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Dear Patrons,
Happy Digital Inclusion Week! This week, we join @netinclusion and organizations across the country in raising awareness about digital equity and the importance of inclusion in our increasingly digital world. In honor of #DIW2025, we are celebrating the success of the Cambridge Digital Navigator Program. Since launching in August 2024, the program has helped more than 800 Cambridge residents address gaps in digital access. The innovative program model centers on community-based Digital Navigator roles who support low-income residents in accessing internet service, free digital devices, digital literacy classes, and one-on-one tech support. Digital Navigators also connect residents to a variety of community resources, including affordable housing programs, childcare resources, and food assistance. Since launching in August 2024, the program has helped more than 800 Cambridge residents address gaps in digital access.
Upcoming Events
Community, Resilience, and Activism in the Latinx Community with Gladys Vega (Main)
On Tuesday, October 14, from 6-7:30 p.m., Join us for a conversation about community, resilience, and activism in the Latinx community with Gladys Vega, the Executive Director of La Collaborativa in Chelsea. Gladys Vega is a groundbreaking community organizer and advocate, working relentlessly and fearlessly to ensure the Latinx immigrant community has a voice in determining how it’s needs and concerns are addressed. She believes that empowerment of the individual leads to empowerment of the community and that social action is the vehicle an empowered community can use to achieve its goals. Gladys is the architect of nearly all of La Colaborativa’s programs, initiatives, and community organizing campaigns. Her leadership has resulted in expanded rights for immigrants, low-income families, tenants, workers, youths, and people of color across Massachusetts. Registration is required.
All Library locations will be closed Monday, Oct. 12, for Indigenous Peoples Day.
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
Gmail Basics - Manage your inbox and storage (Main)
Tuesday, October 14
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Learn how to manage your Gmail inbox and storage by labeling, archiving and deleting emails. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. 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. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, October 14
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.
Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Tuesday, October 14
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.
Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Main)
Tuesday, October 14
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 is required for each session. This is an in-person event in the Community Room of the Main Library.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
5-6 p.m.
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, October 14
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, October 15
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!
Creative Aging: Intermediate Improv (Main)
Wednesday, October 15
1:30-3:30 p.m.
A series of classes with instruction from Comedian Jack Grey for individuals with some improv experience. Learn how to seamlessly integrate interactive improv games, scenes, and skillful storytelling that all come together with performance. This will be an in-person program at the Main Library. Space is limited to 15 participants. Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available.
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, October 15
2:30-4 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.
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, October 15
2:30-4 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 fall decorations!
Read to a Dog (Valente)
Wednesday, October 15
3:30-5 p.m.
Read to Dante, our local cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required and begins on Wednesday, October 8 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).
Citizenship Preparation Classes (Central Square)
Wednesday, October 15
6-8 p.m.
Come join this free 10-week class, in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program. This series of classes prepares students for all parts of the Citizenship interview. This class is offered as a 10-week series. Attendance at all sessions is expected. Registration is required. Click Here to Register. For more information about registering or classes contact St. Marks at stmarkesol@gmail.com or 617-288-8515.
Requirements:
CPL Nature Club: Elder Walks (Main)
Wednesday, October 15
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 and draw on contemplative practices. Registration is required.
What to bring: layered clothing, comfortable shoes and water.
Where to meet: outside the Main Library entrance.
Understanding Vision Loss in Seniors (Main)
Thursday, October 16
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Are you or a loved one experiencing changes in vision? Isabel Rosario, Outreach Specialist, will discuss how to recognize the signs of vision loss, questions to ask your eye doctor, tips on staying independent and safe, and local resources and support. Registration is requested but not required.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, October 16
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.
Teen Hangout (Valente Branch)
Thursday, October 16
3:30-5 p.m.
Hangout with other teens in the Valente Branch Community Room after school: socialize, unwind, play a game, make some art- your choice! No registration required, drop-in between 3:30-5pm.
Jungle Animal Masks (Collins)
Thursday, October 16
4-4:50 p.m.
Need an accessory for a costume? Decorate a mosaic mask to disguise yourself as a jungle animal. Recommended for children ages 4-10 with a caregiver.
Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, October I6
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, October 17
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 for each class. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Cozy Crafternoon (Collins)
Friday, October 17
3:30-5 p.m.
Come get creative at Collins! Join your neighbors at this casual, self-guided afternoon craft session for adults. Bring your own projects or start something new with assorted materials provided. No expertise required. Registration encouraged.
Youth Try-it! Dungeons & Dragons Single Session (Valente Branch)
Friday, October 17
3:30-5 p.m.
Youth ages 10+ are welcome to join us for a single session of cooperative storytelling and role-play table-top game Dungeons & Dragons. Youth who have never played are encouraged to Try it!, Youth with DnD experience are welcome. No registration required.
Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
Friday, October 17
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!
Phillis Wheatley Day Celebration (Main)
Saturday, October 18
1:45-4:30 p.m.
Join the Library in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the publication of Phillis Wheatley's poems with a poetry reading and workshop. Organized by the poet Artress Bethany White—the co-editor of Wheatley at 250: Black Women Poets Re-imagine the Verse of Phillis Wheatley Peters—this event will open with an African drumming prelude, followed by a presentation on Wheatley's life and work as well as a reading by contemporary poets inspired by Wheatley and collected in Wheatley at 250, and concluding with a short writing exercise designed to engage the audience with Wheatley's poems.
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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.
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