Director's Update, September 20, 2026

Dear Patrons,  

 

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Latinx Heritage Month—a time to highlight the cultures, accomplishments, contributions, and lived experiences of the Latinx community. I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Latinx Heritage Month. Please visit our website to see what we are doing to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month. and to thank Departments and Branch locations that have created programs and opportunities to recognize and celebrate the Latinx community. To Library colleagues of Latinx heritage, we see you and appreciate you!

 

Pollinator Pathway Gardens

Over the last year, Cambridge Public Library has partnered with the Cambridge Department of Public Works and the Cambridge Plant & Garden Club to develop a pollinator garden at the Main Library, transforming an underused open area into habitat for native pollinators and increasing biodiversity. The new garden complements the existing plantings in Joan Lorentz Park, expanding the range of native plants and pollinator habitat surrounding the Library. This work is also expanding beyond the Main Library, with pollinator garden projects already underway at the O’Neill and Valente branches and the O’Connell Branch planned as the next location.

The gardens feature a variety of native flowering plants selected to provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. Beyond supporting the local ecosystem, the gardens add vibrancy and life to overlooked areas of Library grounds and create opportunities for the public to learn about the important role pollinators play in healthy ecosystems. Each garden also contributes to broader pollinator pathway efforts across Cambridge. By adding native plantings in locations throughout the city, these efforts create more places for pollinators to find food and habitat.

 

The gardens also support the Library's educational mission. Through signage, programs, and community partnerships, they provide visible examples of how relatively small municipal spaces can contribute to biodiversity and environmental sustainability.The project is a collaborative effort, drawing on the Library's community and educational work, DPW's stewardship of Cambridge's public landscape, and the Cambridge Plant & Garden Club's knowledge of local gardening and horticulture. Learn more about upcoming programs tied to the Pollinator Garden.

 

Upcoming Events

CPL Presents: Valeria Luiselli (Main/Virtual) 
On Thursday, September 24, from 6-7:30 p.m., join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by welcoming Valeria Luiselli—the acclaimed author of several books, including Tell Me How It Ends and Lost Children Archive, the recipient of the 2021 Dublin Literary Award—for a reading from her new novel, Beginning Middle End. In Beginning Middle End, which received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist, Luiselli returns to the road novel form which she innovated in Lost Children Archive. Called "a beautiful, maybe perfect, novel," Beginning Middle End follows a mother and daughter on a quest to start over and find for themselves a new story, in the process weaving "together four generations of women through archaeology, mythology, and the natural world" (W Magazine). After reading from her work, Luiselli will sit in conversation with Eloisa Amezcua, an award-winning poet, translator, and author of Fighting Is Like a Wife. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow. Registration is required.

CPL Arts Collective: Intro to Cyanotype (Main
Join us on Tuesday, September 22, from 6-7:30 p.m. to explore the creative possibilities of cyanotype by combining photography, found materials, botanicals, and hand-cut collage to create rich, layered blueprints on paper. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn the basics of the cyanotype process while experimenting with composition, masking, and mixed-media techniques to produce one-of-a-kind prints. Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, this workshop encourages playful exploration, creative experimentation, and personal expression. All materials will be provided. Registration is required.

Estate Planning for All (Main)
The Cambridge Public Library and Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School are excited to offer Estate Planning for All in-person at the Main Library on Thursday, September 21, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Estate plans can help you prepare for unexpected changes, offer a sense of security in uncertain times, and ensure that your wishes will be carried out if you become ill, incapacitated, or die unexpectedly. Everyone—regardless of background or financial situation—can have an estate plan. 

We will discuss:

• Financial issues during our lifetimes: power of attorney, homestead declaration, and trusts
• Health and medical issues: health care proxy, medical directives, and HIPAA authorization
• Preparing for death: wills and declaration as to remains

Estate planning issues specific to veterans and individuals with disabilities will also be discussed. Registration is 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

Expressive Art for Older Adults: Beading Workshop (Central)
Tuesday, September 22
10:30a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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.

Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Tuesday, September 22
1-2 p.m.

Join us each Tuesday afternoon at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker.  No equipment needed. This is an in-person program taking place in the Lewis Room at Central Square.  Registration is required for each session. 

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, September 22
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.

Voter 411 - Teen Edition (Main)
Tuesday, September 22
3-4:30 p.m.

What do you know about voting? Are you:

• a United States citizen?
• a Cambridge resident?
• at least 16 years of age?

Then you can REGISTER TO VOTE! Drop into the Teen Room for a voter information & registration session, presented by the Cambridge Election Commission. No registration required.

Teens: Focus Time! (Valente)
Tuesday, September 22
3:30-5 p.m.

Join peers in quiet time after school to complete homework, study, read your next favorite book, work on your graphic novel and art, or otherwise focus on a project. No registration required, drop-in anytime. Ages 12-18.

Crafternoon: Fortune Tellers (Collins)
Tuesday, September 22
4-4:45 p.m.

Get creative after school! Learn to fold a fortune teller from a paper square. Choose a sheet with hidden messages ready for you to discover, or create your own unique messages before folding. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

Creative Aging: Beginner Improv (Main)
Tuesday, September 22
4-6 p.m.

A 12-week series of beginner's classes with instruction from Comedian Jack Simon. Learn how to seamlessly integrate interactive improv games, scenes, and skillful storytelling that all come together with performance. This will be an in-person program at the Main Library. Space is limited to 12 participants. Due to the popularity and to gain the most out of this program, we expect all participants to commit to all sessions in this 12-week course. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

CPL Fitness: Yoga in the park (Main)
Tuesday, September 22
6-7 p.m.

Back by popular demand! All are welcome to attend the Cambridge Public Library's free outdoor yoga series. 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, September 22
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Open Studio at the Library (Central Square) 
Wednesday, September 22
6:30-8 p.m.

Get creative at the Library and join us for a casual evening of art making. We'll have supplies for drawing and painting, calligraphy, collage, and more along with instructional books to refer to. Bring a friend and come share casual crafting time together. Attendees are welcome to bring their own projects as well.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, September 23
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: Let Your Yoga Dance (Main) 
Wednesday, September 23
11:15 a.m.-12 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. This is an in-person class taking place in the Community Room at the Main library.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, September 23
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 construct cardboard creations! No registration required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, September 23
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.

Pokemon Club (O'Neill)
Wednesday, September 23
6-7 p.m.

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

Meeting the Moment: Immigrant Students and the Cambridge Public Schools (Main)
Wednesday, September 23
6-7:30 p.m.

Join the Cambridge Public Library in welcoming the Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools, Dave Murphy, for a discussion of immigrant students in today's political climate. Panelists will also include Jessica Lander, author of Making Americans, whose book provides historical and current context for the discussion, as well as Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem and Richard Harding, a School Committee member. This event will be moderated by Eugenia Schraa Huh. Registration is required.

Citizenship Preparation Classes (Central Square)
Wednesday, September 23
6-8 p.m.

Come join this free 10-week class meeting every Wednesday beginning on September 2 through November 4, 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. This class is offered as a 10-week series. Attendance at all sessions is expected.

Requirements:

• Intermediate-level English
• Legal Permanent Resident card for 4 years and 9 months (2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen)

Registration is required. For more information about registering or classes contact St. Marks at stmarkesol@gmail.com or 617-288-8515. This class is full.

Branch Walk [55+] (O'Connell
Thursday, September 24
10:30-11:45 a.m.

Meet neighborhood locations and greet your neighbors! Join Stefanie Haug, local mindful nature guide, as we explore Cambridge one neighborhood at a time, with a local library branch as our home base. These leisurely walks blend local history, nature, and contemplative practices, with lots of time to pause and share. Participants are encouraged to bring their own neighborhood stories, discover something new, and build connections with people and places. The our final neighborhood walk through East Cambridge, launching from the lovely O'Connell Library. The walk will conclude at Elmendorf Baking Store & Cafe close to the library. Registration is requested but not required.

What to bring: layered clothing, comfortable shoes and water.
Where to meet: At the O'Connell Branch entrance.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, September 24
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.

After-School Craft: 3D Pens (Boudreau)
Thursday, September 24
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.

Teens: Foursquare! (Valente)
Thursday, September 24
3:30-5 p.m.

Play the classic court game of four-square (also known as box ball) with peers! Bounce a ball into other player's squares to eliminate them and advance to the highest-ranking square. Indoor, no registration required, drop-in at any time. We play by outlined Library Foursquare Rules. Ages 12-18. 

Read to a Dog (Valente)
Thursday, September 24
3:30-5 p.m.

Read to Dante, our local cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required and begins on Thursday, September 17 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015). 

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, September 24
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!

YouCan Kits (Main)
Thursday, September 24
6-8:30 p.m.

In honor of Save a Life Day and Recovery Month, join us to volunteer to put together overdose prevention kits at the Cambridge Public Library, Main Branch. The You Can initiative (youcan.info) addresses overdose deaths by increasing access to lifesaving skills and resources statewide. Volunteers play a crucial role in this program by assembling the kits that are then mailed out across the state, getting lifesaving resources out to people and families who need them, free of cost. Each kit contains naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other vital resources. Recovery Month, observed each September, affirms that recovery from substance use and mental health challenges is possible, and shows the city's support for every Cambridge community member in all stages of their recovery journeys. Save a Life Day is a nationwide day of action that promotes year-round widespread naloxone access as one solution to the overdose crisis. Volunteers will be able to leave with a completed kit, if desired. Representatives from the Cambridge Health Department will also be onsite to provide additional resources and support. This program is a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Health Resources in Action (HRiA) and hosted by the Cambridge Public Health Department and Cambridge Public Library.

Coffee and Games! (Boudreau)
Friday, September 25
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!

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, September 25
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 every week and will open at 11:30 a.m. the Monday before each class.  Please be aware that if you are on the waitlist, we likely cannot accommodate patrons once we've reached capacity to safely run the program. 

Kick Back & Watch a Movie (Central)
Friday, September 25
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)
Friday, September 25
10-11 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.

 

Stay Connected                         

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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.