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Director's Update, August 24, 2025

Dear Patrons,

The Valente Branch Library will remain closed through September for necessary repairs. During this closure, the Valente Branch book return will also be closed. Patrons can use any of the other six Cambridge Public Library locations to check out and return books and attend programs. We hope to reopen the branch in October. Learn more on our website.

Upcoming Events

On Thursday, August 28, from 2-3 p.m., celebrate the start of the school year by making an accessory to hang from your backpack at the Collins Branch. Recommended for children ages 6-12 with a caregiver. We’ll be accessorizing with Gimp Zipper Pulls.

Kick back and watch a movie at the Central Square Branch on Friday, August 29, 3-5 p.m. Watch A Minecraft Movie (PG) and eat free popcorn. No registration required.

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.  

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

 

Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual)

Monday, August 25
11-11:45 a.m.

A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful classWe'll work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful happy mind/body/spirit. Good for every 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.

Artful Evenings: Open Crafting for Adults (O'Neill)
Monday, August 25
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 provided! Registration is helpful but not required.

Google Photos Basics (Main)
Tuesday, August 26
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn how to use Google Photos to organize and save your photos and videos! In the class, you will learn how to:

  • Store photos and videos

  • Organize and understand features of Google Photos

  • Share photos with friends and family

You will need a Google (Gmail) account for this class - please bring your login info! A laptop will be available for use during class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration to attend this class is strongly encouraged but not required.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 26
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, mend. Refreshments will be provided.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 26
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: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Wednesday, August 27
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

Smartphone Photography [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, August 27
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 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. 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 27
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!

Cybersecurity Basics - how to recognize and avoid online scams (Virtual)
Wednesday, August 27
6-7 p.m.

Learn how to be safer online with accounts and passwords. We will provide an overview of frauds and scams to watch out for. 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. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Accessorize Your Backpack (Collins)
Thursday, August 28
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.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, August 28
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, August 28
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!

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, August 29
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.

Kick Back & Watch a Movie (Central Square)
Friday, August 29
3-5 p.m.

Join us to watch A Minecraft Movie (PG) on the Central Square Library’s big screen and eat free popcorn. No registration required.

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Stay Connected

 

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 website to learn more. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on our events here.

 

 

Page was posted on 8/22/2025 9:24 AM
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