Director's Update, May 10, 2026

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Monday, May 11
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, May 11
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.

Monday Mindfulness for Teens (Main)
Monday, May 11
3:30-4:30 p.m.

CALLING ALL TEENS: learn to meditate, share your experiences, and build community with others. Meditation can be a profound skill to find more ease, joy, and spaciousness in your life. It can also help make the world more livable, just, and peaceful. Come check this out!

About the presenter: Hey everyone! My name is Charles FitzGibbon, and I’m excited to be offering this space for teens to learn to meditate. A little bit about me, I love to learn! I'm a curious person who loves to learn from nature, from other people (like you!), and through meditation. I've been a teacher and a mental health counselor and I live in Somerville with my partner and our cat. This event is intended for teens ages 14-18. No registration required.

Teen Hangout (Valente)

Monday, May 11

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Hangout with other teens in the Valente Branch Community Room after school to socialize, unwind, and participate in a rotating activity.

Alvin E. Roth Presents: Moral Economics (Main)

Monday, May 11

6-7:30 p.m. 

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Alvin E. Roth—Nobel Prize–⁠winning economist, the Craig and Susan McCaw Professor of Economics at Stanford University, and the George Gund Professor of Economics and Business Administration Emeritus at Harvard University—for a discussion of his new book, Moral Economics: From Prostitution to Organ Sales, What Controversial Transactions Reveal About How Markets Work. He will be joined in conversation by Ray Fisman. Registration is required.

Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Tuesday, May 12
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. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

New to Medicare Workshop (Main) 

Tuesday, May 12

1-3 p.m. 

Led by a Minuteman Senior Services state-certified Medicare benefits counselor, this program is for people who are turning 65 or leaving an employer group health plan due to retirement. Topics include Medicare benefits and coverage gaps, how and when to apply for Medicare, health insurance plans that work with Medicare, understanding premiums, deductibles and maximum out of pocket costs, and choosing the right supplement plan. Registration is encouraged.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, May 12
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.

Youth Dungeons & Dragons Session 2/8 (Valente)
Tuesday, May 12
4-5 p.m.

Youth ages 10-16 are welcome to join this eight-session campaign of Tuesdays in May and June of the table-top game Dungeons and Dragons (DnD), as we build our cooperative role-play and storytelling skills. The dates are 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, and 6/23. The first session will include time to build characters and review rules of gameplay. Following sessions will follow a storyline through to the final session.Registration is required, as the program is capped at 8 players. Please plan to attend all sessions! Registering for Session 1 includes the following weekly sessions. No prior DnD experience is required, and experienced players are also welcome to join.

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.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Life (Main) 

Tuesday, May 12

6-7 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. Learn how to brush and floss the right way through a short talk and hands-on practice and simple tips for preventing common dental problems. Free toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and local dental care resources will be available for everyone. Registration is required.

Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)

Tuesday, May 12

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, Boggle, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages. Registration helpful. 

CPL International Briefing: The Situation in Cuba with Professor Avi Chomsky (Main) 

Tuesday, May 12

6-7:30 p.m. 

What’s going on with Cuba and why? This presentation will examine the current crisis in relations between the United States and Cuba in historical context. The talk will look at the reasons for U.S. enmity towards the Cuban Revolution and how the relationship has evolved in the post-Cold War era until today. Registration is required.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, May 12
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, May 13
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. You need only bring two things to this class: your smartphone and your imagination. The workshop will be led by Jerry Russo. Registration is required.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, May 13
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!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, May 13
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 make tissue paper flowers.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, May 13
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.

 
CPL Presents: Warren Milteer Jr., author of Out of This Strife Will Come Freedom (Main) 

Wednesday, May 13

6-7:30 p.m. 

The Cambridge Black History Project and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Warren Eugene Milteer Jr. for a reading and discussion of his new book, Out of This Strife Will Come Freedom: Free People of Color and the Fight for Equal Rights in the Civil War Era. The recipient of the 2022 Southern Historical Association’s Charles S. Sydnor Award, Milteer will be joined in conversation by Susan Tomlinson, an associate professor of English at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Registration is required.

Freedom of Expression: A Movement Workshop (O'Neill) 

Wednesday, May 13, 6-7:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, May 20, 6-7:30 p.m. 

It’s an act of rebellion to use your body in a public space, articulating power and transcending awkwardness or beauty.  Two community workshops, led by Professor of Dance Christine Bennett, will involve movement as a path toward understanding and resiliency in our own bodies and community spaces. Wear comfortable clothes.  Register for one or both classes (5/13 & 5/20). Registration is required.  

Mend and Make Meetup (Valente)

Wednesday, May 13

6-7:30 p.m. 

Have clothes to mend or craft projects to work on? Join us for our new monthly meetup! Bring what you are working on and we will provide basic mending supplies. Registration is required. 

Coding and Web Development 101 (Main)
Wednesday, May 13
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.

Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group (Main)

Wednesday, May 13

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Writers of all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported writing 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. Registration is required.

Choosing Native Plants for a Beautiful and Beneficial Garden (Main) 

Wednesday, May 13

7-8:30 p.m. 

Balance ecological value with your preferences in your garden! Learn how to select native plants that will suit your conditions and support birds and beneficial insects. Amy Meltzer will discuss topics around assessing your site, planning your garden, and caring for your plants. Registration is required.  

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, May 14
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.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, May 14
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!

Virtual Reality Pop-Up (Main)

Thursday, May 14

4-8 p.m.

The MIT Open Documentary Lab will be at the library with a curated collection of award-winning virtual reality (VR) experiences that showcase the diverse and imaginative ways artists are using VR today. The program includes 360° films, immersive documentaries, animated works, and interactive experiences.

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, May 15
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.

Meditation for Wisdom and Renewal: A Retreat for Elders(Main)

Friday, May 15

1-3 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon Community Retreat.  Mindfulness offers a gentle yet powerful way to meet the challenges of aging with calm, resilience, and compassion. In this retreat, we will explore simple practices that can be adapted for all bodies and abilities. Together, we will create space for quiet contemplation and personal reflection, while also fostering a sense of community among elders walking this stage of life side by side. Whether you are new to meditation or have practiced before, you will leave with practical tools to support your well-being and cultivate greater wisdom in daily life. Come as you are—all levels of experience are welcome. Presented in partnership with the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center. 

Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS (O'Neill)
Friday, May 15
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.

Gund Kwok Asian Women's Lion Dance Troupe (Main)

Saturday, May 16

11 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Gund Kwok is the first all Asian and all female lion dance troupe in the country. They will present an interactive story about the origins and significance of the lion dance, followed by a lion dance performance that will include the traditional "eating of the greens" and the unrolling of good luck banners. After the performance, the audience will be invited to try on the lion heads and take photos. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.  

Park Sounds: Matching Set (Main)

Saturday, May 16

2-3 p.m. 

Park Sounds is back! This series brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Main Library for all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.  Matching Set is a twin-led indie-folk band performing original songs with lush vocal harmonies and poetic lyrics. 

AAPI Voices Poetry Open Mic with Aparna Paul (Valente) 

Saturday, May 16

2-3:30 p.m. 

Celebrate AAPI voices through poetry! Poets of Asian American/Pacific Islander heritage are invited to share their work and/or recite a cover poem by an AAPI poet. All adults are welcome to attend. Registration is required. Interested poets can sign up for a 3-5 minute timeslot by filling out the form on our website. We will be featuring Cambridge-based poet Aparna Paul.  Her poetry & prose has been recognized by Reckoning, DMQ Review, & Gaining Ground, among others. HOME FREE (Game Over Books, 2025) is her debut full-length poetry collection. Books will be available for purchase.

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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.