Director's Update, June 21, 2026

Dear Patrons,  

Summer Reading has officially begun! If you haven’t yet, register and pickup your own bingo board to get started. We have lots of fun Summer Reading programs across all our locations. 

Upcoming Events 

Cambridge Cooks: Caribbean Heritage Month Edition with Chef Gaitskell (Main)
Join Chef Gaitskell Cleghorn Jr. on Monday, June 22, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library for another session of Cambridge Cooks with Chef Gaitskell Cleghorn Jr. Chef Gaitskell will prepare Jerk Chicken and Mango Salsa in celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Gaitskell Cleghorn Jr., professionally known as Chef Gates, is an entrepreneur and culinary educator based in Boston. He specializes in culinary education, catering, and community outreach, partnering with organizations such as the Codman Square Farmers Market and BOLD Teens. Throughout his career, he has taught at prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, as well as local schools such as Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and Boston Day & Evening Academy. His work has been featured in publications including Channel 7, Edible Boston, Boston Herald, and the Boston Globe. Additionally, he collaborated with a Master Sushi Chef to produce over 3,000 sushi plates at the New England Seafood Expo. His work on food and culture is currently featured in an Exhibit at the Boston Children’s Museum. Although he lived globally due to his father’s military service, he has spent most of his professional life in Boston, where he continues to grow as a culinary professional. Registration is required.

Filmmaking 101 (Main)
Join us at the Main Library on Monday, June 22, from 3-4:30 p.m. for Filmmaking 101. Learn how to use our Sony FX6 camera to film your own videos! In this session, you'll also practice lighting for film and editing a short video using provided footage. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class. After completing this training, you will be able to reserve our Multimedia Studio during Open Shop Hours. Registration is required.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Disinformation (Virtual)
Learn how AI can help and harm, different types of disinformation and different tips to detect deepfakes and evaluate online information. Participate in a workshop on Artificial Intelligence and disinformation on Wednesday, June 24, from 6-7 p.m. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. 

Summer Reading: Kickoff Block Party (Collins)

Celebrate the start of summer at a neighborhood bash at the Collins Branch Library on Thursday, June 25, from 5-7 p.m. Join us for outdoor activities and face painting by Color Me Funky. We'll have supplies to decorate mini planters and pot some seeds. Refreshments will be served. All ages. In the event of inclement weather, all activities will move indoors.

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: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, June 22
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! 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.

Celebrate Upper School graduates! (O'Neill)
Monday, June 22
3:30-5 p.m.

Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to make signs celebrating graduating Upper Schoolers! Snacks provided. No registration necessary.

Summer Reading: 2D Game Design with Guild Hall Learning (Valente)
Monday, June 22
3:30-5:30 p.m.

Join us to learn how to transform your game ideas into a playable reality. Recommended for ages 10-14.

Safety, Privacy, & Social Impact of Artificial Intelligence (Main)
Monday, June 22
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn about the privacy limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI), misinformation and scams that use AI, and the social and ethical challenges presented by the introduction of this technology. This class will be delivered by a DOORS program instructor. To learn more about the DOORS program please go to: https://www.digitalpsych.org/doors-program.html. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged but not required. 

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, June 23
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.

Youth Dungeons & Dragons Session 8/8 (Valente)
Tuesday, June 23
4-5 p.m.

Youth ages 10-16 are welcome to join this eight-session campaign of Tuesdays in May and June of the table-top game Dungeons and Dragons (DnD), as we build our cooperative role-play and storytelling skills. The dates are 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, and 6/23. The first session will include time to build characters and review rules of gameplay. Following sessions will follow a storyline through to the final session. Registration is required, as the program is capped at 8 players. Please plan to attend all sessions! Registering for Session 1 includes the following weekly sessions. No prior DnD experience is required, and experienced players are also welcome to join. 

Acrylic Painting Workshop (Valente)
Tuesday, June 23
5:30-7: p.m.

Learn how to create beautiful and colorful acrylic paintings! In this class you will be introduced to painting with acrylic, including techniques in color mixing, observational painting, and composition. At your own pace you will learn how to paint still lifes using acrylic paint in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This class will cover wet on wet and wet and dry brush techniques, sgraffito/combing, overlays/glazing, gel mediums, pattern making, and masking. You will come away from this class with beautiful paintings of your own and a greater understanding and appreciation for the medium of acrylic painting. This class is suitable for beginners and can be adjusted for all levels of experience. This class is taught by Brooke Lambert. Registration is Required.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 23
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, June 24
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: Low-impact Fitness (Valente)
Wednesday, June 24
11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. 

This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. This class is conducted from a standing position and incorporates exercises like modified lunges, cardio, and body resistance strength training. Registration is required for each session. This is an in-person event in the Community Room of the Main Library. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 24
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 decorate the Library for summer!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, June 24
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.

Summer Reading: Hip Hop Xpression
Wednesday, June 24, 3-4 p.m. (Main)
Friday, Hune 26, 4-5 p.m. (Central Square)

Experience the joy of Hip Hop Xpression with Jarell Howard Rochelle in this fun, high-energy program for kids and teens. Participants will learn simple choreography, explore freestyle movement, and be introduced to authentic hip hop terminology and culture. This interactive class emphasizes connection, creativity, and self-expression, while celebrating the spirit of hip-hop.

No prior dance experience is needed - just come ready to move, laugh, and have fun together. Families and youth of all ages are welcome.

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 24
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).

Boudreau Summer Reading Kickoff Party (Boudreau)
Wednesday, June 24
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us to celebrate the beginning of summer and get ready for Summer Reading! We will have small seed planting kits for you to decorate, crafts, and refreshments. All ages welcome.

Bento Bags and Napkins with Lenni (Main)
Wednesday, June 24
5:30-8:30 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND create bespoke sewn crafts! In this session, you can choose from a menu of beginner projects including: bento bags and napkins. This session is led by fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Registration is required. Participants must have completed Sewing 101 in The Hive. 

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, June 25
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, June 25
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!

RESCHEDULED AANHPI Poetry for Teens (Valente)
Thursday, June 25
3:30-4:30 p.m.

This event has been rescheduled from May.  Learn about poetry forms from Asia, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands, and write some yourself! No registration required.

Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi
Thursday, June 25, 3:30-4:4- p.m. (O’Connell)
Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Main)

Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Thursday, June 25
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!

Twilight Music and Movement (Central Square)
Thursday, June 25
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)
Friday, June 26
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, June 26
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 for each class. 

Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration: Plant a seed, read! (O'Neill)
Saturday, June 27
1-3 p.m.

Join us outdoors at the O'Neill Branch to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of the summer! Pick up a "blossom kit" (small growing kit with seeds) while supplies last. We will also have food, games and art. No registration is required. All ages are welcome! In case of rain or bad weather this event will be inside the O'Neill Branch.

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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.