Director's Update, March 22, 2026

Dear Patrons,

Happy National Reading Month! Are you looking for an amazing book to read? Check out the “Your Next Great Read” service. Fill out the form to give your librarians some information about you and we'll send you three personalized book recommendations for your next great read within five business days!

Upcoming Programs and Events

Join us on Monday, March 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library for a special Sacred Songs and Rituals performance in celebration of Greek American Heritage month with REVMA, a band that is known for its high-octane performances of Greek traditional Music. Sacred Songs and Rituals is a music series which celebrates the many different cultures found in the City of Cambridge. Registration is helpful but not required.

Join us on Tuesday, March 24, from 6-7:30 p.m., The Past is Now: An Intertribal Panel on King Philip's War, Past and Present. Despite being seen by non-Indigenous people as a distant past, King Philip’s War continues to shape daily life, experience, and memory.  For Indigenous communities, the past is not so easily left behind – and nor should it be for non-Indigenous people. We all live today with its aftermath. Panelists include Hartman Deetz, Mashpee Wampanoag; Brad Lopes, Aquinnah Wampanoag; Brittney Walley, Hassanamisco Nipmuc; and Elizabeth Solomon, Massachusett at Ponkapoag, moderator. Registration is required.

On Monday, March 16, I had the pleasure of welcoming Mayor Mike Cubbard of Galway, Ireland and Patricia Philbin of the Galway City Council to the Main Library. Mayor Cubbard visited the Hive Makerspace, the Tech Bar, the Teen Room, Children's Room, and the Archives and was very appreciative of the work of the Library. Pictured, from L-R: Galway Mayor, Mike Cubbard; Patricia Philbin, Galway City Council; Dr. McCauley, Director of Libraries.

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

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Monday, March 23
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, March 23
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.

Fuse Beads for Middle Schoolers (O'Neill)
Monday, March 23
3:30-5 p.m.

Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to make designs with fuse beads! Snacks provided. No registration necessary.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, March 23
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.

How to use MyChart, Spotify and many more apps (Main)
Tuesday, March 24
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn how to use apps on your phone (iPhone or Android) for wellness and fun. You will learn how to use MyChart, Spotify and how to download apps on your phone. 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, March 24
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, March 24
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.

Clothing Upcycle & Design for Teens (Valente)
Tuesday, March 24
3:30-5:30 p.m.

Learn how to upcycle clothing over four sessions! This program will cover embroidery embellishment, patches and applique, alterations such as hemming, and basic clothing design. Registration is required, and registering for the first session includes the following three sessions. Please plan to attend all four! We encourage you to bring your own piece(es) of clothing to practice on and will provide all materials as well as scrap fabric. Ages 12-18. 

Wings of Fire Suncatchers (Collins)
Tuesday, March 24
4-4:45 p.m.

Welcome springtime's longer daylight hours by decorating a paper stained glass suncatcher. Choose a dragon design from the Wings of Fire book series and hang in a window to let sunlight stream through.  for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

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

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, March 24
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Death Cafe (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 24
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. Questions? Contact Daryl at dcabrol@cambridgema.gov. Registration is required.

Documentary Photography with your Smartphone [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, March 25
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, March 25
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!

Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Main) 
Wednesday, March 25
11:15 a.m.-12 p.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. This class is conducted from a standing position and incorporates exercises like modified lunges, cardio, and body resistance strength training.  Registration is required for each session. This is an in-person event in the Community Room of the Main Library. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, March 25
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 exploring readers' theater and other ways of playing pretend.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, March 25
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. 

Citizenship Preparation Classes (Central Square)
Wednesday, March 25
3-5 p.m.

Come join this free 10-week class, in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program. This series of classes prepares students for all parts of the Citizenship interview and includes the new 128 civics question list. This class is offered as a 10-week series. Attendance at all sessions is expected. Registration is required.

Click Here to Register

Requirements:

• Intermediate-level English
• Legal Permanent Resident card for 4 years and 9 months (2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen)

See class Meeting Dates in March. See class Meeting Dates in April.

For more information about registering or classes contact St. Marks at stmarkesol@gmail.com or 617-288-8515.

Mad Science: Radical Robots (Central Square) 
Wednesday, March 25
4-5 p.m.

Celebrate Jasmine Warga's A Rover's Story with Mad Science's Radical Robots Workshop! Explore a world of robots and try your hand at building your own in this hour-long workshop. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Registration is required. Please register all attending children (adults do not need to register).

This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture (CGL) with Jasmine Warga, award-winning author of A Rover's Story, Other Words for Home, and many other popular children's books. Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

How to use Artificial Intelligence safely (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 25
5-6 p.m.

Learn how to safely use artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and how to identify AI content. 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. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Registration is encouraged but not required. 

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, March 26
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.

Wiggle Party (O'Connell)
Thursday, March 26
3:30-4 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. 

Teen Hangout (Valente)
Thursday, March 26
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, March 27
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!

Coffee and Games! (Boudreau)
Friday, March 27
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!

Low-stress Crafting for Adults: Earrings (Valente)
Friday, March 27
2-3 p.m.

Join us at the Valente Branch for a simple craft. This month we will be making beaded earrings. Supplies are limited. Registration is required.

Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS (O'Neill
Friday, March 27
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.

Artful Mechanisms with Playful Engineers (Boudreau)
Friday, March 27
4-5:30 p.m.

Join us to celebrate Jasmine Warga's A Rover's Story, which tells the story of a rover's journey to Mars and the challenges it faces there. We will celebrate by building some artful mechanisms with Playful Engineers! Use simple machines to create mechanical automata and solve problems similar to those faced by rovers on Mars - using materials you could find around your own home. Registration is required.

This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture (CGL) with Jasmine Warga, award-winning author of A Rover's Story, Other Words for Home, and many other popular children's books. Save the Date: the Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m. at the Main Library. Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Turkish Music with the Neva Trio (Valente)
Saturday, March 28
2-3 p.m.

Join us for a special performance exploring the rich musical dialogue between Turkish folk and classical traditions. Featuring multi-instrumentalists Volkan Efe (oud, kanun, ney, yaylı tanbur), Fatih Acun (bağlama, oud), and vocalist Ezgi Kurt, this concert presents a program rooted in cultural heritage of Turkiye. 

 

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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.