Director's Update, August 16, 2026

Dear Patrons,

 

On Monday, August 10, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act Regarding Free Expression into law (pictured), making Massachusetts the 13th state in America to pass legislation that protects the freedom to read.

 

Recent years have seen an alarming increase in efforts to restrict access to library materials across the state. In 2023, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners conducted a survey in which 48.5% of the school librarian respondents reported that they reconsidered displays and books or items featured due to negativity surrounding book challenges.  

 

Intellectual freedom and the right to receive information in libraries are foundations of thriving democracies. This law will safeguard Massachusetts libraries against censorship and create clear guidelines to make sure that everyone can access information in libraries. When people support libraries, everyone benefits. Thank you to all the legislators who championed this bill and to the Cambridge City Council who passed a resolution in support of the Freedom to Read bill. Congrats to everyone who advocated for this bill and supported intellectual freedom on a state level, especially O'Neill Branch Manager Andrea Fiorillo who has advocated tirelessly as the co-chair of MLA's Intellectual Freedom/Social Responsibilities Committee.

Upcoming Events 
On August 19, from 5:30-7 p.m., join Jill Ahlstrand, founder of Harvesting Flavor, at the Main Library for a special Cambridge Cooks focused on approachable, garden-to-table plant-based cooking that makes healthy eating simple, seasonal, and delicious. In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to build balanced, satisfying grain bowls using simple ingredients such as grains, vegetables, proteins, and flavorful sauces. Registration is required.

Join us in Joan Lorentz Park on Saturday, August 22, from 2-3:30 p.m., for a Park Sounds performance featuring Joyce the Singer, a versatile artist, musician, and producer from Detroit, MI., with a deep passion for her craft, a beautiful blend of R&B, Neo-Soul, and Jazz influences. PARK SOUNDS 2026 brings free outdoor musical performances for all ages featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer!

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: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual
Monday, August 17
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful class.  We'll work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful happy mind/body/spirit. Good for everybody! Registration is required for each session is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

CPL Nature Club: Drop-in Flower Arranging Workshop (O’Connell)

Monday, August 17

3-5 p.m.

Learn how to make a flower arrangement! Participants will leave with their very own bouquet. No registration required. Appropriate for all ages, although young children should be accompanied by an adult. Materials will be provided while supplies last.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 18
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.

Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, August 18
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. Registration is helpful.

Richard Russo presents: Under the Falls (Main) 
Tuesday, August 18
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Richard Russo—acclaimed author of ten novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winner Empire Falls—for a discussion of his new novel, Under the Falls. He will be joined in conversation by Tom Perrotta—New York Times bestselling author of eleven works of fiction, including Election, Little Children, Mrs. Fletcher, The Leftovers, and Ghost Town. Registration is required.

Summer Art Nights: Garden theme lino block printing (Main)
Tuesday, August 18
5:30-7 p.m.

Choose from a selection of images and transform it into a print by carving the image into easy cut linoleum. You will love the satisfying process of carving away the linoleum to reveal the design. Once the carving is complete, the block will be inked and printed. Each person will take home a carved block for future use, and a collection of their own hand printed pieces! Registration is required.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 18
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, August 18
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!

Getting Started with Canva (Main)
Wednesday, August 19
2-3 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to design your own invitations, posters, resumes, or greeting cards? Come learn Canva, a free website design and app used by over 75 million people worldwide. We'll cover the basics: how to use Canva's simple drag-and-drop tools, and how to find free templates, graphics, photos, and fonts. No design experience needed, just bring your curiosity! This class is a part of the AARP curriculum. To learn more about AARP please go to: www.oats.org. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged but not required. 

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, August 19
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. This week we will press flowers! No registration required.

Block Party (O'Neill)
Wednesday, August 19
5-7 p.m.

Celebrate the end of summer with neighbors old and new! All neighbors of any age are welcome. This event will happen outside. In case of rain or bad weather there will be modified activities inside the O'Neill Branch.

CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins) 
Thursday, August 20
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Amanda Garms! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Amanda will share her insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. 

The meeting location for this walk will be at the Fresh Pond Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway. Temporary parking passes can be provided on request. Registration is required.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, August 20
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, August 20
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!

 

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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.