Director's Update, July 27, 2025

Dear Patrons, 

 

On Tuesday, July 22 I was back at the State House testifying at a hearing of the Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development in support of S.2328/H.3594, an Act Regarding Freedom of Expression and H.3595/S.2330, an Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections. I was pleased to see many in the State Legislature committed to the freedom to read and concerned about fair pricing of e-books for libraries and their patrons in the Commonwealth. I was accompanied to the State House by Elizabeth Edwards, our Communications Coordinator, and Naomi Mehari, a student intern from the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment program. The hearing can be viewed here. In the photograph, from L-R: Rep. Steve Owens, a member of the Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development, and Naomi Mehari, MYSEP intern at the Library.

Upcoming Events 

 

On Monday, July 28, from 6-7:30 p.m., unleash your creativity at our open crafting program for adults, Artful Evenings: Open Crafting for Adults at the O'Neill Branch! Bring your own project 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 and drinks provided! Registration is helpful but not required.

 

On Tuesday, July 29, from 6:45-7:30 p.m., join us for Pajama Story Time Outdoors at the Fresh Pond Apartments. Come to the playground in your pajamas to listen to stories, read with your children and enjoy a snack before bed! This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. This summer Pajama Story Time will happen outside in the playground area at the Fresh Pond Apartments. In case of bad weather, the story time will happen inside the Community Room of 362 Rindge Ave. Pajama Story Time is presented by the Cambridge Public Library and the Center for Families.

 

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

STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Monday – Friday
9 a.m.-4 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 websiteand submit anapplication.

Wellness for Seniors (Virtual)
Monday, July 28
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, July 28

2-5 p.m.

Get support from our Library social worker!

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Monday, July 28
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).

Artful Evenings: Open Crafting for Adults (O'Neill)
Monday, July 28
6-7:30 p.m.

Unleash your creativity at our open crafting program for adults! Bring your own project 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 and drinks provided! Registration is helpful but not required.

Hooping Program with Wildkat Hoops (O'Neill)
Tuesday, July 29
2-3 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes for an unforgettable workshop of hula hoop magic with Kat Suwalski! You will learn basic hooping moves while increasing hand-eye coordination, strength, balance, and agility. No prior hooping experience is required. Hoops are provided. Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. This program will happen outdoors. In case of bad weather it will happen inside the Peabody School.

Live Animal Program with Mass Audubon (Main)
Tuesday, July 29
2-3 p.m.

What better way to learn about wildlife than by observing them in person? Meet local wildlife ambassadors and discover the amazing adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Ask questions and learn what you can do to protect the wildlife of Cambridge. For children of all ages and their caregivers.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, July 29
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.     

Chalk Art (O'Connell)
Tuesday, July 29
3-4 p.m.

Decorate the reading garden with sidewalk chalk. All ages! Children 7 and under must have a caregiver.

Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Tuesday, July 29, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday, August 1, 11 a.m.-1 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.

Craft & Art Supply Swap (Main) 
Tuesday, July 29
3:30-5:30 p.m.

Exchange your surplus paint, fabric, fiber, and other supplies with fellow crafters and artists in the community! Donations accepted at the Main Library Q&A desk starting July 19. Make & Mend Somerville has generously offered to accept leftover supplies, so please make sure your donations follow their guidelines: https://makeandmendshop.com/pages/donate.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, July 29
6:30-7:30 p.m. 

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

Paint Night (Central Square)
Tuesday, July 29
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Come meet your neighbors for some casual painting. We'll have all the supplies -- just bring your creativity. For those who are interested, you can contribute your mini painting to our September Great Big Tiny Art Show Gallery.

Pajama Story Time Outdoors at the Fresh Pond Apartments
Tuesday, July 29
6:45-7:30 p.m.

Come to the playground in your pajamas to listen to stories, read with your children and enjoy a snack before bed! This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. This summer Pajama Story Time will happen outside in the playground area at the Fresh Pond Apartments. In case of bad weather, the story time will happen inside the Community Room of 362 Rindge Ave. Pajama Story Time is presented by the Cambridge Public Library and the Center for Families.

Smartphone Photography [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, July 30
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

We live in an age where we carry our smartphones everywhere we go. Built into this device is a camera that can help us document the world around us. This 12-week class will teach you how to take and edit photos. You need only bring two things to this class: your smartphone and your imagination.  Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (O'Neill)
Wednesday, July 29
10-10:30 a.m.

Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the O'Neill Branch Library for a tech help appointment! Sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. 

We can help you with: 

• accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices
• e-mail and searching the web 
• smartphone and mobile app questions

We are not able to help you with: 

• installing advanced software programs 
• completing online transactions for you
• computer hardware and technical maintenance 
  

Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact 617-349-4023.  Registration is required.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, July 30
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! 

Bug Walk (Boudreau)
Wednesday, July 30
12-1:30 p.m.

Join us for a walk at Fresh Pond as we explore the wonderful world of bugs! We will learn about some common local insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates, and get to know some plants that host lots of local bug species.\

This program is open to all ages, from adults to children and their caregivers. Registration is required. For more information, contact Michael McGlathery at mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov or call the Boudreau Branch at 617-349-4017.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, July 30
3:30-5 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 creating collages!

 

NEW LOCATION: Summer Reading: Patio Project (O'Connell)
Wednesday, July 30
4-5 p.m.

Join us for STEAM activities for all ages! Help us paint our patio with paint made from sidewalk chalk. In the case of rain, this program will be held inside and an alternate painting activity will be offered.

Intro to LinkedIn Learning (Virtual)
Wednesday, July 30
6-7 p.m.

Learn how to access LinkedIn Learning with your Cambridge Public Library card, for free! LinkedIn Learning is an online educational site with thousands of courses in business, software, technology, and creative skills. LinkedIn Learning can be used in English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. 

Live Animal Program with Harvard Alpaca Ranch (Collins)
Thursday, July 31
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Alpacas from the Harvard Alpaca Ranch will be visiting the library for an educational program and meet and greet. Join us to learn more about alpacas and take some time to say hello! This event is intended for school-age children. Registration is not required.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, July 31
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, July 31
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!

Twilight Music and Movement (Central Square)
Thursday, July 31
5:30-6 p.m.

If you're looking to shake your sillies out before bed, join us for thirty minutes of music and movement! This evening dance party will be full of maracas and tambourines, colorful scarves, and lots of movement and dance. Recommended for ages 0-5 and their caregivers. For more information, please call the Central Square Branch Children's Room at 617-349-4012.

Gross Science with the Poop Museum (O’Neill)
Friday, August 1
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Prepare to be amazed and surprised by a presentation from the Poop Museum, where everyone learns many fantastic, fabulous and fun facts about human, animal and insect poop.

Pete the Cat Story Time! (O'Connell)
Friday, August 1
11-11:30 a.m.

Stories and crafts about Pete the Cat and friends. Recommended for ages birth to five with a caregiver.

Take and Make Sticker Art (Collins)
Friday, August 1
3:30-5 p.m.

Stop by to pick up an activity before the weekend. Choose a "Paint by Sticker" design to take home. Match the numbered stickers to the numbered spaces and watch your artwork come alive. Recommended for children ages 6-12, while supplies last.

Gross Science with the Poop Museum (O’Neill)
Friday, August 1
4-5 p.m.

Prepare to be amazed and surprised by a presentation from the Poop Museum, where everyone learns many fantastic, fabulous and fun facts about human, animal and insect poop.

Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop (Main)
Saturday, August 2
2-4 p.m.

Art urges us to look more closely at the world around us, and at ourselves. In this generative writing workshop, facilitated by Heather Nelson, participants will choose an image with which to “converse”: each writer will be given prompts and questions in order to interact with their image and, after having this dialogue with the art, writers will work to edit and arrange their observations into a working draft of an ekphrastic poem. There will be a little time at the end of the session for sharing drafts and discussing next steps. Registration is required.

Crafternoon with Pop Up Art School (Main)
Saturday, August 2
2-3:30 p.m.

Learn about the centuries-old art of reverse glass painting and create your own reverse painting! Choose from three images and paint it using acrylic paint on clear acetate. 

This program can accommodate 30 youth ages 11 to 18 years old. 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. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

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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       

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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.