Director's Update, September 7, 2025

Dear Patrons, 

National Library Card Sign-Up Month 

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Getting a library card is free and easy! Any resident of Massachusetts over the age of 5 can get a Cambridge Public Library card. When you have a library card, you can borrow books, movies, magazines, music, STEAM kits and many other items for free. Visit our websiteto learn how to register for a card. 

National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote awareness that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. To honor this important event, here is a list of book selections to browse on this topic. In need of support? Please contact:  

• MA Substance Use Helpline

• Community Behavioral Health Center

Your local librarians are also happy to connect you with important resources pertaining to this topic. You can also connect with the Library Social Worker.

Sustaining Community: A Climate Change Book Group

Join us for a new monthly climate change book group. We will share thoughts, resources, and occasionally host special guests in a welcoming small-group environment. For our inaugural meeting on Monday, September 29, we will discuss Walden Warming by Richard B. Primack. Registration is required.  

Sundays at Main

Sunday hours resume at the Main Library today! Stop by on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. The O’Neill Branch Library is now closed on Sundays.  

Best,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries

                                                                                     +++

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

Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual)
Monday, September 8
11-11:45 a.m.

A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful class.  We'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 everybody! 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.

Narcan Distribution (Central Square)
Monday, September 8
12-2 p.m.

Swing by the Central Square Branch Library to restock on Narcan and learn more about how to reverse overdoses. 

Meditation Mondays (Central Square)
Monday, September 8
12-1 p.m.

Start your week off right with some meditation at the Central Square Library. Led by the Library Social Worker, Brett Dixon, we combine gentle breathwork, visualization practice and mindful meditation, for a relaxing and recharging experience.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, September 8
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.

Google Drive Basics (Main)
Tuesday, September 9
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 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. 

Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Tuesday, September 9
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Join us each Tuesday afternoon at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker.  No equipment needed. This is an in-person program taking place in the Lewis Room at Central Square.  Registration is required for each session. 

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, September 9
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.

Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Tuesday, September 9
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday, September 12
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 6pm. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov.

Great Big Tiny Art Show gallery opening (Central Square)
Tuesday, September 9
5-7 p.m.

Come celebrate the masterpieces created by your neighbors at Central Square's first Great Big Tiny Art Show gallery opening! We'll have tiny art on display, all created by the patrons and staff at the Central Square Branch Library. Light refreshments!

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, September 9
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Intermediate (Main) 
Wednesday, September 10
10-11 a.m.

Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. This is an in-person event at the Main Library. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

Smartphone Photography [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, September 10
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 full; a waitlist is available.

Fiber Crafts Group – Drop-In (O’Connell)
Wednesday, September 10
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 10
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 sticker art!

One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, September 10
4-4:45 p.m.

Would you like help navigating the library's e-resources like Libby or Hoopla? Or maybe you need some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Book a free one-on-one tech help session at the Boudreau branch: Some topics we cover include:

• Downloading library eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop
• Navigating databases and other library resources such as Linkedin Learning
• Using the Internet and e-mail
• Setting up devices like smartphones or streaming devices

Guidelines for basic Tech help:

• Scheduled sessions run between 30-45 minutes
• Please bring your device, cords and any necessary account information
• Library staff cannot be held responsible for damage to patron-owned equipment

If you have questions, please send them to: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov.

 

Wellness Art Wednesday: Paint Your Truth (Main)
Wednesday, September 10
5:30-7 p.m.

Paint Your Truth is a community-based process painting therapeutic workshop. This in-person event allows you to express your emotions through the power of painting. Let go of stress and connect with others in a supportive environment. No painting experience needed, just an open heart and mind. Come and discover the healing power of art! All materials provided by the Library. Registration is required.

 

Time Out for Public Art Tactile Talks (Millers River Apartments)
Wednesday, September 10
5:30-6 p.m.

Join us for a guided 30-minute Tactile Talk featuring the 102 beloved mosaics recently reinstalled after extensive conservation at Millers River Apartments. These murals were originally created in 1979 by Lilli Ann Rosenberg with help from residents and children. We will meet at the entrance to Millers River Apartments at 15 Lambert St.  This event is part of our Time Out for Public Art series in collaboration with Cambridge Arts. In September, these will be Tactile Talks, shorter visits perfect for all ages and abilities. Registration is required.

 

Wiggle Party (O'Connell)
Wednesday, September 10
5:30-6 p.m.

Join us for a dance party to get your wiggles out! Play a freeze dance game, shake some shakers, and learn the steps to a new dance! For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4019. 

Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group (Main)
Wednesday, September 10
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Writers of all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported writing group.

In this group, participants take turns bringing short in-progress or completed pieces of any genre. The group reads several pieces each month, sharing feedback and constructive criticism in a supportive and inclusive environment. We may practice in-class writing exercises and read samples of published writing as time allows. Registration is required. NOTE: Registration is for this month's meeting only. For more information, please email Susannah at sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, September 11
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 11
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, September 12
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!  

Clase de RCP para Padres y Cuidadores/CPR Class for Parents and Caregivers (Central Square)
Saturday, September 13
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Esta clase será en español.

Esta clase de RCP cubrirá habilidades para salvar la vida de bebés, niños y adultos. Utilizaremos tecnología y práctica para que los estudiantes adquieran habilidades y confianza para ayudar a salvar la vida en una situación médica. Esta clase también cubrirá entrenamiento y el uso de DEA (Desfibrilador Externo Automatizado) para todas las edades, junto con habilidades para salvar la vida de una persona en situación de asfixia. Los estudiantes recibirán su certificado al completar la clase. Tenga en cuenta que la Ciudad no es responsable del contenido o equipo de entrenamiento.

Cupos limitados (20 adultos), se requiere inscripción.

Nota para participantes CONFIRMADOS: Su lugar está reservado hasta la hora de inicio del programa. Una vez que comience el programa, llenaremos los lugares disponibles de una lista de espera del día hasta que el programa alcance su capacidad máxima. Planee llegar a la biblioteca aproximadamente 15 minutos antes de la hora de inicio para contar con el tiempo necesario para registrarse antes de que comience el programa. Apreciamos su paciencia y comprensión.

La financiación para este programa ha sido generosamente proporcionada por la Fundación de Cambridge Public Library (Biblioteca Pública de Cambridge).

Drop-in Maker Studio (O'Neill)
Saturday, September 13
1-3 p.m.

Come to the Library to create something special! Use your own supplies or try out our equipment! You can use our 1-inch button maker, 2.5 inch button maker, 3-D Doodle pens, or Janome sewing machines. The Library will provide basic supplies. This drop-in program is for people who feel comfortable using these machines on their own. The Library will not provide instruction. Anyone wishing to use the sewing machines must have completed a Sewing 101 training through the Library. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tween Back to School Bag Charms (Main)
Saturday, September 13
2-2:45 p.m.

We're getting ready to go back to school with some DIY bag charms! Join us at the Main Library in the Curious George Room on Saturday, September 13th to make your own cool charm to attach to your backpack or tote. All materials are provided. This program is for ages 9 - 12. No tickets are required.

    +++    

Stay Connected                      

Pleasesubscribe to our e-mail list, follow us onX, Instagram, orFacebook, andvisit 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 websiteto learn more. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on our eventshere.