All Library locations will be closed on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.
Visit the O’Connell Branch on Tuesday, May 26, for a journey through Boston Red Sox history with Marty Gitlin, the author of the Ultimate Boston Red Sox Time Machine Book. This presentation features videos of the greatest and most fascinating players, teams, events and moments in franchise history. There will be trivia questions and Q&A.
On Saturday, May 30, 12-4 p.m., stop by the Fourth Annual Spelling Bee Finals at the Main Library. The Bee aims to enhance the spelling and vocabulary skills of contestants while promoting reading, writing, and appreciation for the power of words. Community members are invited to attend the finals to provide support and cheer on contestants.
On Monday, June 1, join us at the Main Library for a Seed Swap! Swap extra seeds, plants or harvested items from your garden. Learn about Cambridge's pollinator biodiversity and why it's so important to grow and share food, strengthen and grow our local food economy. Kids can make a pollinator finger puppet or take home a kit to make one. Meet in Joan Lorentz Park.
Best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries
Weekly Activities for Kids
This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations.
Check out this week’s classes in The Hive.
Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Tuesday, May 26
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.
Learn how to manage your gmail inbox and storage by labeling, archiving and deleting emails. A Google (Gmail) account is required for the class. Please remember your email address and password, you will need them to sign in and practice during the class. Laptops will be provided for the class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, May 26
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.
Teen Advisory Board (Main)
Teens! Help us plan teen programs for the Library. Earn community service hours. Enjoy free snacks. We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
Youth Dungeons & Dragons Session 4/8 (Valente)
Tuesday, May 26
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. 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.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, May 26
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Ultimate Presentation for Red Sox Nation (O’Connell)
Take a fun and enlightening journey through Boston Red Sox history with Marty Gitlin, the author of the Ultimate Boston Red Sox Time Machine Book. This presentation features exciting and nostalgic videos of the greatest and most fascinating players, teams, events and moments in franchise history. It covers Sox history from the Royal Rooters, who launched Red Sox Nation, to Babe Ruth to Ted Williams to The Impossible Dream Season of 1967 to Lynn, Rice and '75 to the heartbreak of 1986 all the way to the four World Series championships and beyond. There will be trivia questions and Q&A.
Reading Group: How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River (Central Square)
This is a 4-part reading group to discuss How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. Participants are encouraged to come to as many sessions as they can — and all are welcome! Copies of the book are available for pickup at the Central Square Branch. This event was created in partnership with Community Conversations: Sister to Sister, the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Cambridge Women’s Commission.
Join us for a virtual Death Cafe - an evening of open, lively, and insightful discussion about death for adults aged 18 and older.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, May 27
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 27
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.
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, May 27
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.
Coding and Web Development 101 (Main)
Wednesday, May 27
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.
Expressive Art for Older Adults: Beading Workshop (Main)
Learn the basics of beaded jewelry making and the difference between semi-precious stones and precious stones. Participants will keep all pieces they make. Space is limited to 10 participants. Led by Zangar Freeman. Registration is required.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, May 28
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.
AAPI Poetry for Teens (Valente)
Learn about poetry forms from Asia and the Pacific Islands and write some yourself! No registration required.
Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, May 28
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!
Playing with Poetry (Main)
Join Bee & Ivy in this experimental writing workshop where you will engage with: music, rhyme, blackout poetry, letter writing, and more! Create, share your work, get feedback - at the final session we’ll have a poetry reading. Registration is required.
Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, May 29
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.
Kickback and Watch a Movie (Central Square)
Come watch a movie on Central Square Library’s big screen and eat free popcorn!
Cambridge Young Authors’ Squad (O’Neill)
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!
CPL Nature Club: Spring Birdwatching at Fresh Pond (O’Neill)
All ages are welcome to join us as we observe birds at Fresh Pond. We will look for birds migrating to or through our area as well as year-round resident birds. As we walk, we will discuss general birdwatching tips and learn more about the birds we share our outdoor spaces with. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. Registration is required.
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. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. This program is suitable for children up to age 7.
Fourth Annual Spelling Bee Finals (Main)
Join us for the Fourth Annual Spelling Bee Finals. The Bee aims to enhance the spelling and vocabulary skills of contestants while promoting reading, writing, and appreciation for the power of words. Community members are invited to attend the finals to provide support and cheer on contestants.
Community Build (Valente)
Join us for a community building party at Valente as we build structures with LEGOS, wooden sticks, cards, and any other materials we can get our hands on! The library will provide all building materials. This event is recommended for children ages 5+ and their guardians.
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.