Director's Update
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
Read the Monthly Newsletter
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Marshall Ganz Presents: People, Power, Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal (Main)
Wednesday, October 16 @ 6:00 PM
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Marshall Ganz—Rita T. Hauser Senior Lecturer in Leadership, Organizing, and Civil Society at the Harvard Kennedy School—for a discussion of his new book People, Power, Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal. He will be joined in conversation by Doran Schrantz—the founding Executive Director of ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota, a state-wide, multi-racial, state-wide, grassroots membership organizations comprised of community-based institutions. Registration is required.
Learn More
Beyond Her Time: The Visionary Works of Pauline Hopkins (Main)
Thursday, October 17 @ 6:00 PM
Join us for a captivating exploration of the life and literary legacy of Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins. A pioneering figure of her time, Hopkins was a novelist, journalist, playwright, and activist who fearlessly tackled issues of race, gender, and social justice.
This lecture will delve into her formative years in Cambridge, uncovering the influences that shaped her groundbreaking work. We will examine her powerful stories and essays, which continue to resonate today, and discuss her enduring impact on Black literature and culture.
This will be a discussion between Dr. Nicole Aljoe, Professor of English and Africana Studies at Northeastern University, and Virginia Pye, a Cambridge-based author.
Registration is required.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, October 13, 2024
Christa Kuljian, Embroidery, Bicycle Maintenance, and More! -
Director's Update, October 6, 2024
Carmen Maria Machado, Estate Planning, Voter Registration, and More! -
Director's Update, September 29, 2024
Good Neighbor Day, Stand-Up Comedy, Flamenco, and More! -
Director's Update, September 22, 2024
Science Festival, Banned Books Week, Latinísimo!, and More!
Coming Up
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Baby Lapsit (Main)
Just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0 to 12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. 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. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
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Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Intermediate (Main)
Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. This is an in-person event. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Registration opens Wednesday, August 7 at 9AM through Wednesday, August 21 at 5PM to enter. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, August 23. Each patron that is interested in participating is placed on the waitlist. Those names will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation
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Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Email Tips and Tricks (Main)
Learn tips and tricks on how to use Gmail (Google email). A Gmail account is required for this class. Please remember your password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
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Story Time (Central Square)
Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.
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Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
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!
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Morning Sing-Along (Main)
It's a Library dance party! All ages. This program can accommodate 130 people. 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, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.
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Boudreau Branch Book Group (Boudreau/Virtual)
October Selection: Contending Forces by Pauline Hopkins Three Cambridge Public Library branches will be reading Contending Forces by Pauline Hopkins in the month of October in partnership with History Cambridge. Pauline Hopkins was an American novelist, journalist, playwright, historian, an editor who resided in Cambridge until her death in 1930. From Wikipedia: “Contending Forces focuses on African American families in post-Civil War American society. Hopkins, a child of free parents of color, imprinted her "own evasive and unsettling maternal family history, which linked her to the Atlantic slave trade, the West Indies, and the American South",[1] providing a vivid portrayal of the shared struggles endured by both enslaved and free individuals during that time period.” About History Cambridge: “History is so much more than just a list of events that happened. We dig deeper to uncover the knowledge that everyone in this city holds a piece of. By weaving that knowledge together we can explore how the past influences the present—and use what we learn to shape a more just future.Amateur historians, social butterflies, the civically minded, the culturally curious, activists, authors, local hosts, out-of-town visitors, lifelong residents, and new neighbors: we’re all a part of Cambridge’s story.” Print copies are available for pickup at the Boudreau Branch Library. Access to the audiobook can be found at https://librivox.org/contending-forces-by-pauline-elizabeth-hopkins/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYga8RJR494 For more information, call 617-349-4017 or email Liz Danner at edanner@cambridgema.gov.
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3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Prusa 3D printers. Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing certification for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
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English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This conversation group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Resume and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Looking for assistance creating a resume or looking for jobs? Join us at the Central Square Branch Library (45 Pearl St.) for assistance with resumes, job hunting, and online applications. Support will be available from 1-3 p.m. No registration is required. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
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 be making simple masks and costumes!
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Baby Lapsit (Main)
Just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0 to 12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. 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. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
-
Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Intermediate (Main)
Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. This is an in-person event. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Registration opens Wednesday, August 7 at 9AM through Wednesday, August 21 at 5PM to enter. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, August 23. Each patron that is interested in participating is placed on the waitlist. Those names will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation
-
Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
Email Tips and Tricks (Main)
Learn tips and tricks on how to use Gmail (Google email). A Gmail account is required for this class. Please remember your password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
-
Story Time (Central Square)
Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.
-
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
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!
-
Morning Sing-Along (Main)
It's a Library dance party! All ages. This program can accommodate 130 people. 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, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.
-
Boudreau Branch Book Group (Boudreau/Virtual)
October Selection: Contending Forces by Pauline Hopkins Three Cambridge Public Library branches will be reading Contending Forces by Pauline Hopkins in the month of October in partnership with History Cambridge. Pauline Hopkins was an American novelist, journalist, playwright, historian, an editor who resided in Cambridge until her death in 1930. From Wikipedia: “Contending Forces focuses on African American families in post-Civil War American society. Hopkins, a child of free parents of color, imprinted her "own evasive and unsettling maternal family history, which linked her to the Atlantic slave trade, the West Indies, and the American South",[1] providing a vivid portrayal of the shared struggles endured by both enslaved and free individuals during that time period.” About History Cambridge: “History is so much more than just a list of events that happened. We dig deeper to uncover the knowledge that everyone in this city holds a piece of. By weaving that knowledge together we can explore how the past influences the present—and use what we learn to shape a more just future.Amateur historians, social butterflies, the civically minded, the culturally curious, activists, authors, local hosts, out-of-town visitors, lifelong residents, and new neighbors: we’re all a part of Cambridge’s story.” Print copies are available for pickup at the Boudreau Branch Library. Access to the audiobook can be found at https://librivox.org/contending-forces-by-pauline-elizabeth-hopkins/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYga8RJR494 For more information, call 617-349-4017 or email Liz Danner at edanner@cambridgema.gov.
-
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0 to 12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. 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. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
-
Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Intermediate (Main)
Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. This is an in-person event. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Registration opens Wednesday, August 7 at 9AM through Wednesday, August 21 at 5PM to enter. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, August 23. Each patron that is interested in participating is placed on the waitlist. Those names will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation
-
Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.