Director's Update, April 19, 2026

How to use Artificial Intelligence safely (Main)
Tuesday, April 21
11 a.m.-12 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.

Live at the Library: Storytelling with Len Cabral (Boudreau)
Tuesday, April 21
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us at the Boudreau branch as we enjoy stories from around the world told by award-winning storyteller Len Cabral. Len Cabral is a nationally acclaimed storyteller and author who has been enchanting audiences with his unique, personable style at schools, libraries, museums and festivals throughout the United States and abroad since 1976. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Remembering Together: Grief Support Group (Central Square)
Tuesday, April 21
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.

Beginner's Line Dancing Workshop: 55+ (Main)
Tuesday, April 21
2-3 p.m.

It’s fun, it’s easy... it’s exercise? Yes! Come try your hand at line dancing! This class is a great way to get low-impact exercise while dancing to (mostly) Country Western music. It requires no experience, no equipment, and no partner; just bring your two left feet. We’ll start from the very beginning, learning easy dances. Registration is required.

Family Movie at the Library (O'Neill)
Tuesday, April 21
2-3:45 p.m.

Join us over April vacation for a family movie at the Library! We will be screening The Spongebob Movie: Search for SquarePants - PG (Paramount Pictures, 2025). Snacks will be provided.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, April 21
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.

Land's Sake Farm: Reading with Rabbits (Valente)
Tuesday, April 21
3-4 p.m.

Learn about the rabbits raised at Land’s Sake. This program includes a rabbit-themed story time, learning about rabbit behavior and anatomy, and a rabbit themed game. The highlight of the program is the Bunny Circle, where youth are able to touch and interact with live rabbits.This program is recommended for children ages 4 and up. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required - please register the total number of children who will be in your group.

Vacation Week: Scratch Art Tiles (Collins)
Tuesday, April 21
4-4:45 p.m.

Create your own scratch art tiles. Begin with a black square and scratch a design to reveal the magical colors hidden beneath. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

Create Your Own Terrarium! (Main)
Tuesday, April 21
4-4:45 p.m. and 5-5:45 p.m.

In honor of Earth Day, spend your afternoon at the Library creating your own terrarium. In partnership with Emerald City Plant Shop, you will have the opportunity to learn more about different kind of plants and plant care. This event will be conducted in the front park area of the Library. In the case of rain, the class will be moved to the Rossi room. The Library will provide all needed supplies.There will be 2 timed sessions. Please make sure to choose the time that works best for you. Register for the 4-4:45 p.m. session. Register for the 5-5:45 p.m. session. Both classes are currently full, but a waitlist is available.

Medicinal Plant Walk at Danehy Park (O’Neill)
Tuesday, April 21
5:30-7p.m.

Join herbalist Mo Katz-Christy for a walk through Danehy Park to identify plants and their medicinal uses! We will explore weeds and cultivated plants, trees and shrubs, with plenty of time for questions and conversation. Bring a notebook if you like. Meet us at the parking lot on Sherman Street (if you’re late you should be able to find us – we won’t move too far too fast!). Registration is required.

Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, April 21
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, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages. Registration is helpful.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, April 21
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Wednesday, April 22
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a morning walk at one of the most renowned bird watching spots in Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. The walk will meet at the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am. We will walk to Mt. Auburn Cemetery together (about a five-minute walk). Please try to be on time as we will leave shortly after 10:15! 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. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.

Documentary Photography with your Smartphone [55+] (Main)
Wednesday, April 22
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. We will learn how to become visual storytellers through projects I'll assign each week followed by thoughtful group discussions of your photos. Registration is required.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, April 22
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, April 22
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.

Live at the Library: Words of Affirmation Sewing Workshop (Main)
Wednesday, April 22
2:30-4:30 p.m.

Using embroidery hoops, participants will hand-stitch words of affirmation while learning basic sewing techniques. The workshop begins with a short conversation about sewing traditions across cultures, followed by guided demonstrations and hands-on practice.

Live at the Library: Hip Hop Xpression (Valente)
Wednesday, April 22
3-4 p.m.

Experience the joy of Hip Hop Xpression with Jarell Howard Rochelle in this fun, high-energy program for kids and teens. Participants will learn simple choreography, explore freestyle movement, and be introduced to authentic hip hop terminology and culture. This interactive class emphasizes connection, creativity, and self-expression, while celebrating the spirit of hip-hop.No prior dance experience is needed - just come ready to move, laugh, and have fun together. Families and youth of all ages are welcome.Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.Live at the Library: Hip Hop Xpression will be this week's Wednesdays of Wonder offering.

Coding and Web Development 101 (Main)
Wednesday, April 22
6-8 p.m.

Would-be programmers with basic computer literacy are invited to join this workshop series. Over eight weeks, participants will learn programming fundamentals, build web pages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, use developer tools such as Git, and more. There will be time to work on projects and receive guidance from experienced developers, with optional homework materials made available for more in-depth learning. While you can join at any time, starting at the beginning of the course is encouraged for the best experience. Registration is required.

Reading Rainbow screening (O'Neill)
Thursday, April 23
2-3 p.m.

Celebrate National Library Week! We will screen two episodes of Reading Rainbow, hosted by Honorary Chair Mychal Threets.No registration is required.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, April 23
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.

Vacation Week Craft: 3D Pens (Boudreau)
Thursday, April 23
3-5 p.m.

Stop by the Boudreau Branch during vacation week to create something using 3D pens! This drop-in event is intended for school-aged children and their families.

Live at the Library: Storytelling with Ben Cunningham (O'Connell)
Thursday, April 23
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Join local artist, musician and educator Ben Cunningham for a transformative storytelling performance. This program is for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration needed.

Read to a Dog (Valente)
Thursday. April 23
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, April 16 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, April 23
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!

Little Groove Music and Movement (O'Connell)
Friday, April 24
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: Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals (Collins)
Friday, April 24
11-11:45 a.m.

Meet a cast of larger-than-life, hand-crafted puppet characters in this funny and interactive variety show. Sing, dance and participate in a fast-paced series of stories that explore feelings, kindness and bravery. Recommended for children ages 3-8 and their caregivers.Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Live at the Library: Sulinha Boucher Trio (Central Square)
Friday, April 24
11-11:45 a.m.

Join us for Brazilian-inspired music and dance! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.

Coffee and Games! (Boudreau)
Friday, April 24
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!

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, April 24
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Join instructor Darren Hairston for Zumba Gold – the fun and energizing dance fitness class tailored for active older adults and beginners! Set to vibrant, upbeat music, Zumba Gold features low-impact, easy-to-follow dance moves that make staying fit enjoyable and accessible for all fitness levels. Improve your balance, flexibility, and cardio health while having a great time in a supportive and friendly environment. No dance experience needed—just bring your smile and a willingness to move! Registration is required for each class.

Live at the Library: Percussion workshop with Júlio Santos (O'Neill)
Friday, April 24
3-3:34 p.m.

Children will explore a mixture of instruments and rhythms for creative and fun musical experiments through this World Music/Percussion workshop!  Registration is required. This program is recommended for children ages 4 and up. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Kick Back & Watch a Movie (Central)
Friday, April 24
3-5 p.m.

Come watch a movie on Central Square Library’s big screen and eat free popcorn!

Live at the Library: Percussion workshop with Júlio Santos (O'Neill)
Friday, April 24
3-3:45 p.m.
4-4:45 p.m.

Children will explore a mixture of instruments and rhythms for creative and fun musical experiments through this World Music/Percussion workshop! This program is recommended for children ages 4 and up. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Register for the 3-3:45 p.m. session. Register for the 4-4:45 p.m. session.

Arabic Story Time (Main)
Saturday, March 25
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Library is pleased to be working with dedicated community members to offer a special story time in Arabic! This program will be conducted primarily in Arabic with the intention of helping young Arabic language learners to improve their skills. This program is suitable for children up to age 7.Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

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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.