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O’Neill Branch Library
The O’Neill Branch Library will close on Monday, January 5 until early February for a routine Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system update. The new HVAC system will be more energy efficient. During this time, patrons can use any of the other six branch libraries to check out books and attend programs. The Boudreau and Collins Branches are the nearest locations to the O’Neill Branch.
CPL in the News
Last week, 7News Boston covered the Valente Branch’s Read to a Dog program. See the article and a preview of the segment here: SEE THE GOOD: Cambridge library brings in furry friend to help kids with reading.
Upcoming Events
Join us at the Main Library on Saturday, December 20, from 2-3 p.m., for the 2nd Annual Festive Fanfare with the Boston Festival Orchestra. The "Festive Fanfare," is a dazzling celebration of the season's joy and warmth featuring the radiant power of brass instruments. Light refreshments and treats will be provided. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries
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Additional Programs and Events
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
Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Monday, December 15
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: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, December 15
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 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, December15
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.
Making Holiday Cards and Wrapping Paper (O'Neill)
Monday, December 15
3:30-5 p.m.
Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to create hand-made cards and wrapping paper using print-making techniques! Snacks provided. No registration necessary.
Homemade Gifts: Tissue Paper Flowers (Collins)
Monday, December 15
4-4:45 p.m.
Join us to craft homemade gifts this holiday season. Learn to create flowers made from tissue paper. Build a bouquet to take home for yourself or share with someone special. Recommended for children ages 6-12 with a caregiver.
Please note: latecomers arriving after 4:30 p.m. may not have time to complete this project.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, December 15
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 Photos Basics (Main)
Tuesday, December 16
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Learn how to use Google Photos to organize and save your photos and videos!
In the class, you will learn how to:
You will need a Google (Gmail) account for this class - please bring your login info! A laptop will be available for use during class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration to attend this class is strongly encouraged but not required.
Remembering Together (Central Square)
Tuesday, December 16
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.
Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, December 16
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, December 16
5-6 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.
Youth Dungeons & Dragons Session 2/4 (Valente)
Tuesday, December 16
4-5 p.m.
Youth ages 10-16 are welcome to join four sessions of cooperative role-play and storytelling as we build out skills playing the table-top game DnD. No prior DnD experience is required, and experienced players are also welcome to join. Registration is attached to the first program. This program is capped at 8 players. Please plan to attend all sessions!
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
5-6 p.m.
Do you 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, December 16
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, December 16
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 is helpful.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, December 17
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, December 17
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 winter decorations!
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, December 17
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.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, December 18
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, December 18
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)
Thursday, December 18
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!
Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, December 18
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!
Shop for Free with The Spot (Central Square)
Friday, December 19
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Come Shop for Free with Spot at the Central Square Branch Library. Gear up with fall and winter clothes, accessories, supplies, and more -- all for free! First come, first serve. For more information: spotcambridge@karayallc.com.
CPL Nature Club: Winter Solstice Stories and STEAM (Main)
Friday, December 19
4-4:45 p.m.
Join us for stories and a craft to celebrate the shortest day of the year. Come read, sing, craft and welcome back the light!
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS with guest author, Kendall Kulper (O'Neill)
Friday, December 19
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! This week we will be joined by guest author, Kendall Kulper. If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful but not required.
CPL Nature Club: Winter Solstice Celebration (O'Neill)
Saturday, December 20
3-4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the winter season! Join us for a seasonal story, a winter nature craft and a cozy treat.
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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:
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