Director's Update, July 6, 2025

Dear Patrons,

Summer Sundays start TODAY at the O’Neill Branch.

On Thursday, July 10, join Stephanie Foo for a reading and discussion of her memoir What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma. Foo’s reading at the Main Library will run from 6-7:30 p.m., followed by a book signing. This event is hybrid and registration is required. 

Calling all bakers for a cake potluck! On Saturday, July 12, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., make a cake and bring it to the Central Square Branch to share with others. Everyone will go home with slices of different cakes to sample. 

On Saturday, July 12, from 2-3 p.m., explore the meaning of neighborhood, community and equity through stories, activities and games with Little Uprisings. Recommended for children ages 5 and up with a caregiver. Learn more.

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

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

Monday, July 7

2-5 p.m.

Get support from our Library social worker!

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, July 7
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. 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

Google Drive Basics (O’Neill)
Tuesday, July 8
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn how to create folders and organize your files on Google Drive! Google Drive is your online file storage that is connected to your Google account. You will learn how to use Google Drive to manage your files and images. A Google (Gmail) account is required for the class. Please remember your email address and password, you will need them to sign in and practice during the class. Laptops will be provided. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Paint Party (O’Connell)
Tuesday, July 8
2-5 p.m.

Treat yourself to an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community while a local artist guides us step-by-step through the process of creating a beautiful acrylic painting. We'll provide the tea and light refreshments. No experience necessary. All are welcome. Registration is required. This event is full but a waiting list is available.

Let's Get CRAFTSY! (Main)
Tuesday, July 8
2-4 p.m.

Experience the Library’s free online crafting resource, Craftsy. We’ll sample content, share tips and tricks, and get you ready to start your next creative project! Please bring your Cambridge Public Library card to this session.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, July 8
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, July 8
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.

TEENS Learn to Play Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) (Central Square)
Tuesday, July 8
4-5 p.m.

This is a four-session learn-to-play series for 12-18-year-olds! The first session we will create characters, and the following three sessions we will learn and play together. No prior DnD experience is required, and experienced players are also welcome to join. Snacks provided. Registration Recommended, participation cap of 8 players.

Music and Movement with Rockabye Beats (Central Square)
Wednesday, July 23
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Sing, play and dance with this bilingual Spanish/English music class. Recommended for children ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

The Life of Colors: Stanley Whitney at the ICA (Main)
Tuesday, July 8
6-7:30 p.m.

Join Tessa Bachi Haas, ICA/Boston Assistant Curator, for a deep dive into Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon, the first retrospective to trace the evolution of Stanley Whitney’s unique and powerful abstractions. In this talk, discover how Whitney developed his iconic gridded format and explore 50 years of powerful, color-saturated painting. Registration is required for Zoom participants, but not for in-person attendance.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, July 8
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, July 9
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.  Registration is required.

Smartphone Photography [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, July 9
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.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, July 9
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 9
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 - WOW (O’Neill)
Wednesday, July 9
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 sewing fabric books.

Dance Workshop with Jean Appolon Expressions (Central Square)
Wednesday, July 9
4-5 p.m.

This accessible class incorporates fun, expressive rhythms from Haitian Folklore. For kids of all ages and their caregivers.

Storytelling with Ben Cunningham (O’Connell)
Wednesday, July 9
4-5 p.m.

Musical instruments bring stories to life in this interactive show. Recommended for children ages 5 and up with a caregiver.

Summer Art Nights: Acrylic Painting (Main)
Wednesday, July 9
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 acrylic 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.

Crafternoon Dinosaur Airplanes (Collins)
Thursday, July 10
2-3 p.m.

Instructions and supplies will be provided for an afternoon activity. Learn to fold paper airplanes inspired by flying dinosaurs. We'll follow complex instructions and share flying tips to make these Jurassic models. Recommended for ages 6-12 with a caregiver.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, July 10
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 10
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!

CPL Presents: Stephanie Foo, author of WHAT MY BONES KNOW (Main/Virtual)
Thursday, July 10
6-7:30 p.m.

Please join the Cambridge Public Library in welcoming Stephanie Foo, the author of the bestselling memoir What My Bones Know, for a reading and discussion of her work. This is a hybrid event and registration is required.

Tai Chi Under the Tree (Joan Lorentz Park)
Thursday, July 10
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.

Bingo Friday (Main)
Friday, July 11
2-2:45 p.m.

Five squares in a row and BINGO! Join us for an hour of this fun, exciting game. Recommended for children ages 6+ and their caregivers.

Take and Make Sticker Art (Collins)
Friday, July 11
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.

Kids’ Zine Collective (O’Neill)
Friday, July 11
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!

Cake Swap (Central Square)
Saturday, July 12
12:30-1:30 p.m.

Calling all bakers for a cake potluck! Make a cake and come bring it to share with others. Everyone will go home with slices of different cakes to sample. 

Community Celebration with Little Uprisings (O’Neill)
Saturday, July 12
2-3 p.m.

Explore the meaning of neighborhood, community and equity through stories, activities and games. Recommended for children ages 5 and up with a caregiver.

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