Director's Update, August 3, 2025

Dear Patrons, 

Happy August! There are still two weeks left to complete your Summer Reading Bingo Boards. Don’t forget to turn in your completed boards by 5 p.m. on August 15 for a special prize!

Upcoming Events
On Tuesday, August 5, 3-5 p.m., join us at the O’Connell Branch for a fun afternoon of painting, led by local artist Lynn Vandick! This paint party is geared toward kids ages 7-12. Registration is required.

At the Central Square Branch on Tuesday, August 5, 4-5 p.m., kids can try an instrument in a judgment-free zone that encourages exploration and excitement! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.

Stop by Joan Lorentz Park from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, for a concert celebrating the roots of folk music with Reclaiming Folk, a concert series that celebrates and honors people of color in folk music, created by singer-songwriter Naomi Westwater.

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 website and submit an application.

Wellness for Seniors (Virtual)
Monday, August 4
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, August 4
2-5 p.m.

Get support from our Library social worker!

Summer Reading: Storytelling with Nicolette Nordin Heavey (Collins)
Monday, August 4
2-3 p.m.

Join us for a fun and interactive storytime featuring Nicolette Nordin Heavey! A renowned folk storyteller, Nicolette invites audiences to participate in creating and sharing stories together. 

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, August 4
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. 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.

Summer Reading: A Library of Rare and Familiar Colors (Main)
Monday, August 4
6-7:30 p.m.

Join Conservation Coordinator Alison Cariens for a closer look at pigments in the Harvard Art Museums' famed Forbes Pigment Collection. In this illustrated talk, Alison will discuss the history of the collection, the function of the materials within the conservation labs, and the significance of the collection as a “library of color.” Together, we will also delve into the story behind each featured pigment and discuss how each lends a unique window into the history of human creativity.

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.     

Kids Paint Party at the Library (O'Connell)
Tuesday, August 5
3-5 p.m.

Join us for a fun afternoon of painting, led by local artist Lynn Vandick! This paint party is geared toward kids ages 7-12. Each participant will receive two 8x10 canvases, and Lynn will lead participants through the steps of painting a fun design. There will be various designs available to choose from. Acrylic paint can stain clothing. Please wear old clothing. No experience necessary. Kids age 7-12 are welcome. Registration is required and will open two weeks before the event.

Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Tuesday, August 5, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday, August 8, 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.

Summer Reading: Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s Musical Petting Zoo (Central Square)
Tuesday, August 5
4-5 p.m.

Here’s your chance to try an instrument in a judgment-free zone that encourages exploration and excitement! After an introduction to the instruments, participants get a chance to bow a violin, blow a horn or tap out a rhythm on a drum. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.

Summer Reading: Music and Movement with Rockabye Beats! (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 5
5:30-6:30 p.m. 

Come join Rockabye Beats for an interactive, musical program experience!  We'll sing, play, explore instruments, dance, pretend, learn a little Spanish, and show off our goofy side. For children of all ages and their caregivers.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 5
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Fiber Crafts Group – Drop-In (O’Connell)
Wednesday, August 6
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: A Closer Look at the Forbes Pigment Collection (Harvard Art Museums) (Main)
Wednesday, August 6
2-3:30 p.m.

Join Conservation Coordinator Alison Cariens for a closer look at pigments in the famed Forbes Pigment Collection at the Harvard Art Museums. This event will take place at the Harvard Art Museums. Registration is required but does not guarantee entry. By registering here, you are joining the pool of interested patrons. From this pool, eight names will be drawn randomly. All registrants, whether selected to attend or not, will be notified of their status one week in advance. Approved participants will be provided with location details prior to the tour.

Summer Reading: Dog Man Party! (O'Connell)
Wednesday, August 6
2-3 p.m.

Join other Dog Man fans to share puns, sniff out crime, and draw your own comic strip! Recommended for ages 6-12 with a caregiver.

Summer Reading: Movie Matinee: Dog Man (Central Square)
Wednesday, August 6
3-4:30 p.m. 

Grab some popcorn and cool down indoors for an afternoon kids' movie! No registration required. This program is recommended for children 5-10 and their caregivers.

Wednesday of Wonder – W.O.W. (O’Neill)
Wednesday, August 6
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 making "bad art"- our own silly versions of famous artwork.

Summer Art Nights: Printmaking (Main)
Wednesday, August 6
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 printmaking. 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 program is currently full; a waitlist is available.

Summer Reading: Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s Musical Petting Zoo (Main)
Wednesday, August 6
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Here’s your chance to try an instrument in a judgment-free zone that encourages exploration and excitement! After an introduction to the instruments, participants get a chance to bow a violin, blow a horn or tap out a rhythm on a drum. 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.

Evening Family Story Time (Collins)
Wednesday, August 6
5:30-6 p.m.

Join us for half an hour of songs, stories and rhymes. For children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required.

Peter Guralnick presents: The Colonel and the King: Tom Parker, Elvis Presley, and the Partnership that Rocked the World (Main)
Wednesday, August 6
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Peter Guralnick—Grammy Award-winner for his liner notes for Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Square Club, and prize-winning author of the two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love—for a discussion of his new book The Colonel and the King: Tom Parker, Elvis Presley, and the Partnership that Rocked the World. He will be joined in conversation by Peter Wolf—Boston-based rock ’n’ roll legend and former front man of the legendary J. Geils Band. Registration is required.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, August 7
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.

Summer Reading: Drop-In Button Making Workshop (Boudreau)
Thursday, August 7
3-5 p.m.

Come try your hand at making a beautiful pin or magnet! Draw your own design and learn to use our button making machine. Each attendee will have the opportunity to make one or two printed designs as well. This event is recommended for school-age children. No registration necessary - just drop in anytime during the event (while supplies last). 

Summer Reading: Fun with Bubbles (O’Neill)
Thursday, August 7
4-5:30 p.m.

Join us outdoors to explore and learn with bubbles! We will blow bubbles of all sizes, make bubble wands, and play bubble games! For children of all ages with a caregiver. In case of rain or bad weather there will be modified activities inside the Library.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, August 7
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!

Summer Reading: Book Bingo Story Time (Collins)
Friday, August 8
11-11:45 a.m.

Join us for a special story time featuring books to match a square on this summer's bingo board for young children. Today, we will read stories about or set in nature and create something inspired by the books. Recommended for ages birth to five with a caregiver.

Summer Reading: Stay Cool Craft (Boudreau)
Friday, August 8
2-3 p.m.

Join us for a nice, cool afternoon of crafting at the Boudreau branch. All crafting materials will be provided by the library. This event is intended for school-age children. No registration necessary - this event is open to all while supplies last.

Park Sounds Presents: Reclaiming Folk (Main)
Saturday, August 9
1-2:30 p.m.

Join us in Joan Lorentz Park from 1-2:30 p.m. for a concert celebrating the roots of folk music with Reclaiming Folk, a concert series that celebrates and honors people of color in folk music, created by singer-songwriter Naomi Westwater. Back by popular demand, this event will feature original compositions—performed by Valeria Orrantia, Anand Nayak, and Naomi Westwater—as well as cover songs that honor the musicians who came before, short interviews with the musicians about folk music, and time for a Q&A from the audience. Registration is not required.

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