Director's Update, September 6, 2026

Dear Patrons,  

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! A library card gives you access to books and so much more. Did you know that your Cambridge Public Library card allows you to use The Hive makerspace for free? And check out laptops, hotspots, GoPros, and more? And access tons of online resources? This Library Card Sign-Up Month, discover what possibilities your library card unlocks, and if you don’t have one already, register for your very own library card!  All Library locations will be closed on Sunday, September 6 and Monday, September 7 for Labor Day.  

Francis Fukuyama presents: In the Realm of the Last Man (Main)
On Wednesday, September 9, from 6-7:30 p.m. Cambridge Public Library and Harvard Book Store Harvard Book Store welcome Francis Fukuyama—Olivier Nomellini Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and the author of The End of History and the Last Man—for a discussion of his new memoir, In the Realm of the Last Man. More than a conventional memoir, In the Realm of the Last Man is personal history as political history—the story of a life that illuminates the troubled fate of democracy and liberalism over the last fifty years. Registration is required.

Summer Fitness: Tai Chi under the Tree (Main)
Join instructor Ellen DeGenova for Summer Fitness: Tai Chi Under the Tree on Saturday, September 11, from 10-11 a.m. at Joan Lorentz Park at the Main Library to explore Tai Chi elements (without the complicated choreography). Tai Chi offers highly adaptable and accessible ways of moving for everyone. Being outdoors and learning together inspires a sense of well-being and community. A seated option is available. No experience necessary. In case of inclement weather, class will be held in the library’s Community Room. 

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: Chair Yoga (Central)
Tuesday, September 8
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Join us each Tuesday afternoon at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker.  No equipment is needed to participate in this program. 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, September 8
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.

CPL Nature Club - Alewife Afternoon Nature Walk (O'Neill)
Tuesday, September 8
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.   

Teens: Focus Time! (Valente)
Tuesday, September 8
3:30-5 p.m.

Join peers in quiet time after school to complete homework, study, read your next favorite book, work on your graphic novel and art, or otherwise focus on a project. No registration required, drop-in anytime. Ages 12-18. 

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, September 8
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, September 9
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: Let Your Yoga Dance (Main)
Wednesday, September 9
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. 

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, September 9
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. This week we will make fall decorations! No registration required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, September 9
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.

Bicycle Maintenance Workshop (Valente)
Wednesday, September 9
6-7 p.m.

Join the Cambridge Community Development Department for a bicycle maintenance workshop at the Valente Branch Library. Registration is required.

Meet Your Neighbor (Collins)
Wednesday, September 9
6-7 p.m.

Wherever Cambridge residents go throughout Meet Your Neighbor Month in September, they'll find opportunities to connect, learn and share stories. The 2026 theme, Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect, inspired by Welcoming America's Welcoming Week, reminds us that meaningful connections often begin by listening to and learning from one another. Join us after Evening Family Story Time to ask questions about library services, strengthen connections with the community and be part of a citywide effort that celebrates what makes Cambridge such a welcoming place. Residents of nearby towns are also welcome to attend.

Pokemon Club (O'Neill)
Wednesday, September 9
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. 

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, September 10
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.

After-School Craft: Button Making (Boudreau)
Thursday, September 10
3-5 p.m.

Stop by the Boudreau Branch in the afternoon and use two button makers to create your very own buttons. Draw a beautiful picture or print out an image from the computer (once per attendee) to use. This drop-in event is intended for school-aged children and their families.

Teens: Foursquare! (Valente)
Thursday, September 10
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, September 10
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!

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, September 11
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. 

CPR Class for Parents and Caregivers (Valente)
Saturday, September 12
1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m.

This CPR class will cover life-saving skills for infants, children and adults. We will use multi-media and hands-on practice to be sure students acquire skills and confidence to assist in a life-saving medical situation. This class will also cover training and the use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for all ages, along with life-saving skills in choking situations. Students will receive their certificate upon completion of class. Please note that the City is not responsible for the content or training equipment. Space is limited (25 adults), registration is required.

Register for the 1-2:30 p.m. workshop
Register for the 3-4:30 p.m. workshop

Note for CONFIRMED registrants: Your spot is held until the program start time. Once the program begins, we will fill in open spots from a day-of waiting list until the program reaches capacity. Please plan to arrive at the library approximately 15 minutes before the start time to ensure adequate time to check in before the program begins. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Funding for this program has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

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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.