Director's Update, August 17, 2025

Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dace (Virtual)
Monday, August 18
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.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, August 18
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. 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

iPhone and iPad Basics – How to Clean Up Your Phone Memory (Main)
Tuesday, August 19
11 a.m.-12 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. Laptops will be provided for the class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 5
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.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 19
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, August 19
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.

Smartphone Photography [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, August 20
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

We live in an age where we carry our smartphones everywhere we go. This 12-week class will not only teach you to take the best possible photos, but how to edit your photos to make them look as good as they possibly can. We will also cover how to organize the photos on your phone. You need only bring two things to this class: your smartphone and your imagination. Registration is required. This session is currently full; a waitlist is available. 

Fiber Crafts Group – Drop-In (O’Connell)
Wednesday, August 20
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!

CPL Nature Club: Nature Story at Alewife Brook Reservation (O’Neill)
Wednesday, August 20
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.

Wednesday of Wonder – W.O.W. (O’Neill)
Wednesday, August 20
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. This week we will be making "bad art"- our own silly versions of famous artwork.

Accessorize Your Backpack (Collins)
Thursday, August 21
2-3 p.m.

Celebrate the start of the school year by making an accessory to hang from your backpack. Recommended for children ages 6-12 with a caregiver.

Thursday, August 21: Beaded Lizard Keychains
Thursday, August 28: Gimp Zipper Pulls
Please note: latecomers arriving after 2:30 p.m. may not have time to complete this project.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, August 21
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.

CPL Nature Club: The Nature of Cambridge (Central Square)
Thursday, August 21
4-5 p.m.

Mass Audubon will lead an exploration around the library in search of plants and animals, while using scientific tools like binoculars and magnifying lenses to get a closer look. We'll record what we find in our nature journals and play nature games. All materials will be provided. In the instance of bad weather, this program will take place in the Children's Room. This program is recommended for children 4-8 and their caregivers. Hosted by Mass Audubon and the Cambridge Public Library.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, August 21
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, August 21
5:30-6:00 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.

Coffee, Cribbage and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, August 22
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!

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, August 22
11:30 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Join instructor Darren Hairston for Zumba Gold – the fun and energizing dance fitness class tailored for active older adults and beginners! Set to vibrant, upbeat music, Zumba Gold features low-impact, easy-to-follow dance moves that make staying fit enjoyable and accessible for all fitness levels. Improve your balance, flexibility, and cardio health while having a great time in a supportive and friendly environment. No dance experience needed—just bring your smile and a willingness to move!  Registration is required. 

Kids’ Zine Collective (O’Neill)
Friday, August 22
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!

Adult Board Game Brunch (Central Square)
Saturday, August 23
10:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Join us for a Board Game Brunch! We have a range of classic, strategy, and party games including Bananagrams, Chess, Ticket to Ride, Azul, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. Coffee and light refreshments provided. Registration is encouraged. 

Community Build (O’Neill)
Saturday, August 23
2-3:30p.m.

Join friends at the O'Neill Branch to build, build, BUILD! Let your imagination run wild with LEGOs, Magna-Tiles and other building toys. The Library has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. For children ages 5 and up. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children.

+++

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.