Director's Update, February 8, 2026

Dear Patrons,

We are still collecting input about the Library’s future! We want to hear from you about your hopes for the Library. You can participate in the conversation by taking an online survey, or join a community chat about the Library’s future.

Community Chats

• Sunday, February 8, 2-3 p.m., Main Library, Rossi Room
• Tuesday, February 10, 6-7 p.m., Boudreau Branch
• Thursday, February 12, 11 a.m.-Noon, O’Connell Branch
• Thursday, February 12, 6-7 p.m., Main Library, Rossi Room
  
  

To learn more about planning for the Library’s future, visit: Planning for the Library's Future.

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                       

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

Community Chat (Main)
Sunday, February 8
2-3 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.

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Monday, February 9
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: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual)
Monday, February 9
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.

Teen Valentine Crafting & Friendship Bracelets (Valente)
Monday, February 9
4-5 p.m.

Express your gratitude for special people in your life with handmade Valentines! Materials to create cards, friendship bracelets, and more will be available. No registration needed, ages 12-18. 

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, February 9
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 

Adult Gaming: Unplugged (Main)
Monday, February 9
6-7:30 p.m.

Are you suffering from chronic information overload? Feeling overwhelmed by too much technology in your life? Join us for an evening of old school board gaming! Relax and recharge your internal battery with one of our classic board games or bring your own personal fave. Gaming: Unplugged takes place on the first Monday of every month from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Rossi Room. Be there or be square! Do you want to learn how to play Mah Jong? Stop by Adult Gaming: Unplugged on Monday, Feb. 9th for a fun and free-spirited tutorial. Learn the basics of the game and even try your hand for a turn! For the month of February, Adult Gaming: Unplugged will be held on Monday, February 9th, 2026. It will return to its first Monday of the month schedule on March 2, 2026.

Anatomy of a Smartphone (Main)
Tuesday, February 10
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn how to set up your smartphone (iPhone or Android), how to adapt your phone to your needs (brightness, font size), common gestures and symbols and how to connect to the internet. 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. 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, February 10
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. 

Narcan Distribution (Central Square)
Tuesday, February 10
1-3 p.m.

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

Paint Party at the Library (O'Connell)
Tuesday, February 10
2-5 p.m.

Treat yourself to an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community while a local artist guides us step-by-step through the process of creating a beautiful acrylic painting. We'll provide tea and light refreshments. No experience necessary. All are welcome. Acrylic paint can stain clothing. Please wear old clothing. Seating is limited to 8. Registration is required and will open at least two weeks before event. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, February 10
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.

Perler Bead Valentines (Collins)
Tuesday, February 10
4-4:45 p.m.

Work with Perler Beads to follow a pattern or create your own unique design. We'll fuse the finished product into place for you to take home and share with your valentine. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

Youth Dungeons & Dragons Session (Valente)
Tuesday, February 10
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 required, as the 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.

Community Chat (Boudreau)
Tuesday, February 10
6-7 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. 

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Life (Valente)
Wednesday, February 11
6-7:30 p.m.

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Students for Smiles Club and the Cambridge Public Library are hosting a free community event on oral health. Attendees will learn how to brush and floss the right way through a short talk and hands-on practice. The program will also share simple tips for preventing common dental problems and explain when to see a dentist. A free oral hygiene kit and local dental care resources will be available for everyone. Registration required.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, February 10
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Starting a Small Business workshop series (Central Square) 
Tuesday, February 10
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 4: Workshop 4: Operational Efficiency and Inventory Management - Tuesday, February 10, 2026

• 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.

Documentary Photography with your Smartphone [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, February 11
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. You need only bring two things to this class: your smartphone and your imagination. Registration is required.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, February 11
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!

CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins) 
Wednesday, February 11
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Amanda Garms! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Amanda will share her insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots.  The meeting location for this walk will be in the courtyard of the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave. We will walk to Fresh Pond together from there.

Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. This walk is full; a waitlist is available.

Lunch at the Library for Teens (O'Connell)
Wednesday, February 11
1-3 p.m.

Take a break from your studies and join us for lunch! Free pizza will be provided while supplies last. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 11-18. No registration required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, February 11
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 hand-sewn stuffed animals and pillows!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, February 11
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. 

Wiggle Party (O'Connell)
Wednesday February 11
5:30-6 p.m.

Join us for a dance party to get your wiggles out! Play a freeze dance game, shake some shakers, and learn the steps to a new dance! For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4019. 

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.

Community Chat (O'Connell)
Thursday, February 12
11 a.m.-12 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. 

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, February 12
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.

Teen Hangout
Thursday, February 12
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, February 12
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!

Community Chat (Main)
Thursday, February 12
6-7 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. 

Coffee & Games for Adults (Valente)
Friday, February 13
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.

Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS (O'Neill)
Friday, February 13
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.

Board Game Afternoon (Valente)
Saturday, February 14
2-4 p.m.

Join us at Valente for an afternoon of board games and fun! Play with friends, family and neighbors. The library will provide all materials. This event is recommended for children ages 5+ and their guardians. 

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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.