Director's Update, June 7, 2026

Dear Patrons,  

 

June is PRIDE when we celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community. June is also Caribbean American Heritage Month, when we celebrate the lives and accomplishments of our community members of Caribbean origins. Join me in wishing a happy celebration to all. Please visit our collections to find new materials by LGBTQ+ and Caribbean authors as we celebrate their lives, accomplishments, and contributions to our country.

Summer Reading Bingo registration opened on Monday, June 1. Start reading now and redeem prizes from June 20-August 14, 2026, while supplies last. This year’s theme is “Plant a Seed, Read,” celebrating the natural world we live in. To get started, register at camb.ma/summerreading! Pick up your bingo board from any Cambridge Public Library location. View the calendar

of special Summer Reading events happening throughout the summer.

Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Upcoming Events

Summer Art Nights: Explore with Botanical Collage (Main)

Join us on Thursday, June 11, from 5:30-7 p.m. for Summer Art Nights: Explore with Botanical Collage. Explore the art of botanical collage. In this workshop, participants work with a variety of plant-inspired imagery—think leaves, flowers, stems, and natural textures—to create their own unique composition. Whether you prefer something delicate and minimal or bold and layered, this is a chance to experiment, play, and let your creativity unfold. No prior experience is needed—this workshop is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners. A selection of materials will be provided, so you can simply show up and start creating. That said, students are more than welcome to bring your own papers, clippings, pressed plants, or anything else that inspires you.

Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available

Playing With Poetry (Main)

Join Bee & Ivy on Thursday, June 11, from 6-7:30 p.m. for Playing with Poetry. in this experimental writing workshop where you will engage with: music, rhyme, blackout poetry, letter writing, and more! Create, share your work, get feedback - at the final session we’ll have a poetry reading.Registration is required.

Land/Mark: Enslavement, Resistance and Revolution (Main)

Participate in a symposium titled Land/Mark: Enslavement, Resistance and Revolution at the Main Library on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The symposium will explore themes of the Revolution and the history of Mark, Phillis and Phoebe. Mark and Phillis were two enslaved people who were publicly executed in Cambridge in 1755 after being found guilty of fatally poisoning John Codman, the man who enslaved them. After the execution, Mark's body was gibbeted, displayed publicly in chains on Charlestown Common, for many years. Symposium participants include Kyera Singleton, Executive Director of the Royall House and Slave Quarters and Postdoctoral Fellow at Tufts University's Slavery, Colonialism, and their Legacies at Tufts Initiative, as well as Brandeis University legal historian Dan Breen and others. The keynote speaker for the event will be Kellie Carter Jackson, Associate Professor of Africana Studies and the Chair of the Africana Studies Department Wellesley College.

Registration is required.

Pride Concert with the Grumpytime Club (Main).

Celebrate PRIDE month at the Main Library on Saturday, June 13, from 2-3 p.m. with a performance by the Grumpytime Club. The Grumpytime Club’s original music for children and their caregivers is creative, positive, thoughtful, beautifully crafted, and catchy as cake! Led by award-winning singer songwriter Carrie Ferguson, the Grumpytime Club creates live shows that are often jubilant sing-along dance parties, highlighting themes of inclusivity, social justice, Earth stewardship and LGBTQ youth/family JOY! Party in the Curious

You, Me and AI: Exploring Mental Health, Connections and Boundaries (Main)

What happens when AI becomes a friend, a tutor, a therapist, a co-worker? Come find out in a hands-on workshop led by Joint Family in collaboration with the Cambridge Public Library titled You, Me and AI: Exploring Mental Health, Connections and Boundaries on Saturday, June 13, from 2-4 p.m. Test the limitations and capabilities of popular Generative AI tools and how they’re quietly reshaping the way we connect with technology and each other. We'll explore the support gaps they're filling, where we need to draw boundaries and why real-world human connections matter more than ever. No prior experience with Generative AI necessary. Caregivers and educators are encouraged to attend. Open to ages 18 and up. 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 Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, June 8
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.

Teen Hangout (Valente)
Monday, June 8
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Hangout with other teens in the Valente Branch Community Room after school to socialize, unwind, and participate in a rotating activity. No registration required, drop-in between 3:30-4:30pm. 

Nicholas Epley presents: A Little More Social (Main) 
Monday, June 8
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcomes Nicholas Epley—John Templeton Keller Professor of Behavioral Science and faculty director of the Roman Family Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business—for a discussion of his new book, A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection. He will be joined in conversation by Daniel Gilbert—Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, New York Times bestselling author of Stumbling on Happiness, and host and co-writer of the award-winning NOVA television series This Emotional Life. Registration is required.

Wild Things with Cambridge Society for Early Music (Valente)
Tuesday, June 9
11-11:45 a.m.

It's time for a wild rumpus! Join in a game of musical charades featuring quirky 17th century chamber music mimicking members of the animal kingdom and other zaniness. Sandra Boynton's simple yet poignant counting book Hippos Go Berserk and Maurice Sendak's timeless classic Where the Wild Things Are may leave you hungry for a bedtime snack! Music of Heinrich Biber and Nicola Matteis performed on violin and theorbo/baroque guitar. No registration required. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. This program will replace Valente's weekly Sing-Along on Tuesday, June 9.

Narcan Distribution (Central Square)
Tuesday, June 9
1-3 p.m.

Swing by the Central Square Branch Library to restock on Narcan and learn more about how to reverse overdoses.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, June 9
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 6/8 (Valente)
Tuesday, June 9
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. 

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
5-6 p.m.

Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.

Hand Embroidery (O'Neill)
Tuesday, June 9
6-7:30 p.m.

Hand Embroidery will cover an assortment of basic embroidery stitches that can be used to embellish your clothing and hide (or highlight!) holes and stains! Leave class with a sampler of embroidery stitches you can refer back to, along with knowledge of tools, materials, and techniques for stitching up embroidered designs. Suitable for beginners with little or no embroidery experience, or those who want a refresher on the basics. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Tom Lin presents: Babylon, South Dakota (Main)
Tuesday, June 9
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Tom Lin—Carnegie Medal-winning author of The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu, and professor of English and creative writing at the University of Iowa—for a discussion of his highly anticipated new novel, Babylon, South Dakota.Registration is required. Tom Lin was born in China and immigrated to the United States when he was four. A graduate of Pomona College, he also holds a PhD from the University of California, Davis. His first novel, The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu, won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence. He teaches English and creative writing at the University of Iowa.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 9
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Wednesday, June 10
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a morning walk at one of the most renowned bird watching spots in Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. 

The walk will meet at the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am. We will walk to Mt. Auburn Cemetery together (about a five-minute walk). Please try to be on time as we will leave shortly after 10:15 a.m.! Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. This walk is full; a waitlist is available. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 10
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 10
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 10
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 build with LEGO, K'Nex and other toys.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, June 10
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.

Party in the Teen Room! (Main)
Wednesday, June 10
3-5 p.m.

School's almost out, so let's celebrate! Enjoy pizza, snacks and crafts and relax before exams. In the Teen Room - bring your friends

Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group (Main)
Wednesday, June 10
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Writers of all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported writing group. In this group, participants take turns bringing short in-progress or completed pieces of any genre. The group reads several pieces each month, sharing feedback and constructive criticism in a supportive and inclusive environment. We may practice in-class writing exercises and read samples of published writing as time allows. Registration is required. NOTE: Registration is for this month's meeting only. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. For more information, please email Susannah at sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov.

After Story Time Caregiver Social (Valente)
Thursday, June 11
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Connect with other caregivers after story time! We will provide coffee for caregivers, and toys for children.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, June 11
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 11
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!

Thomas Levenson presents: A Pox on Fools: The True Believers, Grifters, and Cynics Who Convinced Us to Reject Vaccines (Main)
Thursday, June 11
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Thomas Levenson—professor of science writing at MIT and author of several books, including So Very Small and Einstein in Berlin—for a discussion of his new book, A Pox on Fools: The True Believers, Grifters, and Cynics Who Convinced Us to Reject Vaccines.Registration is required. Thomas Levenson is a professor of science writing at MIT. He is the author of several books, including So Very Small, Money for Nothing, The Hunt for Vulcan, Einstein in Berlin, and Newton and the Counterfeiter: The Unknown Detective Career of the World's Greatest Scientist.

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, June 12
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. 

Kick Back & Watch a Movie (Central Square)
Friday, June 12
3-5 p.m.

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

Zine Swap and End-of-year Party (O'Neill)
Friday, June 12
4-5 p.m.

Members of the Kids' Zine Collective and Cambridge Young Authors' Squad are invited to a party to celebrate their work from this year! Kids can bring zines to swap and/or writing to share. Food provided! No registration is necessary.

Queer Zine Making (Valente)
Saturday, June 13
2-4 p.m.

In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn what exactly a zine is and what it has to do with queer and trans liberation. Then, you will learn how to make your very own, very queer zine!

To get some context, we will take a brief look at the history of queer and trans zines, as well as the present-day zine scene. Then you will learn how to fold one sheet of paper into an eight-page zine that is easy to make copies of for distribution. We'll also explore and brainstorm various ways that you can get your zine to the people in the world who are interested in reading, viewing, studying, and/or adoring it (these people exist!). Registration required.

Drop-in Maker Studio (O'Neill)
Saturday, June 13
1-3 p.m.

Come to the Library to create something special! Use your own supplies or try out our equipment! You can use our 1-inch button maker, 2.5 inch button maker, 3-D Doodle pens, or Janome sewing machines. The Library will provide basic supplies.

This drop-in program is for people who feel comfortable using these machines on their own. The Library will not provide instruction. Anyone wishing to use the sewing machines must have completed a Sewing 101 training through the Library. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

You, Me and AI: Exploring Mental Health, Connections and Boundaries (Main)
Saturday, June 13
2-4 p.m.

What happens when AI becomes a friend, a tutor, a therapist, a co-worker? Come find out in this hands-on workshop led by Joint Family in collaboration with the Cambridge Public Library.

Test the limitations and capabilities of popular Generative AI tools and how they’re quietly reshaping the way we connect with technology and each other. We'll explore the support gaps they're filling, where we need to draw boundaries and why real-world human connections matter more than ever. No prior experience with Generative AI necessary. Caregivers and educators are encouraged to attend. Open to ages 18 and up. Registration is required.

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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.