Director's Update, November 16, 2025

Dear Patrons, 

A changing climate means that winters in Massachusetts are getting weird. On Tuesday, November 18, 6 p.m., hear from some of Cambridge's sustainability experts on the ways climate change is affecting our winter weather -- and how to best prepare your home or apartment for colder weather while saving money. This event is hybrid, and registration is required.

Calling all trans and nonbinary herb lovers! On November 18, join us at the Valente Branch over a cup of herbal tea to discuss how we can work with plants to care for ourselves and each other. Trans herbalist Mo Katz-Christy will share some herbs and blends that can support communal care, and we will have time to gather and celebrate Transgender Awareness Week. Bring your favorite mug, your questions, and your trans pals! Registration is required.

Join us for Empowerment in Your Later Years: Caregiver Resilience on Thursday, November 20, 2-3 p.m. Tailored for all caregivers this session will provide advice for building resilience and managing the physical and psychosocial demands of caregiving. Registration is required. This event will be held online.

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
• Drop-in Tech Help

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Monday, November 17
9-10 a.m.

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, November 17
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 is required for each session. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Meditation Mondays (Central Square)
Monday, November 17
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.

Identity Theft and Fraud Protection (Main)
Monday, November 17
12-1 p.m.

Do you know what to do to keep your identity safe? Would you know what to do if you were the victim of identity theft? Robin Putnam from the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation will be at the Library to provide you with essential information to stay steps ahead of fraudsters. She’ll tell you how to spot and avoid scams, inform you about the latest scams we’re seeing, along with steps to take if you have been a victim. Registration is required.

DINO-vember Preschool Story Time (Collins)
Monday, November 17
4-4:45 p.m.

November is now DINO-vember! Celebrate with stories, songs and a craft featuring triceratops, stegosaurus and t-rex. Recommended for children ages 3-7 and their caregivers.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, November 17
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.

Robot Story Time with the Museum of Science 
Tuesday, November 18, 10:30-11 a.m.
Tuesday, November 18, 11:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Can a robot be a friend? Can a robot help do your chores? An educator from the Museum of Science leads Robot Storytime to explore these questions through an original story. After the story, participants can interact with a robot dog!  Recommended for ages 0-7 with a caregiver.

Expressive Art for Older Adults: Beading Workshop (Main)
Tuesday, November 18
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Learn the basics of beaded jewelry making and the difference between semi-precious stones and precious stones.  Participants will keep all pieces they make. This will be an in-person program at the Main Library - Rossi Room. Space is limited to 10 participants. This workshop will be led by Zangar Freeman. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Gmail Basics - Manage your inbox and storage (Main)
Tuesday, November 18
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn how to manage your Gmail inbox and storage by labeling, archiving and deleting emails. 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.

Remembering Together: Grief Support Group (Central Square)
Tuesday, November 18
12-1 p.m.

The "Remembering Together" support group is for patrons who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Facilitated by the library social worker, this online group offers a safe and confidential online space for peers to come together, share common experiences and heal in community. If you are interested in participating, or simply learning more about this offering, please email Brett Dixon, the library social worker, at bdixon@cambridgema.gov. 

Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Tuesday, November 18
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, November 18
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.

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.

Are You Ready for Winter Weirding? (Main/Virtual)
Tuesday, November 18
6-7 p.m.

A changing climate means that winters in Massachusetts are getting weird. Hear from some of Cambridge's sustainability experts on the ways climate change is affecting our winter weather -- and how to best prepare your home or apartment for colder weather while saving money.

Questions from attendees are highly encouraged! This event will be hosted at the Main Library and livestreamed for remote attendees. Please select whether you will attend in-person or online below when registering. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Questions about this event can be sent to alengel@cambridgema.gov.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, November 18
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Trans Tea Time with Mo Katz-Christy (Valente)
Tuesday, November 18
6-7:30 p.m.

Calling all trans and nonbinary herb lovers! Join us over a cup of herbal tea to discuss how we can work with plants to care for ourselves and each other. Trans herbalist Mo Katz-Christy will share some herbs and blends that can support communal care, and we will have time to gather and celebrate Transgender Awareness Week. Bring your favorite mug, your questions, and your trans pals! Registration is required.

Death Cafe (Virtual)
Tuesday. November 18
7-8 p.m.

Join us for a virtual Death Cafe - an evening of open, lively, and insightful discussion about death for adults aged 18 and older. While not a support group nor a venue for bereavement, a Death Cafe seeks to provide an unscripted, non-judgmental platform for those wishing to explore the many facets of this often-taboo subject. Facilitated by Richard Davis, a long time Death Cafe organizer and hospice volunteer. Come with an open mind, a healthy curiosity, and a willingness to share your thoughts, feelings, and questions with other like-minded individuals. This is a virtual event on Zoom. Space is limited. Registration is required. Questions? Contact Daryl at dcabrol@cambridgema.gov.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, November 19
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!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, November 19
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 month we will be making tin foil sculptures!!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Connell)
Wednesday, November 19
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. 

Books Not Binaries Reading Group (Central Square)
Wednesday, November 19
6-7 p.m.

Join us for a book discussion and hangout each month as we read books that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ experience. All readers age 10-13 welcome! Registration is required. For questions, email hsaxton@cambridgema.gov. This month we're reading Jude Saves the World by Ronnie Riley (Scholastic, 2023). Copies of the book are available at the Central Square Library Children's Desk. Pizza will be provided!

CPL Nature Club: Elder Walks (Valente) 
Thursday, November 20
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 Valente entrance. 

Empowerment in Your Later Years: Caregiver Resilience (Virtual)
Thursday, November 20
2-3 p.m.

A webinar designed to invest in your health, wellness, and longevity. Tailored for all caregivers - such as direct care or caring for a loved one - this session will provide advice for building resilience and managing the physical and psychosocial demands of caregiving.  We'll discuss your non-negotiables, defining your vision and strategy, identifying resources, and knowing your payer partners. Registration is required. This event will be held online.  A Zoom link will be sent to registrants one hour before the session begins. 

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, November 20
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, November 20
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, November 20
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, November 20
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!

Little Groove Music and Movement (O'Connell)
Friday, November 21
11-11:45 a.m.

This interactive 45-minute children’s show is designed to engage young audiences through music, movement, and play. A professional musician with an acoustic guitar leads the program, and an assistant guides the kids through activities with rhythm instruments, scarves, original songs, and familiar favorites to keep the kids engaged and excited. No registration required. Recommended for ages 0-4 with a caregiver.

Coffee & Games for Adults (Valente)
Friday, November 21
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us at the Valente Branch for coffee and games. We have Scrabble, cribbage, cards, Bananagrams, chess, checkers, Boggle and more! Registration is helpful.

Coffee and Games! (Boudreau)
Friday, November 21
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Kick Back & Watch a Movie (Central Square)
Friday, November 21
3-5 p.m.

Join us for a special Halloween screening of Hocus Pocus (PG) on Central Square Library’s big screen and eat free popcorn! No registration required.

Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
Friday, November 21
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!

Youth Dungeons & Dragons Session 3/3 (Valente Branch)
Friday, November 21
4-5:30 p.m.

Youth ages 10-16 are welcome to join for three sessions of cooperative role-play and storytelling as we build out skills playing the table-top game DnD. The first session will include a character-building introduction followed by play continued into the next two sessions. No prior DnD experience is required, and experienced players are also welcome to join. Registration is required, as the program is capped at 8 players. Please plan to attend all sessions! (Registration is attached to the first DnD session on 11/7 and closed on that date.)

Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Saturday, November 22
2-3 p.m.

Read with a cuddly friend! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins on Saturday, November 15 by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).

Board Game Party (Valente)
Saturday, November 22
2-4 p.m.

Join us for at the Valente Branch for a game filled afternoon! Play board games with family, friends and neighbors. This drop-in program is recommended for children aged 5+ and their caretakers. 

 

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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.