Director's Update, February 15, 2026

Dear Patrons,

Happy Lunar New Year! All Library locations will be closed on Monday, February 16, for Presidents Day.


Library Legislative Breakfast

Last week, we welcomed local, state, and national elected officials, library professionals, and community partners to discuss legislative priorities that impact libraries and the wonderful services they provide. Remarks were given by Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Councilors Marc McGovern, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Patty Nolan, and Ayah Al-Zubi. We also heard from Senator Pat Jehlen, Representative Steve Owens, and Representative Sean Garballey, who are championing legislation in support of Massachusetts libraries. They spoke about the importance of funding for libraries, the freedom to read, school library standards and fair e-book pricing. Additional remarks were given by CPL Trustee Liz Werby; O’Neill Branch Manager Andrea Fiorillo; MBLC Commissioner Joyce Linehan; Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. Many thanks to Mark Lannigan and Senator Edward Markey for their support of e-rate and digital equity. Many thanks to Mark Lannigan and Senator Edward Markey for their support of e-rate and digital equity. Thank you to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Senator Brownsberger, Senator DiDomenico, and Representative Dave Rogers for sending representatives.

 

 

Upcoming Events

Join us on Sunday, February 15, from 2-3:30 p.m. for a special concert featuring the Millennium Gospel Choir, presented by the Peace Commission in partnership with the Cambridge Public Library. Gospel music is a foundational part of Black American history and culture. Emerging from the lived experiences of Black communities, gospel has long been a source of expression, resilience, storytelling, and collective joy. It has shaped American music far beyond church walls, influencing soul, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and the popular music we know today. This concert is offered as a cultural and historical experience, highlighting gospel's role in the Black freedom struggle, community building, and artistic innovation. Through powerful vocals and rich musical traditions, the performance invites reflection on how music has carried hope, resistance, and connection across generations. Whether you are familiar with gospel or experiencing it for the first time, all are welcome to join us in honoring this enduring art form and its place in Black history. Registration is required to participate in this event.

The design feedback survey for Section C of the Broadway Safety Improvement Project is open until March 1, 2026. Review the proposed design near the high school and main library, including separated bike lanes and parking changes, and provide your input to the project team. Complete the survey before March 2 at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GHGXL7B. Installation is slated for 2026. Sign up for email updates: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/WutCle4

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, Collins, 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

Step Into the World of Gospel Music with the Millenium Gospel Choir (Main) 
Sunday, February 15
2-3:30 p.m.

As part of our Black History Month celebration, the Peace Commission invites you to Step Into the World of Gospel Music through a special concert featuring the Millennium Gospel Choir, presented in partnership with the Cambridge Public Library.

 Gospel music is a foundational part of Black American history and culture. Emerging from the lived experiences of Black communities, gospel has long been a source of expression, resilience, storytelling, and collective joy. It has shaped American music far beyond church walls, influencing soul, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and the popular music we know today.

This concert is offered as a cultural and historical experience, highlighting gospel's role in the Black freedom struggle, community building, and artistic innovation. Through powerful vocals and rich musical traditions, the performance invites reflection on how music has carried hope, resistance, and connection across generations.

Whether you are familiar with gospel or experiencing it for the first time, all are welcome to join us in honoring this enduring art form and its place in Black history. Registration is required.

Customizing phone accessibility settings (Main)
Tuesday, February 17
11 a.m.0-12 p.m.

Learn how to make your smartphone (iPhone or Android) easier to use. Learn how to use different accessibility settings for vision, hearing and interacting with your smartphone. This class will be delivered by a DOORS program instructor. To learn more about the DOORS program, please go to https://www.digitalpsych.org/doors-program.html. o 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, February 17
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, February 17
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.

Boudreau Family Movie Matinee: Wall-E (Boudreau)
Tuesday, February 17
3:30-5:30 p.m.

Join us at the Boudreau Branch as we watch the 2008 movie Wall-E. There will be pizza available! No registration required.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, February 17
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Documentary Photography with your Smartphone [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, February 18
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

We live in an age where we carry our smartphones everywhere we go. Built into this device is a camera that can help us document the world around us. Whether it’s taking family portraits, beautiful landscapes, or in some cases the meal we just sat down to eat, we’re all constantly taking photos. This class will not only teach you to take the best possible photos, but how to edit your photos to make them look as good as they possibly can. We will also cover how to organize the photos on your phone. We will learn how to become visual storytellers through projects I'll assign each week followed by thoughtful group discussions of your photos. You need only bring two things to this class: your smartphone and your imagination. The workshop will be led by Jerry Russo. Russo received a BFA from Tufts University and a studio diploma from The School of Fine Arts Boston. His photographs are held in the collection of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library at UMass Amherst and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. He was a Traveling Scholar Recipient from The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Registration is required.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, February 18
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!

The Power of Poetry with Writers without Margins (Central Square)
Wednesday, February 18
1-2:30 p.m.

Join us for artistic exploration and guided exercises to reimagine and reinvigorate your life's stories. We provide a supportive structure and process to encourage insight and healing. Come join us to reclaim your narrative! Registration is required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, February 18
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 buttons and magnets for Black History Month!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, February 18
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. 

Live at the Library: Music Class with Music at the Blissful (Collins)
Wednesday, February 18
5:30-6:15 p.m.

This school vacation week, join musician Evan Haller of Music at the Blissful for an interactive music class. Through singing, movement and playful engagement, every child is invited to participate at their own level.  Music at the Blissful presents music classes that not only entertain young minds but support early childhood development to grow mentally, physically and emotionally.  Recommended for children ages birth-7 with their caregivers.

Fabric Mending: Darning (Valente)
Wednesday, February 18
6-7:30 p.m.

Darning is a fabric mending technique that involves reinforcing or re-weaving a portion of fabric by hand. In this workshop, we’ll learn how to visibly mend holes and weak areas in sweaters, socks, and other knit fabrics using seed stitch and square darning techniques. You’ll leave with a sampler of both techniques that you can refer back to when tackling your own darning projects at home. Suitable for beginners with little or no darning experience, though it does help if you have some experience with hand sewing. Registration Required.

Vacation Week: Paper Spaceships (Collins)
Thursday, February 19
2-2:45 p.m.

Become an interstellar pilot by folding the ultimate paper airplane: a spaceship! Select a decorated sheet and follow detailed folding instructions to craft your orbiter or star cruiser. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

Community Chat (Collins)
Thursday, February 19
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Cambridge Public Library is planning for the future, and your voice matters! Drop by to share your ideas, speak with library staff, and learn more about our recent accomplishments. Your feedback will help us improve services and set priorities for the coming years in our next strategic plan. 

Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group (Main)
Wednesday, February 11
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Writers of all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported writing group. In this group, participants take turns bringing short in-progress or completed pieces of any genre. The group reads several pieces each month, sharing feedback and constructive criticism in a supportive and inclusive environment. We may practice in-class writing exercises and read samples of published writing as time allows. Registration is required. NOTE: Registration is for this month's meeting only. For more information, please email Susannah at sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, February 19
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.

Live at the Library: Alex Makes Art! (Central Square)
Thursday, February 19
3-4 p.m.

An afternoon of arts and crafts with artist, Alexandra Adamo! Recommended for children 5+ and their caregivers. Registration required. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Live at the Library: Folktales & Origami for Families (O'Connell)
Thursday, February 19
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Parents’ Choice Award winner Motoko regales families (ages 5 and up) with delightful folktales from her native Japan, combined with hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration is required. Please call (617) 349-4019 for details. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Read to a Dog (Valente)
Thursday, February 19
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 Thursday, February 12 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015). 

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, February 19
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!

Cozy Crafternoon for Adults (Collins)
Thursday, February 19
4:30-6 p.m.

Come get creative at Collins! Join your neighbors at this casual, drop-in afternoon craft session for adults. Bring your own work-in-progress or join us for recycled paper crafting. No expertise required. Registration encouraged.

Vegetable Fermentation for Gut Health (Main)
Thursday, February 19
6-8 p.m.

What's all this fuss about fermented foods? Why are fermented foods essential for gut health, and why are they so expensive? Join clinical herbalist Mo Katz-Christy to learn how to use any old vegetables to make delicious and nutritious fermented foods that replenish the microbiome, regulate our immune system, and more! Leave with a jar of kraut that you can share with your household.

Mo Katz-Christy (they/them) is a queer Ashkenazi Jewish clinical herbalist and educator in Boston, MA on unceded Massachusett land. They approach herbalism by connecting folks to the knowledge they already have about their body and herbs through working with kitchen medicine, ancestral traditions, and mulberries falling on the sidewalk! Mo teaches herb classes and programs at over 40 different sites in New England. They work one-on-one with clients, in Somerville and virtually, to address the root imbalances that are causing dysregulation and to promote long-term healing, focusing on gut health. You can find out more about their work at mokatzchristy.com. Registration is required. Registration opens Thursday, February 5. 

Little Groove Music and Movement (O'Connell)
Friday, February 20
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.

Live at the Library: Lunar New Year Family Concert (Main)
Friday, February 20
11-11:45 a.m.

Join master musician Shaw Pong Liu in an interactive, educational and bilingual (English and Mandarin) music program welcoming the Year of the Horse. Shaw Pong will play her Western violin and her Chinese erhu, play music about horses, and invite a group sing-along. This program is recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers.

Live at the Library: Concert with Rolie Polie Guacamole (Boudreau)
Friday, February 20
2-2:45 p.m.

Join us for a rock concert with the band Rolie Polie Guacamole. This program is for families with children of all ages! No registration is required.

Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. 

Family Movie at the Library (O'Neill)
Friday, February 20
2-3:45 p.m.

Join us over February vacation for a family movie at the Library! We will be screening Paddington in Peru - PG (Columbia Pictures, 2024). Snacks will be provided.

The Spot: Shop for Free (Central Square)
Friday, February 20
3:30-5 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

Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
Friday, February 20
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!

Community Chat (Valente)
Saturday, February 21
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Cambridge Public Library is planning for the future, and your voice matters! Drop by to share your ideas, speak with library staff, and learn more about our recent accomplishments. Your feedback will help us improve services and set priorities for the coming years in our next strategic plan. 

Live at the Library: Capoeira for Everyone with Mass Capoeira (Valente)
Saturday, February 21
3-4 p.m.

Join us for a demonstration of capoeira, a unique Afro-Brazilian art form combining martial arts, dance, music and acrobatics. Following the performance, children will have the opportunity to learn basic capoeira movements. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. 

Live at the Library: Concert with Rolie Polie Guacamole (O'Neill)

Saturday, February 21
3:30-4:15 p.m.

Join us for a rock concert with the band Rolie Polie Guacamole. This program is for families with children of all ages! No registration is required.

 

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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 websiteto learn more. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on our events here.