Director's Update November 1 2026

Dear Patrons, 

 

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with an Indigenous Weaving Workshop for Children at the Main Library on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The workshop will be led by Katherine Santos, a member of the Choctaw-Apache Tribe and Librarian for American Indigenous Studies at Harvard’s Fine Arts Library. Visit our website to learn more. 

 

Join us for a special Sacred Songs and Rituals on Wednesday, November 18, from 6-7:30 p.m., featuring Thea Hopkins, Asa Peters, and Jim Peters, members of the Wampanoag tribe. Sacred Songs and Rituals celebrate the divine and sacred through the musical traditions of the ethnic communities found in Cambridge. Register here.  

 

Library Card Design Contest
Submissions are open for our inaugural library card design contest. Submit your original design by November 15 for a chance to be featured on new, limited-edition library cards to come in 2027.

On Thursday, November 5, 4-6 p.m., join us at the Main Library for open studio time to work on your submission. The library will provide templates and basic art supplies. Staff will be available to assist with scanning and uploading your entry. For rules and eligibility, visit our website.

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

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Monday, November 2
9-10 a.m.

This program, led by Zeenat Potia, will introduce and utilize mindfulness techniques to help us examine and regulate everyday life changes with a focus on aging.  Participants will learn and benefit from the development of a mindfulness practice to enable responding to getting older in a calm, clear and thoughtful manner. Registration is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, November 2
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes to improve flexibility and balance, strengthen muscles and have fun! Certified Zumba Gold instructor Emily B. will lead you through 45 minutes of low-impact and easy-to-follow choreography in your own home through Zoom. Join us! 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. 

Magic the Gathering for Kids (Main)
Monday, November 2
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Want to learn to play Magic: The Gathering, or ready to put your skills to the test? Join us for a three-session program exploring this collectible card game of strategy and imagination. Learn the basics, sharpen your skills, and challenge other players in one-on-one matches. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned Planes walker, you’re welcome! For ages 10–12. Pre-registration is required to attend.

Adult Gaming: Unplugged (Main)
Monday, November 2
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 6-7:30 p.m. in the Rossi Room. Be there or be square! Registration is required.

CPL Nature Club: Fall Story Time Featuring Kari Percival (O'Neill)
Tuesday, November 3
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

We invite children of all ages and their grown-ups to join us for stories, followed by leaf collecting and fall nature crafts. We will have a special reading and craft with local author and illustrator, Kari Percival! This program will happen outside. In case of bad weather, there will be modified activities inside the Library.

Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Tuesday, November 3
1-2 p.m.

Join us each Tuesday afternoon at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker.  No equipment needed. 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, November 3
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, November 3
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.   

Crafternoon: Scratch Art (Collins)
Tuesday, November 3
4-4:45 p.m.

Get creative after school! Create your own scratch art tiles. Begin with a black square and scratch a design to reveal the magical colors hidden beneath.  Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

Crafternoon: Library Card Design Contest (Main)
Tuesday, November 3
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Your artwork could be featured on a limited-edition Cambridge library card in 2027! Create your design with library-provided art supplies and enter yourself into the competition. All supplies will be provided. This program is recommended for ages 5 and up with a caregiver. Registration is not required. For more information about the contest, visit our website or ask at the desk.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, November 3
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Here and Now: Crafting Your Story (Central Square)
Tuesday, November 3
6:30-8 p.m.

Jump right into writing in this interactive, memoir-inspired workshop that blends close readings and craft techniques with mindful observation. Through hands-on exercises and discussion, you'll transform your memories of everyday moments into vivid, meaningful stories while developing your unique voice and storytelling skills. Shilpa and Senjuti from Writers without Margins will lead this workshop! Registration is required.

CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins) 
Wednesday, November 4
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Amanda Garms! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Amanda will share her insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. The meeting location for this walk will be at the Fresh Pond Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway. Temporary parking passes can be provided on request. Registration is required.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, November 4
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, November 4
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, November 4
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 create designs for the CPL Library Card Design contest! No registration is required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, November 4
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. 

Pokémon Club (O'Neill)
Wednesday, November 4
6-7 p.m.

Twice a month, kids of all ages are invited to come to Pokémon Club at the O'Neill branch! Each biweekly drop-in event will feature a different Pokémon-themed craft or activity, along with opportunities to play the card game or trade with fellow Pokémon fans. 

Tech for All: Meet Your Device Workshop (Main)
Wednesday, November 4
6-7:30 p.m.

Received an acceptance email for a free laptop and/or hotspot? Join us to pick up your device and learn how to use it! We’ll show you the basics, answer your questions, and help you get started with your new technology. If you have any questions, please contact CPLDigitalEquity@Cambridgema.gov or call 857-235-9839.

AI Training for Job Seekers - Workshop Series (Main) 
Wednesday, November 4
6-8:30 p.m.

Cambridge Public Library and African Bridge Network (ABN) are offering a free, six-part workshop series to help job seekers use AI tools safely and effectively. Participants will learn how to:

• Find job opportunities and improve their job searches
• Update and tailor résumés for different positions
• Practice and prepare for job interviews
• Navigate common challenges in today’s job market

Attend at least four of the six workshops and complete four of the five assignments to earn a certificate and become eligible for a free refurbished laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot. Workshop will be held on the following dates. Registration is required to participate in this program.

Low-stress Crafting for Adults: Watercolor Bookmarks and Handmade Tassels (Valente)
Thursday, November 5
2-3 p.m.

Join us at the Valente Branch for a simple craft. This month we will be making watercolor bookmarks with handmade tassels. Supplies are limited. Registration is required.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, November 5
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, November 5
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.

Library Card Design Contest Open Studio (Main)
Thursday, November 5
4-6 p.m.

Participate in the Cambridge Public Library Card Design Contest by attending this open studio time to work on your submission. The library will provide templates and basic art supplies. Staff will be available to assist with scanning and uploading your entry. For rules and eligibility, please visit: this link.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central)
Thursday, November 5
4-5 p.m.

Bring your project and come 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!

Family Game Night with OctoStudio (O'Neill)
Thursday, November 5
4:30-6 p.m.

What if game night could turn into a creative coding adventure for the whole family? We are creating mini-games that families can play together, then remix together, and we need your help to make them better! Families with children ages 6 - 12, please sign up to try out some fun, quick, and low-stakes games and share your feedback. Please register in advance to participate in this program. Devices will be provided. Only one registration is needed per family, and adults are encouraged to participate alongside their children! Register to participate in one of three sessions.

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, November 6
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. 

Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
Friday, November 6
4-5 p.m.

What's a zine? And how do I make one? Come find out! Kids are invited to explore making, copying, sharing, and swapping zines. Making zines will include activities like writing, drawing, and using a photocopier. For kids ages 7 and up.

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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.