Director's Update, August 31, 2025

Dear Patrons, 

On Thursday, September 4, 6-7:30 p.m., join Angela Tate, the Chief Curator at Boston's historic Museum of African American History, at the Main Library for a presentation about Black Voices of the Revolution: Liberty, Emancipation, and the Struggle for Independence, an exhibition currently display at the MAAH.

On Friday, September 5, 4-5 p.m., participate in a discussion about the Massachusetts State Flag at the Central Square Branch. Learn about the history and significance of the Massachusetts state seal, flag, and motto from Sage Carbone and David Shane Lowry. Engage in conversation about your community's symbols and better understand why our state symbols must be changed. This discussion is inspired by the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission’s open call to artists, historians, educators, students, and members of the public to participate in the effort to redesign the state’s seal, flag, and motto. Established by the Legislature in 2024, the Commission is tasked with developing and recommending new symbols to represent the state through a statewide public process. Learn more about the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission’s open call to artists.

On Saturday, September 6, 2-4 p.m., join the American Repertory Theater, in collaboration with the artists Dr. Rob "Problak" Gibbs and Gina Latham, for an afternoon community mural visioning workshop at the Main Library. Registration is encouraged but not required.

All Library locations will be closed today, August 31, and Monday, September 1, for Labor Day. Sunday hours at the Main Library resume on September 7.

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

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, September 2
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.     

Wellness for Older Adults: Low-Impact Fitness (Main)
Tuesday, September 2
3:15-4 p.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.

Back to School Craft: Paper Camera Roll (Main)
Tuesday, September 2
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Celebrate the end of summer and get ready to go back to school with us at this drop-in craft hour! Make and color a paper camera and some snapshots to illustrate all your best summer memories to share with your school-friends. All materials are provided. Recommended for children ages 5 - 8. Registration is not required for this event.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, September 2
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Smartphone Photography [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, September 3
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, September 3
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!

Wednesday of Wonder – W.O.W. (O’Neill)
Wednesday, September 3
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 have a doodle party.

Brewery Book Club (Lamplighter)
Wednesday, September 3
7-8:30 p.m.

You’re invited to our September Brewery Book Club, where Lamplighter and the Cambridge Public Library team up to highlight contemporary works from marginalized voices while having a beer. We meet at Lamplighter Brewing Co., 284 Broadway, in the back taproom. This month we’ll read I Leave It Up to You by Jinwoo Chong. Registration is encouraged but not required.

CPL Nature Club: Elder Walks (Central Square)
Thursday, September 4
10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join guide Stefanie Haug while exploring our neighborhood nature and celebrating Elderhood. As a group we'll connect with nature and the neighborhood mindfully with a gentle walk, drawing on contemplative practices. Registration is required.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, September 4
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, September 4
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!

CPL Nature Club: Herb of the Month: Mint (O’Connell)
Thursday, September 4
4:30-6 p.m.

Join herbalist Mo Katz-Christy to get deeply acquainted with mint! We’ll spend time getting to know this medicinal plant through drawing, taste, science, and stories of herbalists’ experience. Bring your journal and leave with an in-depth account of botany, history, clinical use, and safety. Registration is required.

Black Voices of the Revolution: Liberty, Emancipation, and the Struggle for Independence (Main)
Thursday, September 4
6-7:30 p.m.

Join Angela Tate, the Chief Curator at Boston's historic Museum of African American History for a presentation about Black Voices of the Revolution: Liberty, Emancipation, and the Struggle for Independence, an exhibition currently on display at the MAAH. 

The Massachusetts State Flag (Central Square)

Friday, September 5

4-5:15 p.m.

Why does the Massachusetts State flag matter? Learn about the history and significance of the Massachusetts state seal, flag, and motto from Sage Carbone and David Shane Lowry. Think more deeply about your community's symbols and better understand why our state flag must be changed. This discussion is inspired by the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission’s open call to artists, historians, educators, students, and members of the public to participate in the effort to redesign the state’s seal, flag, and motto. Established by the Legislature in 2024, the Commission is tasked with developing and recommending new symbols to represent the state through a statewide public process. Learn more about the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission’s open call to artists.

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, September 5
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, September 5
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!

CPR for Parents and Caregivers (Central Square)
Saturday, September 6
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

This CPR class will cover life-saving skills for infants, children and adults. We will use multi-media and hands-on practice to be sure students acquire skills and confidence to assist in a life-saving medical situation. This class will also cover training and the use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for all ages, along with life-saving skills in choking situations. Students will receive their certificate upon completion of class. Please note that the City is not responsible for the content or training equipment.  Space is limited (20 adults), registration is required. This event is full but a waitlist is available.

Community Visioning Workshop with the A.R.T., Problak, and Gina Latham (Main)
Saturday, September 6
2-4 p.m.

Join the American Repertory Theater, in collaboration with the artists Dr. Rob "Problak" Gibbs and Gina Latham, for an afternoon community mural visioning workshop. Attendees will be invited to share stories, values, references, and insights that will inform the eventual development of a community mural at the A.R.T.'s new location. The two-hour workshop is free, designed for all ages, and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required.

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