Director's Update, October 19, 2025

This program, led by Zeenat Potia, will introduce and utilize mindfulness techniques to help us examine and regulate everyday life changes with a focus on aging. Participants will learn and benefit from the development of a mindfulness practice to enable responding to getting older in a calm, clear and thoughtful manner. Registration is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, October 20
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.

Meditation Mondays (Central Square)
Monday, October 20
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, October 20
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.

Artful Evenings: Open Crafting for Adults (O’Neill)
Monday, October 20
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.

iPhone and iPad Basics - How to clean up your phone memory (Main)
Tuesday, October 21
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Is your phone or tablet low on storage or running slowly? Join us for a free, online class where you’ll learn easy ways to clear space, organize your apps, and improve your phone’s performance. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.  Laptops will be provided for the class. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Tuesday, October 21
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, October 21
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.

Teen Advisory Board (Main)
Tuesday, October 21
3-4 p.m.

Teens! Help us plan teen programs for the Library. Earn community service hours. Enjoy free snacks. We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.

Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Main)
Tuesday, October 21
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.

Professor Bugman: Spooky Bones and Creepy Crawlies (Central Square)
Tuesday, October 21
4-5 p.m.

Explore bones and meet real-live creepy crawlies in this science-based program with entomology expert, Professor Bugman! Registration is required for this program. Please register each child attending the program (adults do not have to register themselves). For questions, please contact the Central Square Children's Room at 617-349-4012. This program is recommended for children ages 4+ and their caregivers.

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.

Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, October 21
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of board games. We have: Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Azul, Splendor, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages. Registration helpful.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, October 21
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 22
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!

Lunch at the Library for Teens: Welcome to the Haunted Library (O’Connell)
Wednesday, October 22
1-3 p.m.

Join us for lunch, a spooky scavenger hunt, and fun prizes! Free pizza will be provided while supplies last. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18. If you have any dietary restrictions, please call us at 617-349-4019 by October 14, 2025. 

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, October 22
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 22
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 masks!

Wellness Art Wednesday: Fall Leaves Watercolor (Main)
Wednesday, October 22
3-5 p.m.

Fall season is in the air, here at the Library! This art class will be a hybrid of indoor and outdoor time. Allowing you to get up close with the trees and leaves to take artistic observations of your surroundings. All supplies will be provided but please bring any protective gear (long sleeves and sweaters) in the event of slightly cold weather. Registration is required.

Grand Reopening Party! (Valente)
Wednesday, October 22
3-6 p.m.

Join the Valente staff to celebrate the reopening of the Valente Branch Library! Reconnect with neighbors and enjoy refreshments, crafts, and games. Weather permitting, the party will take place on the front patio space.

Expressive Healing Group (Central Square)
Wednesday, October 22
4-5 p.m. 

The Expressive Healing Group is a support group co-facilitated by the Central Square Branch Manager, Ruby Vail, and the Library Social Worker, Brett Dixon, that offers a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore healing and self-expression through the art of creative writing.   

Narcan Distribution (Central Square)
Thursday, October 23
1-3 p.m. 

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

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, October 23
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.

After-school Craft: Button Making (Boudreau)

Thursday, October 23

 3-5 p.m.

Stop by the Boudreau Branch after school and use our two button makers to create your very own buttons. Draw a beautiful picture or print out an image from the computer (once per attendee) to use. This drop-in event is intended for school aged children and their families.

Teen Hangout (Valente Branch)
Thursday, October 22
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.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, October 22
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!

Megha Majumdar presents: A Guardian and a Thief (Main) 
Thursday, October 23 
6-7:30 p.m. 

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Megha Majumdar—author of the New York Times bestselling novel A Burning—for a discussion of her new novel A Guardian and a Thief. She will be joined in conversation by Allegra Goodman—local author of the bestselling novels Isola and The Chalk Artist. Registration is required.

Coffee And Games! (Boudreau)
Friday, October 24
11 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for coffee, treats, and games (Chess, Cribbage, Rummikub, etc.). Bring a friend or meet a new one at the library! 

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main) 
Friday, October 24
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.  Registration is required.  

Design Your Own Space Mission Patch! (Main)
Friday, October 24
4:00-4:30 p.m.  

Design Your Own Space Mission Patch! Young space enthusiasts are invited to imagine and create their own space mission patch, just like real astronauts!  Each child will choose a mission goal, name their spacecraft, and design a patch that tells the story of their adventure. As they draw, children will hear inspiring stories about real-life women astronauts. Recommended for children in grades K-5.  This special activity is part of Massachusetts STEM Week 2025 and is organized by The Space Consortium, the local space education and outreach nonprofit behind Massachusetts Space Week (April 20-26, 2026).  

Cambridge Young Authors’ Squad – CYAS – Fall 2025 Kickoff (O’Neill)
Friday, October 10
4-5 p.m.

Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful but not required.

Fall Pie Swap (Central Square)
Saturday, October 25
12-1 p.m.

Calling all bakers for a pie potluck! Make a pie and come bring it to share with others. Share recipes and samples of everyone's favorite fall snack. Various baking and pie cookbooks are available for pickup at the Branch.

Saturday Songs and Stories (O’Neill)
Saturday, October 25
3:30-4 p.m. 

Music, movement and stories! Join librarians for 20 minutes of fun! For children of all ages and their grown-ups.

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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.