Director's Update, October 18, 2026

Dear Patrons,  

 

What adventures have you had at the Library? Stories you've read, new skills you've learned, or worlds you've imagined? In our inaugural library card design contest, share your illustration of a journey you've gone on through the Cambridge Public Library. 

 

Starting on October 15, if you live, work, or go to school in Cambridge, submit your original designs to be featured on new, limited-edition library cards to come in 2027. One adult and one youth winner will see their design featured on library cards and be selected for a grand prize.

 

All entrants must agree to the Photo/Create Works Release and submit their designs online by Sunday, November 15 at 11:59 p.m. Learn more on our website.

 

CPL in the News

I had the honor of joining Stacey Abrams for her Back-to-School Community call on Step 3: Organize of her 10 Steps to Freedom and Power Campaign. Watch the full conversation here.  

Upcoming Events

Fuchsia Dunlop presents: Five Tastes: Delicious Recipes for Chinese Flavors (Main)
On Wednesday, October 21, from 6-7:30 p.m., Cambridge Public Library and Harvard Book Store to welcome Fuchsia Dunlop—James Beard Award–winning author The Food of Sichuan and the IACP Award finalist Invitation to a Banquet —for a discussion of her new cookbook, Five Tastes: Delicious Recipes for Chinese Flavors. Registration is required.

Understanding Deaf Culture & Everyday Signs (O’Neill)
On Saturday, October 24, from 2-3 p.m., join us at the O’Neill Branch for Understanding Deaf Culture & Everyday Signs. Theresa A. King, the Founder & Director of SIGNING Basics®, will offer a deeper dive into American Sign Language. This workshop will focus on Deaf culture, common questions and misunderstandings about deafness, respectful communication practices, and practical everyday signs and short phrases. Participants will also have time to ask questions and continue the conversation that began during our previous session. This class is best for ages 10 and up. Registration is required.

Celebrate 10 Years of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten with a Concert and Craft! (Main Library)
Join us at the Main Library on Saturday, October 24, from 2-3 p.m. to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Join us for a celebration that will include a musical performance by Jeremy Lyons followed by a craft. Jeremy draws from American folk music traditions to make music for the whole family. Recommended for families of all ages.

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
  

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Monday, October 19
9-10 a.m.

This program, led by Zeenat Potia, will introduce and utilize mindfulness techniques to help us examine and regulate everyday life changes with a focus on aging.  Participants will learn and benefit from the development of a mindfulness practice to enable responding to getting older in a calm, clear and thoughtful manner. Registration is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, October 19
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes to improve flexibility and balance, strengthen muscles and have fun! Certified Zumba Gold instructor Emily B. will lead you through 45 minutes of low-impact and easy-to-follow choreography in your own home through Zoom. Join us! 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.  If you register after that time, please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov to receive the link. 

Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Tuesday, October 20
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.

Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Tuesday, November 10
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, November 10
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.

Creative Aging: Beginner Improv (Main)
Tuesday, October 20
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 15 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 Foundatio.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, October 20
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Death Cafe CPL (Central Square)
Tuesday, October 20
7-8 p.m.

Join us for a virtual Death Cafe - an evening of open, lively, and insightful discussion about death for adults aged 18 and older. While not a support group nor a venue for bereavement, a Death Cafe seeks to provide an unscripted, non-judgmental platform for those wishing to explore the many facets of this often-taboo subject. Facilitated by Richard Davis, a long time Death Cafe organizer and hospice volunteer. Come with an open mind, a healthy curiosity, and a willingness to share your thoughts, feelings, and questions with other like-minded individuals. This is a virtual event on Zoom. Space is limited. Registration is required. Questions? Contact the Library Social Worker, Brett Dixon, at bdixon@cambridgema.gov. 

Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Main)
Wednesday, October 21
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. 

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, October 21
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, October 21
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 make pretend potions!

Read to a Dog (Valente)
Wednesday, October 21
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 Wednesday, October 14 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015). 

Pokemon Club (O'Neill)
Wednesday, October 21
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. 

Citizenship Preparation Classes (Central Square)
Wednesday, October 21
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.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, October 22
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.

Teens: Foursquare! (Valente)
Thursday, October 22
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. 

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, October 22
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!

Puppetry Studio (Main)
Thursday, October 22
5-6:30 p.m.

We will read folktales about cats and compare the different stories as inspiration to write an original tale to be performed on a tiny stage. Using a ChompSaw(a kid-safe power tool), participants will safely cut cardboard to create shadow puppets. We'll host a performance of our masterpiece for family and friends on the final session.  This four-week puppetry workshop is for youth ages 8-12 and meets 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays October 8, 15, 22 and 29. Registration is required. Participants must attend all sessions and have read any folktale about cats before the first session. Visit the Children's Room to pick up a copy of a book. For questions about Puppetry Studio, please email Natalie at nzylicz@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4038.

Twilight Music and Movement (Central Square)
Thursday, October 22
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. 

Coffee and Games! (Boudreau)
Thursday, October 22
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, October 23
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. 

Kids' Game Shows! (O’Neill)
Friday, October 23
4-5 p.m.

Ever wanted to be on a game show? Love friendly competition? Kids ages 7 to 11, now's your chance, right here at the O'Neill Branch! Each time we meet, we'll be playing a different game "show" based on family favorites like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Trivia, or Bingo. Come test your knowledge, try your luck, and see who the champions of the day are! Snacks will be provided.              

Literary Monsters: Spooky Stories! Shadow Puppets! Live Music! (Central Square)
Saturday, October 24
12-1:15 p.m.

Join the Shadow, Sound, Spectacle ensemble for an evening of original live music, shadow puppetry, video projection, and gothic storytelling inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Washington Irving, Emily Dickinson, Bram Stoker, Anne Rice and more. This imaginative multimedia performance reimagines iconic gothic figures—Frankenstein’s creature, Poe’s raven, the Headless Horseman—as symbols of resistance, transformation, and queer identity. Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Literary Monsters is a collaborative performance project led by Northampton-based singer-songwriter Jess Martin (Tiny Desk Contest 2025 entrant), Boston puppeteer Amy West, and musician/visual artist Abby Hanna (Northampton-based). Recommended for teens and adults. 

 

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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.