Reading Group: How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective (Central Square)
“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
This event is part 3 of 4 of our reading group to discuss How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. We will read and discuss the book in sections as follows:
Session 1 - Intro, Barbara Smith
Session 2 - Beverly Smith, Demita Frazier
Session 3 - Alicia Garza, Angela Davis, comments
Session 4 – Reflections on Cambridge present and future
Participants are encouraged to come to as many sessions as they can — and all are welcome! Copies of the book are available for pickup at the Central Square Branch.
This event was created in partnership with Community Conversations: Sister to Sister, the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Cambridge Women’s Commission.
Reading Group: How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective (Central Square)
“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
This event is part 2 of 4 of our reading group to discuss How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. We will read and discuss the book in sections as follows:
Session 1 - Intro, Barbara Smith
Session 2 - Beverly Smith, Demita Frazier
Session 3 - Alicia Garza, Angela Davis, comments
Session 4 – Reflections on Cambridge present and future
Participants are encouraged to come to as many sessions as they can — and all are welcome! Copies of the book are available for pickup at the Central Square Branch.
This event was created in partnership with Community Conversations: Sister to Sister, the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Cambridge Women’s Commission.
Reading Group: How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective (Central Square)
“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
This event is part 4 of 4 of our reading group to discuss How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. We will read and discuss the book in sections as follows:
Session 1 - Intro, Barbara Smith
Session 2 - Beverly Smith, Demita Frazier
Session 3 - Alicia Garza, Angela Davis, comments
Session 4 – Reflections on Cambridge present and future
Participants are encouraged to come to as many sessions as they can — and all are welcome! Copies of the book are available for pickup at the Central Square Branch.
This event was created in partnership with Community Conversations: Sister to Sister, the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Cambridge Women’s Commission.
Medicinal Plant Walk (O'Neill/Danehy Park)
Join herbalist Mo Katz-Christy for a walk through Danehy Park to identify plants and their medicinal uses! We will explore weeds and cultivated plants, trees and shrubs, with plenty of time for questions and conversation. Bring a notebook if you like. Meet us at the parking lot on Sherman Street (if you’re late you should be able to find us – we won’t move too far too fast!). Registration is required.
Parent/Child (Ages 7-10) Book Group (Main)
Join us for a lively discussion of a great book in person at the Main Library! Snacks will be provided. For ages 7-10 and a parent or caregiver.
This month's book is Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case, a graphic novel which imagines a future world where all life on earth has become allergic to the sun. Human survivors have moved underground, and it's up to 10-year-old Elvie to distribute a cure made from Monarch wing scales to save the world! (Content: dystopian themes, some action and violence, natural disasters)
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
[CANCELLED] LEGO Time (Main)
It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! For children ages 5 and up (children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver).
The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children. This program can accommodate 30 builders. . Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. This program starts promptly and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Dove of Peace: Art Treasures and History from the Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Association (Main)
Join us as we celebrate the official acceptance of the Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Association Records into the Cambridge Public Library’s Archives and Special Collections. Learn about the collection and three significant objects given by Yerevan to the city of Cambridge with guest speaker, Gary Lind-Sinanian, Collections Curator of the Armenian Museum of America. We’ll be treated to a selection of traditional Armenian music sung by a local student. A sampling of hors d’oeuvres and Eastern Armenian desserts will be served following the program.
Teen Advisory Board (Main)
Teens, we need YOU:
Earn community service hours while you help to plan programs and activities for other teens.
Practice collaboration, communication, leadership and social skills.
Learn more about the Library’s mission and values.
Be a creative force for positive change in your community!
Are there programs and activities you would like to see at the Library? Come share your ideas! We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required, and new members and guests are always welcomed. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
CANCELLED: Intermediate ESOL Class (Saint James Church)
January 2026 classes will be held at Saint James Church, 1991 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 due to repairs to the O'Neill Branch Library.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed.