Director's Update, July 12, 2026

Dear Patrons, 

 

It was wonderful to participate in the annual American Library Association (ALA) conference in Chicago two weeks ago. It was a weekend of learning and being in community with library workers and supporters from across the country as we celebrated 150 years of ALA and the important future of libraries.

 

On Monday, June 29, it was my honor to be inaugurated as the president of the American Library Association. I am excited to represent Cambridge on a national and international level and amplify the important work we do here in support of life-long learning, equity, access, and intellectual freedom. Pictured: ALA past-president Sam Helmick passes the gavel to Dr. Maria McCauley, president of the ALA and Director of the Cambridge Public Library. (Photo credit: EPNAC.com/American Library Association) 

Upcoming Events

Summer Fitness: Yoga in the park (Main)
Join us on Tuesday, July 14, from 6-7 p.m. for Summer Fitness: Yoga in the park, the Cambridge Public Library's free summer outdoor yoga series every Tuesday starting July 14 until August 25. Shayla Tate of M.U.D.D. Flower Yoga leads us through this 60-minute evening flow. No registration is necessary. The Library will not provide any materials - please bring your own mat and whatever item is in your practice. In case of rain, yoga will be held in the community room.

American Sign Language: The Basics (Central Square & O’Neill)
Join us for a fun, interactive introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and inclusive communication on Friday, July 17, from 1-2 p.m., at the Central Square Branch, and from 5-5:45 p.m. at the O’Neill Branch. Participants will learn practical everyday signs, respectful ways to interact with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, expressive communication techniques, and simple real-life ASL scenarios. This activity-based workshop includes silent communication challenges, group participation, and engaging sign language games designed to build confidence and connection through communication. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Registration is required to participate in the O’Neill Branch session.

Community Sewing Circle: Biodiversity Banner (O'Neill)
Collaborate on a biodiversity banner to celebrate Moth Week with a sewing circle on July 11 and July 18, from 1-3 p.m. Wildlife Arts invites the community to hand sew blocks for a multi-moth fabric banner! We'll teach beginning sewers, and children old enough to handle a needle may work on caterpillar blocks (recommended for age 10 and up). You'll learn about moth biodiversity in Massachusetts and help publicize the humble and little-known world of moths. The banner will be displayed at the Cambridge Moth Ball on July 22 at Fresh Pond Reservation and will be available in the Wildlife Arts banner lending library when complete. All materials will be provided. Registration is suggested. You may attend one or both sessions. 

Summer Fitness: Strength Training for Beginners (Main)
Are you curious about strength training but unsure where to begin? You can begin at the Library on Saturday, June 18, from 2-3 p.m. with this welcoming, beginner-friendly program that is designed to remove the uncertainty and help you build a strong, confident foundation—safely and effectively. Led by master fitness trainer, author, and motivational speaker Shaun Zetlin, this session introduces simple, practical bodyweight exercises that focus on stability, strength, and power. Participants will learn how to move with proper form, reduce the risk of injury, and incorporate efficient, effective workouts into a busy schedule—no gym required. All exercises are approachable and adaptable, with many options performed at home using minimal or no equipment. Registration is preferred and not 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, Collins, 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
  

Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, July 13
11:45 a.m.-12:30 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. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! 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.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, July 13
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.

Adult Gaming: Unplugged (Main)
Monday, July 13
6-7:30 p.m.

Are you suffering from chronic information overload? Feeling overwhelmed by too much technology in your life? Join us for an evening of old school board gaming! Relax and recharge your internal battery with one of our classic board games or bring your own personal fave. Adult Gaming: Unplugged takes place on the first Monday of the month from 6- 7:30 p.m. in the Rossi Room. Be there or be square!

Summer Reading: D&D Character Creator Workshop with Guild Hall Learning (Boudreau)
Tuesday, July 14
2-3:30 p.m.

Participants will explore how to build and develop a D&D character, gaining the skills to recreate or expand their own characters in the future. This event is recommended for children ages 8 and up.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, July 14
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.

Summer Reading: Yo-Yo Show (O'Connell)
Tuesday, July 14
3-3:45 p.m.

Join us for a high energy comedy yo-yo show. For children of all ages and their caregivers.

Summer Reading: Crafternoon (Collins)
Tuesday, July 14
4-4:45 p.m.

Join us for activities celebrating the theme of "Plant a Seed, Read" all summer long. Today's activity is tissue paper flowers. Learn to create flowers made from tissue paper. Build a bouquet to take home for yourself or share with someone special.  Recommended for children aged 6-12 and their caregivers.

• July 14 - Bird and Bug Suncatchers
• July 21 - no activity on this date
• July 28 - Perler Bead Plants
• August 4 - Paint by Sticker
• August 11 - Origami Peace Cranes
  

CPL Adult Summer Camp: Tie Dye T-Shirts & Bags (Valente)
Tuesday, July 14
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for one, two, or all CPL Adult Summer Camp activities to meet new people and have nostalgic fun outside in Cambridge! Make Tie Dye T-shirts & Bags with us in the Reading Garden next to Valente. Rain/High Heat Location: Valente Branch Library. Registration is Required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, July 14
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, July 15
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 (Valente)
Wednesday, July 15
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.

Summer Reading: Video Game Days (Main
Wednesday, July 15
12-2 p.m.

Every Wednesday during the summer, the Teen Room will host video game days! Buddy up in 1, 2, Switch, or battle each other in Super Smash Bros. Between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., grab a controller and hop into the game! For more information contact Ellen at ekaluza@cambridgema.gov.

Summer Reading: Kathak Performance with the Chhandika Institute (Main)
Wednesday, July 15
2-3 p.m.

Join the Chhandika Institute for an informative performance of Kathak, a classic story-telling dance and art form from North India. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, July 15
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 celebrate the World Cup and make flags for our favorite teams!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, July 15
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.

Summer Reading: Bug Walk (Boudreau)
Wednesday, July 15
2:30-4:30 p.m.

Join us for a walk at Fresh Pond as we explore the wonderful world of bugs! This program is open to all ages, from adults to children and their caregivers. Registration is required. We will meet at the Cambridge Water Department parking lot at the beginning of the event. For more information, contact Michael McGlathery at mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov or call the Boudreau Branch at 617-349-4017.

Summer Reading: Sunglass Bedazzling Experience with Alex Makes Art (Central Square)
Wednesday, July 15
3-4 p.m.

Take care of your eyes as you enjoy nature this summer with a pair of bedazzled sunglasses made by you! All supplies will be provided. Recommended for youth ages 5 and up and their caregivers. Registration is required.

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, July 15
4-5 p.m.

Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! Therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins a week in advance. Sign up by phone or in person at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019)

Mend & Make Meetup (Valente)
Wednesday, July 15
6-7:30 p.m.

Join our monthly mending meetup and share tips and tricks with other crafters! Bring what you are working on, and we will provide basic mending supplies. Registration is required.

Summer Reading: Music and Movement with Boston Music Project (Collins)
Thursday, July 16
2-2:45 p.m.

Sing, dance and join the fun with Boston Music Project. Recommended for children ages 0-7 and their caregivers. No registration is required.

Paint Party at the Library (O'Connell)
Thursday, July 16
2-5 p.m.

Treat yourself to an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community while a local artist guides us step-by-step through the process of creating a beautiful acrylic painting. We'll provide tea and light refreshments. No experience necessary. All are welcome. Acrylic paint can stain clothing. Please wear old clothing. Seating is limited. Registration is required and will open at least two weeks before event. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, July 16
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.

Summer Craft: Button Making (Boudreau)
Thursday, July 16
3-5 p.m.

Stop by the Boudreau Branch in the afternoon and use 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.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, July 16
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!

Twilight Music and Movement (Central Square)
Thursday, July 16
5:30-6 p.m.

Join us to sing, play with musical props and move together. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4012 for more information. 

Beyond the Call: CARE Documentary Screening (Central Square)
Thursday, July 16
6-9 p.m.

Join us on Thursday July 16th at 6:30pm to celebrate the 2-year anniversary of the launch of the CARE (Community Assistance Response and Engagement) Team! We will be screening Beyond The Call, a powerful documentary highlighting how the City of Cambridge created and implemented the CARE Team, a community-centered alternative response program designed to support people experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises. This documentary will offer an inside look at the challenges, breakthroughs, and real-life impact of building a public safety model rooted in care instead of criminalization. There will be food, swag, and an opportunity to connect directly with those doing the work!

Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi (Main)
Friday, July 17
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.

Summer Reading: Wingmasters, World of Owls (Valente)
Friday, July 17
11 am.-12 p.m.

This program shows how owls use their specialized powers of sight, hearing and flight to survive and thrive. A wealth of fact and folklore about these masters of the night explains the natural and unnatural history of owls. A variety of live North American owls provides the focus of this presentation. Recommended for children ages 6 and up and their caregivers. Space is limited, and we may not be able to accommodate late arrivals once the program begins. Thank you for understanding!

Teen Movie (Valente)
Friday, July 17
3-5 p.m.

Watch a movie chosen by teen vote. No registration required, drop-in when you can. 

Summer Reading: Family Combat Robotics with Guild Hall Learning (Main)
Saturday, July 18
2-3:30 p.m.

Join us for a collaborative experience where families build and battle robots together. This event is recommended for children ages 7 and up and their families. This program can accommodate 16 families. 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. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi (Valente)
Saturday, July 18
3-4 p.m.

Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required for this event.

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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.