for all, this vivid program features incredible live music and a colorful theme that is perfect for audiences of all ages.

    +++    

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.