Director's Update, August 23, 2026

Dear Patrons,  

Our Summer Reading Program has come to an end, and I am delighted to share that more than 4,000 community members participated this year! Thank you to everyone who helped make the program a success and, most importantly, for encouraging and celebrating a love of reading throughout our community. You can pick up prizes for complete bingo lines and blackout boards until Monday, August 31.

CPL in the News
Last week, I attended the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library Information Congress in Busan, South Korea. I spoke to daily Korean newspaper Chosun Daily about my career journey and my Korean heritage: Korean Adoptee ALA President Battles U.S. Book Bans, Seeks Roots

Check out recommendations from Cambridge Public Library staff members for late summer reads: Procrastinated on your summer reading? It’s not too late to finish these 14 books (Boston Globe).

Upcoming Events 
Join us on Thursday, August 27, from 10:15-11:30 a.m. for a morning bird-watching walk at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, one of the most renowned bird-watching spots in Cambridge. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. Registration is required. The walk will meet at the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am.

On Wednesday, August 26, 6:30 p.m., join us at the Central Square Branch for a low-effort, enriching Haitian-Creole conversational group. This event isn't a language learning group, but a conversational hour-long session. Questions? Contact Daryl at dcabrol@cambridgema.gov.

Are you a Green Card holder in the United States and interested in becoming a U.S. citizen? Join us at the Central Square Branch starting on September 2 at 6 p.m. for a free 10-week citizenship preparation 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. Attendees must have intermediate-level English and have been a legal permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least 4 years and 9 months (or 2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen.) Attendance at all sessions is expected. Registration is required.

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.  

• 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 Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual)
Monday, August 24
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.

Zen Meditation Group (Central Square)
Monday, August 24
4-5 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 a 15-minute introduction to 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 Brett Dixon, Library Social Worker, bdixon@cambridgema.gov.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, August 24
6-7 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.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 25
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.

Crafternoon: Back to School (Collins)
Tuesday, August 25
4-4:45 p.m.

Prepare for the first day of school by making an accessory to hang from your backpack. Supplies and instructions will be provided. 

• Tuesday, August 25 - Pom Poms and Tassels
• Thursday, August 27 - Gimp Zipper Pulls

Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregiver

Summer Fitness: Yoga in the park (Main)
Tuesday, August 25
6-7 p.m.

All are welcome to attend the Cambridge Public Library's free outdoor yoga summer series every other Tuesday starting July 14 until August 25. 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. Shayla Tate of M.U.D.D. Flower Yoga leads us through this 60-minute evening flow.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 25
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 26
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, August 26
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 use origami!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, August 26
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 is required.  Due to Early Voting, this event will take place in the Reading Garden on Berkshire Street. In the event of inclement weather, it will move inside to the Children's Area. 

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, August 26
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).

Pokémon Club (O'Neill)
Wednesday, August 26
6-7 p.m.

Twice a month, kids of all ages are invited to come to Pokémon Club at the O'Neill branch! Each biweekly drop-in event will feature a different Pokémon-themed craft or activity, along with opportunities to play the card game or trade with fellow Pokémon fans. 

"An Aprann Pale Kreyól": Haitian-Creole Conversational Group (Central Square)
Wednesday, August 26
6:30-7:30 p.m.

If you read that title, and thought to yourself, "HUH?!", you are probably not alone! This phrase is written in Haitian-Creole, which when translated into English means "let's learn to speak Creole (Haitian-Creole)". If you would like to chat it up and learn some phrases with other folks, please join us at the Central Square Branch for an evening of low effort, but enriching conversational group. This event isn't a language learning group, but a conversational hour-long session. Questions? Contact Daryl at dcabrol@cambridgema.gov.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, August 27
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: 3D Pens (Boudreau)
Thursday, August 27
3-5 p.m.

Stop by the Boudreau Branch in the afternoon to create something using 3D pens! This drop-in event is intended for school-aged children and their families.

Crafternoon: Back to School (Collins)
Thursday, August 27
4-4:45 p.m.

Prepare for the first day of school by making an accessory to hang from your backpack. Supplies and instructions will be provided. 

• Tuesday, August 25 - Pom Poms and Tassels
• Thursday, August 27 - Gimp Zipper Pulls

Recommended for children aged 6-12 and their caregivers.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, August 27
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!

Wiggle Party (O'Connell)
Friday, August 28
11-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a dance party to get your wiggles out! Play a freeze dance game, shake some shakers, and twirl some rainbow scarves! For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4019. 

Coffee and Games! (Boudreau)
Friday, August 28
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us for coffee, treats, and games (Chess, Cribbage, Rummikub, etc.). Bring a friend or meet a new one at the library!

Kick Back & Watch a Movie (Central) 
Friday, August 28
3-5 p.m.

Come watch a movie on Central Square Library’s big screen and eat free popcorn! 

Summer Fitness: Tai Chi under the tree (Main)
Saturday, August 29
10-11:30 a.m.

Join instructor Ellen DeGenova, at the main branch park, to explore Tai Chi elements (without the complicated choreography). Tai Chi offers highly adaptable and accessible ways of moving for everyone. Being outdoors and learning together inspires a sense of well-being and community. A seated option is available. No experience necessary. In case of inclement weather, class will be held in the library’s Community Room.

Arabic Story Time (Main)
Saturday, August 29
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Library is pleased to be working with dedicated community members to offer a special story time in Arabic! This program which will be conducted primarily in Arabic with the intention of helping young Arabic language learners to improve their skills. This program is suitable for children up to age 7.

                                                                                    +++

Stay Connected                         

Please subscribe to our e-mail list, follow us on Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website.           

                                                                                    +++

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.