Director's Update, April 5, 2026

Dear Patrons,

 

Upcoming Programs and Events

Extreme heat is becoming more frequent and more intense — and it poses real risks to public health, infrastructure, and our most vulnerable neighbors. Join City staff and regional experts on April 7 from 6–7:30 p.m. for a conversation about how climate change is reshaping New England summers, who is most at risk, and how cities like Cambridge and Boston are responding. Whether you’re concerned about your own health, the health of neighbors and relatives, or the future of our city, this discussion will offer practical information and next steps. This event is cosponsored by the Office of Sustainability and the Cambridge Public Library.

 

On Tuesday, April 7, 7 p.m., learn how to restore biodiversity and help slow climate change — while creating a beautiful garden! Join Amy Meltzer to discuss: 

• The current biodiversity crisis 
• The shared evolutionary history among native birds, insects and plants 
• How your support of those relationships are necessary for the species' survival 
• How your garden can support biodiversity 
• How you can help our Cambridge public plantings thrive 
  

Registration is required. 

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 moreabout our Book Groups.

The Hive Workshops                              

Check out this week’s classes in The Hive.

ESOL Classes

Find an ESOLClass.
               

Tech Help

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

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Monday, April 6
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: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, April 6
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes to improve flexibility and balance, strengthen muscles and have fun! Certified Zumba Gold instructor Emily B. will lead you through 45 minutes of low-impact and easy-to-follow choreography in your own home through Zoom. Join us! 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.  If you register after that time, please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov to receive the link. 

Zen Meditation w/ Cambridge Zen Center (Central Square)
Monday, April 6
3-3:45 p.m.

Join us every first and third Monday of the month to learn and practice Zen meditation with our neighbors at the Cambridge Zen Center! Each session consists of 15 minutes of introduction meditation, 20 minutes of sitting, followed by 10 minutes for questions. For more information about the Cambridge Zen Center, please visit their website! Questions? Contact Daryl (dcabrol@cambridgema.gov). 

I Can Move Mountains: a Written and Spoken Word Poetry Workshop (Main)

Monday, April 6
3:30-5:30 p.m. 

You don't have to be a poet to have something to say. In this generative writing workshop, led by poet Anthony Febo, participants will explore a variety of ways to fill the blank page with poetry that is reflective of their own lived experience. Performance tools will be weaved throughout the workshop to give participants the confidence to share their work at the end. This event is reserved for teens ages 12-18. Registration is required. 

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, April 6
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. 

Community Potluck (O'Neill)
Monday, April 6
6-7:30 p.m.

 

The community potluck returns after being delayed due to the February blizzard. Bring a savory dish to share as we celebrate spring and community. We'll provide a hot fudge sundae bar, popsicles, cups, plates, napkins, and cutlery.  

Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Tuesday, April 7
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu! Registration is required. 

Remembering Together: Grief Support Group (Central Square)
Tuesday, April 7
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 7
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. 

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, April 7
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. 

Origami Bookmarks (Collins)
Tuesday, April 7
4-4:45 p.m. 

National Library Week is April 6-12. Celebrate by learning to fold a corner bookmark using origami. Decorate the finished piece into a character or cute design. Recommended 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, April 7
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

2D Animation with Gif-O-Grafs for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, April 7
6-7:30 p.m. 

Try out 2D animation with Gif-O-grafs! Adults 18+ are invited to tell a story using 2D animation. Registration is Required. 

Living into hotter summers: How do we all stay safe? (Main)
Tuesday, April 7
6-7:30 p.m. 

Extreme heat is becoming more frequent and more intense — and it poses real risks to public health, infrastructure, and our most vulnerable neighbors. Join City staff and regional experts on April 7 from 6–7:30 p.m. for a conversation about how climate change is reshaping New England summers, who is most at risk, and how cities like Cambridge and Boston are responding. Whether you’re concerned about your own health, the health of neighbors and relatives, or the future of our city, this discussion will offer practical information and next steps. This event is cosponsored by the Office of Sustainability and the Cambridge Public Library.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, April 7
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, April 8
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, April 8
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 8
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, April 8
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, April 8
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.

Wildlife on Wheels (Collins)
Wednesday, April 8
3-3:45 p.m.

Celebrate Jasmine Warga's new book, The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan, about an unlikely friendship between a cheetah and a rescue dog who are paired as an animal ambassador team at a zoo — at this special event. Meet animals from The Zoo in Forest Park (Springfield, MA) and discover the amazing adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Ask questions and learn what you can do to protect wildlife. Recommended for children ages 6 and up.

This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture 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. Save the Date: The Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m. at the Main Library.

Citizenship Preparation Classes (Central Square)
Wednesday, April 8
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 April. For more information about registering or classes contact St. Marks at stmarkesol@gmail.comor 617-288-8515.

Read to a Dog (Valente)
Wednesday, April 8
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 Wednesday, April 1 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015). 

Coding and Web Development 101 (Main)
Wednesday, April 8
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.

Beginner Cross Stitch Workshop (O'Neill)
Wednesday, April 8
6:15-7:45 p.m.

Join us for a beginner-friendly counted cross stitch class at O'Neill! Learn the basics of cross stitching while working on a cute raccoon pattern. All materials provided – no experience needed! You'll leave with materials and a pattern to finish your cross-stitch piece after class. Registration is required.

You Can Initiative: Overdose Prevention Kit Assembly and Information (Central Square)
Thursday, April 9
1:30-2:35 p.m.

In honor of National Public Health Week, please join us on Thursday, April 9th from 1-2:30 pm to volunteer to put together overdose prevention kits at the Cambridge Public Library, Central Square Branch.  This year’s National Public Health Week theme "Ready. Set. Action!" calls on each of us to take part in community-driven solutions and daily actions that create healthier, more equitable, and connected communities. The You Can initiative (youcan.info) addresses overdose deaths by increasing access to lifesaving skills and resources statewide. Volunteers play a crucial role in this program by assembling the kits that are then mailed out across the state, getting lifesaving resources out to people and families who need them, free of cost. Each kit contains naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other vital resources. Volunteers will be able to leave with a completed kit, if desired. Representatives from the Cambridge Health Department will also be onsite to provide additional resources and support. This program is a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Health Resources in Action (HRiA) and hosted by the Cambridge Health Department and Cambridge Public Library.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, April 9
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Join our librarians for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle.An hour of fun and conversation on a Thursdayafternoon at the Cambridge Main Library.

After-school Craft: Button Making (Boudreau)
Thursday, April 9
3-5 p.m.

Stop by the Boudreau Branch after school and use our two button makers to create your very own buttons. Draw a beautiful picture or print out an image from the computer (once per attendee) to use. This drop-in event is intended for school-aged children and their families.

Animal Ambassadors with Mass Audubon (O'Connell)
Thursday, April 9
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Celebrate Jasmine Warga's new book, The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan, about an unlikely friendship between a cheetah and a rescue dog who are paired as an animal ambassador team at a zoo — at this special event with Mass Audubon! Meet local wildlife ambassadors and discover the amazing adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Ask questions and learn what you can do to protect the wildlife of Cambridge. Recommended for children ages 6 and up.

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. For more information, visit: https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/15715860

Teen Hangout (Valente)
Thursday, April 9
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, April 9
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!

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, April 10
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. 

Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
Friday, April 10
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!

Puzzle Swap (Main)
Saturday, April 11
2-4 p.m.

Donate your gently used jigsaw puzzles and browse a collection of fun new puzzles to take home! Puzzles of all sizes for all ages are welcome. No more than 5 puzzles per donation when you drop off in advance. You may donate ONLY 1 puzzle at the swap itself. Donation policy:

• Make sure your puzzle has all the pieces
• Rubber band or tape the box so it won't fall open
• Drop off puzzles at the Main Library Q&A desk Monday April 6 - Friday April 10

Artful Mechanisms with Playful Engineers (Valente)
Saturday, April 11
3-4 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, at 6 p.m. at the Main Library. Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

 

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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.