Director's Update, August 2, 2026

Dear Patrons,  

CPL in the News
Read my interview in The Horn Book: Five Questions for ALA President Dr. Maria McCauley.

Upcoming Events 
Join the Cambridge Public Library on August 6, from 6-7:30 p.m., to celebrate our Summer Reading theme— “Plant a seed, read!”—by gathering with us for a reading and talk with author and biologist, David George Haskell, author of How Flowers Made Our World: The Story of Nature's Revolutionaries, published just this past March. Registration is required.

National Night Out
On August 4, from 3-10 p.m., Cambridge Police Department in collaboration with community partner, will host the 2026 National Night Out at Donnelly Field. National Night Out is an annual initiative aimed at fostering police-community partnerships and enhancing neighborhood camaraderie. For more information, please reach out to Kessen Green, Director of Outreach and Community Programs at kgreen@cambridgepolice.org.

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
  

Summer Reading: Stuffed Animal Sleepover (O'Connell)
Monday, August 3
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Bring a stuffed animal to the Library for a fun story time! Tuck your animal in, wish them sweet dreams, and read them a good night story. Come back on Tuesday 8/4 (or later) to pick up your friend and find out what adventures they had! Please make sure to bring an animal you are comfortable leaving overnight. This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required.

Adult Gaming: Unplugged (Main)
Monday, August 3
6-7:30 p.m.

Are you suffering from chronic information overload? Feeling overwhelmed by too much technology in your life? Join us for an evening of old school board gaming! Relax and recharge your internal battery with one of our classic board games or bring your own personal fave. Adult Gaming: Unplugged takes place on the first Monday of the month from 6:00 -- 7:30 PM in the Rossi Room. Be there or be square!

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 4
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 Graphic Novel Design Session 1/3 (Valente)
Tuesday, August 4
3-5 p.m.

Visually capture your own story in a short graphic novel format from story planning to character development and illustration. All materials are provided and no prior art experience is needed! Registration is required, and registering for the first session 8/4 includes the following sessions on Tuesdays, 4/11 and 4/18. This program is for ages 10-18. Registration is required.

CPL Nature Club - Alewife Afternoon Nature Walk (O'Neill)
Tuesday, August 4
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Come explore the nature in our urban backyard! We will take a leisurely walk as we observe and learn together about the animals and plants at Alewife Reservation. You are welcome to bring binoculars, magnifying glasses or any other observational tool. The paths and boardwalks are well maintained but can be muddy in places.  

The walk will meet at the stone benches by the wetland boardwalk. To view the location in Google Maps and get directions, click here. Limited free parking is available in the Alewife Reservation lot on Acorn Drive. In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled. Registration is helpful but not required. For more information call the O’Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.   

Summer Reading: Crafternoon (Collins)
Tuesday, August 4
4-4:45 p.m.

Join us for activities celebrating the theme of "Plant a Seed, Read" all summer long. Today's activity is Paint by Sticker. Choose a design and match the numbered stickers to the numbered spaces, then watch your artwork come alive.  Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

CPL Adult Summer Camp: Plant Identification Nature Walk (Valente)
Tuesday, August 4
6-7 p.m.

Join us for one, two, or all CPL Adult Summer Camp activities to meet new people and have nostalgic fun outside in Cambridge! Meet at Lechmere Station to admire and identify Cambridge trees, plants, and more using iNaturalist with your neighbors! We will Walk through the Common at Cambridge Crossing into North Point Park. In case of rain/high heat, this event will be postponed. Registration is Recommended.

Summer Reading: An Evening with Lola the Plant Lady (Main)
Tuesday, August 4
6-7 p.m.

In this 60-minute workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of houseplant care, including how to choose the right plants for their space, understand light and watering needs, and troubleshoot common issues. The session also introduces the concept of “plantuition”—a more intuitive approach to plant care that encourages observation and confidence. This workshop is especially suited for renters, beginners, and anyone working with limited space or budget. Registration is required.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 4
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, August 5
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!

Video Game Days (Main) 
Wednesday, August 5
12-2 p.m.

Every Wednesday during the summer, the Teen Room hosts video game days! Buddy up in 1, 2, Switch, or battle each other in Super Smash Bros. Between 12 PM and 2 PM grab a controller and hop into the game! For more information contact Ellen at ekaluza@cambridgema.gov.

Cyanotype Nature Printing (Main)
Wednesday, August 5
2-3 p.m.

Bring your own bits of nature to experiment with cyanotype printing. Recommended for ages 7 and up. This program is weather permitting, the rain date will be Friday, August 14th at 2 p.m. No registration required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, August 5
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: Storytime with José Mateo Ballet Theatre (O'Connell)
Wednesday, August 5
3-4 p.m.

Join us for a Ballet Storytime for Ages 0-7 and learn some ballet moves with teachers from the José Mateo Ballet Theatre. No registration required.

Summer Reading: Movie Matinee (Central Square)
Wednesday, August 5
3-4:30 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon movie in the cool indoors. Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. No registration required. Please call 617-349-4012 for more information.

Summer Reading: Music and Movement with Julie Murray (Collins)
Wednesday, August 5
5:30-6:15 p.m.

Join Julie for a ukulele music and movement program. Registration is not required for this event. Recommended for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Branch Walk [55+] (O'Neill)
Thursday, August 6
10:30-11:45 a.m.

Join guide Stefanie Haug while exploring our neighborhood nature and history. As a group, we'll connect with and explore the neighborhood mindfully with a gentle walk and draw on contemplative practices. Registration is requested but not required.

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

Teen Crafternoon (Main)
Thursday, August 6
2-5 p.m.

Take over the Teen Room and pick up a craft! From button making to paper bead bracelets, take over the tables and learn something new. Crafts will be set out as first come, first serve. For more information contact Ellen at ekaluza@cambridgema.gov.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, August 6
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, August 6
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!

Summer Reading: Book Bingo Story Time (O'Connell)
Friday, August 7
11-11:45 a.m.

Join us for a special story time featuring books to match a square on this summer's bingo board for young children. Recommended for ages birth to five with a caregiver.

Summer Reading: Seed Art and Mosaics with Hands on Nature (Main)
Saturday, August 8
11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Main)
2-3 p.m. (O’Neill)

Join us for a simple discussion on the life cycle of a plant, then make some seed art to take home! Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers.

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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.