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“If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression.” - Combahee River Collective, April 1977 Come to the Central Square Library to gather for a reading of the Combahee River Collective (CRC) statement. Centered in Black feminist lesbian socialist politics, the CRC argued for the centering of anti-racist and anti-sexist politics within feminist and civil rights organizing respectively. Though the CRC is no longer active, its work and its members continue to have deep influence in Black feminism and beyond. We will read the statement aloud together, sharing the words and wisdom of the Combahee River Collective with opportunity to discuss their continued resonance. This event will be followed by a 4-session reading group to discuss the second edition of How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. For more information and to register for the reading group, please see here. This event was created in partnership with Community Conversations: Sister to Sister, the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Cambridge Women’s Commission.

Please join the Library in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the publication of Phillis Wheatley's poems with a poetry reading and workshop. Organized by the poet Artress Bethany White—the co-editor of Wheatley at 250: Black Women Poets Re-imagine the Verse of Phillis Wheatley Peters—this event will open with an African drumming prelude, followed by a presentation on Wheatley's life and work as well as a reading by contemporary poets inspired by Wheatley and collected in Wheatley at 250, and concluding with a short writing exercise designed to engage the audience with Wheatley's poems.

Join us for a lively discussion of a great book in person at the Main Library! Snacks will be provided. For ages 7-9 and a parent or caregiver. This month's book is Charlie and Frog by Karen Kane. Charlie’s boring summer gets a lot more interesting when he sees a mysterious woman who gives him a desperate message (in American Sign Language) and then disappears. Luckily, local girl detective Francine (Frog) has been looking for her next case, and ASL is her first language. They’ll have to work together to decipher clues and find ways to communicate and solve the mystery before it’s too late! Copies of this month's book are available at the Children's Desk. Both caregiver and child should read the book before the discussion to participate. Registration is required — only one registration is needed per family. For questions about Parent/Child Book Group, please email Rachel: rbeaton@cambridgema.gov

Join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating Pride Month by welcoming Kristen Arnett, author of Mostly Dead Things, With Teeth, and—published just this past March—STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE. After a reading from her work, Arnett will be joined in conversation by Jill McDonough, author of five books of poetry including American Treasure and Here All Night. Called "a perversely funny novel about family, ambition, and desire" (Shelf Awareness), STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE follows a professional clown, Cherry Hendricks, as she tries to stay true to her needs as a person as well as an artist. This is a hybrid event and registration is required. This event is cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Our monthly "Graphics Are Great!" book group is for kids aged 8-12. Check out a copy of the book at O'Connell beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our March book is Alterations by Ray Xu. This book group will meet online for the month of March. For questions about the "Graphics Are Great!" Book Club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.

In honor of Women's History Month, come to the library and experience Body Kintsugi! Zanya Harriott has facilitated this workshop in Boston at the former City Pop Egleston community center and successfully led online sessions with diverse groups of people. Participants left expressing a profound sense of connection and empowerment. A little more info about Body Kintsugi below. Body Kintsugi is a reflective practice that combines movement, music, and authentic expression to help women embrace and heal their relationships with their bodies. During our guided movement and visualization sessions, participants will be gently encouraged to engage with their physical selves in meaningful ways. This isn’t just movement; it’s a journey toward self-love and body positivity. Picture it as an affirmative yoga experience—aimed at nurturing, rather than challenging, one’s personal journey. Please bring your own yoga mat and any other supplies you may need.

March selection: Wellness: A Novel by Nathan Hill Reading Interests: We read mostly contemporary Fiction and Non-Fiction, with forays into older works and classics. Past selections include: The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. How to get the print book: Copies of the book are set aside at the O'Connell Branch. Visit during open hours and a staff member can help you check out a copy. Click here for O'Connell Branch Hours How to get the e-book or digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as a digital audio and e-book through Hoopla. This book group meets in person at the O'Connell Branch. No registration is needed. Drop-ins welcome. For more information contact the branch at 617-349-4019. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

Join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by welcoming Alejandro Varela, the author of three books of fiction, including The Town of Babylon, which was nominated for a National Book Award, and Middle Spoon, published just this September. Middle Spoon, which Publisher's Weekly called a "refreshingly candid tale of modern love," follows a married middle-aged gay man as he struggles to move on from a break-up with his boyfriend. After reading from his work, Varela will sit in conversation with Ursula Villarreal-Moura, the author of Like Happiness. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow. Registration is required.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND create bespoke sewn crafts! Design your own fiber arts adventure as you choose from a menu of options including: bento bag, fleece hat, fleece mittens, work belt, earbud case and fanny pack. This four-part series is led by fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Registration is required and participants must have completed Sewing 101 in The Hive. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly only enroll if you plan to make all four workshops. Wednesday, February 4 Wednesday, February 11 Wednesday, February 18 Wednesday, February 25

Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND create bespoke sewn crafts! Design your own fiber arts adventure as you choose from a menu of options including: bento bag, fleece hat, fleece mittens, work belt, earbud case and fanny pack. This four-part series is led by fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Registration is required and participants must have completed Sewing 101 in The Hive. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly only enroll if you plan to make all four workshops. Wednesday, February 4 Wednesday, February 11 Wednesday, February 18 Wednesday, February 25