Director's Update, January 18, 2026

Dear Patrons, 

All library locations will be closed on Monday, January 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Library was pleased to host Dr. Brandon M. Terry, Brandon M. Terry is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University and the co-director of the Institute on Policing, Incarceration, and Public Safety at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. Dr. Terry, who was introduced by Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, spoke about his book Shattered Dreams, Infinite Hope: A Tragic Vision of the Civil Rights Movement. Among many salient points, Terry noted that Dr. King’s believe in nonviolence was grounded in Agape love, a love driven by deep care and concern for the wellbeing of one’s neighbor which he distinguished from eros which is rooted in affection and sentiment.

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, Collins, 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                       

• Drop-in Tech Help
• One-on-One Tech Help

Create resumes with Google Docs (Main)
Tuesday, January 20
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn how to create a resume using Google Docs in a friendly and welcoming learning environment. A Google account is required for this class. Please remember your Gmail address and password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. 

Remembering Together: Grief Support Group (Central Square)
Tuesday, January 20
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, January 20
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 Design Your Own Graphic Novel Session 2/3 (Valente)
Tuesday, January 20
4-5 p.m.

Learn how to visually capture your own memoir or fictional creation in a short graphic novel through story planning, character development, and techniques for capturing emotions, motion, and time. Materials provided and no prior art or author experience needed! Registration is required and is attached to the 1/13 first session. This program is for ages 10-18. 

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, Wednesday, 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, January 20
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, January 20
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.

Starting a Small Business workshop series (Central Square) 
Tuesday, January 20
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Ready to Level Up Your Business? Join Our 4-Week Workshop! 
Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, this workshop is for you! Over four weeks, we'll give you the practical skills to make your business run even better. We'll focus on what you need to learn to succeed. This isn't just theory – it's the stuff you need to know to build a strong business. Think of this as your essential business toolkit. If you're new to the business world, we'll give you the confidence and know-how to get started and grow. 

Workshop 1: Foundation and Idea Validation - Tuesday, January 20, 2026

• Key Principles of Entrepreneurship: Discussing business ownership, risk, and mindset
• Developing and Validating Your Idea: Identifying problems, solutions, and testing the market
• Understanding the Fundamentals of Customer Service: Core concepts for enhancing customer experiences
• Introductory Ideas in Marketing and E-commerce: Brief overview of digital presence and sales channels.

Please register here. If you have any questions or issues with registration, contact Tyrone Fells at 617-349-7223 or tfells@cambridgema.gov.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, January 21
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. 

Chapter Book Craft Club (O'Connell)
Wednesday, January 21
4-5 p.m.

Come talk about a different series each week and get crafty with it! Make a button or bookmark or draw your favorite characters. Recommended for ages 5-8. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. This week's series is Dragon Masters by Tracey West.

Inventing Samantha (Main)
Wednesday, January 21
6-7:30 p.m.

Join Cambridge Camping and the Cambridge Community Center for our first 2026 Village Building Series event: a live theater performance of Inventing Samanta (Our Ray of Hope) at the Cambridge Public Library. The play is performed by actors ages 19-26, following a group of high school students and exploring why - despite age, identity, or background - anyone can be an inventor. Presented by Central Square Theater's Youth Underground, with funding from Cambridge STEAM. This event is cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library.

Mend & Make Meetup (Valente)
Wednesday, January 21
6-7:30 p.m.

Have clothes to mend or craft projects to work on? Join us for our new monthly meetup! Bring what you are working on and we will provide basic mending supplies. Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, January 22
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, January 22
5-6 p.m.

Bring your project and come 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!

Craft & Art Supply Swap (Main)
Thursday, January 22
4-6 p.m.

Exchange your surplus paint, fabric, fiber, and other supplies with fellow crafters and artists in the community! Donations accepted at the Main Library Q&A desk starting January 5, 2026. Make & Mend Somerville has generously offered to accept leftover supplies, so please make sure your donations follow their guidelines: https://makeandmendshop.com/pages/donate.

Cozy Crafternoon: Snowflakes (Collins)
Thursday, January 22
4:30-6 p.m.

Come get creative at Collins! Join your neighbors at this casual, drop-in afternoon craft session. This month, we celebrate winter by making snowflakes. We'll provide supplies and instructions to cut traditional snowflakes and advanced 3-D versions using multiple sheets of paper. This month's activity is recommended for people of all ages.

The First President and the First People: Washington in the Native Northeast (Main/Virtual)
Thursday, January 22
6-7:30 p.m.

To mark the 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, a coalition of local non-profits and government agencies will present Washington in American Memory, a seven-part speaker series. Registration is required.

Trace how diplomacy, collaboration, and conflict shaped the early republic through Washington’s relationships with Native people, featuring: 

• Colin Gordon Calloway, author of The Indian World of George Washington: The First President, the First Americans, and the Birth of the Nation and the John Kimball, Jr. 1943 Professor of History and Professor of Native American Studies at Dartmouth College
  
  
• Kabl Wilkerson, enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (Bourassa & Muller families; Bear Clan) and doctoral candidate in the History Department at Harvard University

Coffee and Games! (Boudreau)
Friday, January 23
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!

Kids' Zine Collective (Collins)
Friday, January 23
4-5 p.m.

This event will take place at the Collins Branch during the O'Neill Branch closure. Please contact sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov with any questions.
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. Snacks are provided! For kids ages 7 and up.

Kindergarten Party (Central Square)
Friday, January 23
4-5 p.m.

Party like you just got your first library card! All Kindergartners, along with their families and friends, are welcome to attend. We will have activities, crafts and snacks.

Kindergarten Party (O'Connell)
Friday, February 23
4-5 p.m.

Party like you just got your first library card! All Kindergartners, along with their families and friends, are welcome to attend. We will have activities, crafts and snacks.

The Spot: Shop for Free (Central Square) 
Friday, January 23
11:30 a.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

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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.