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Meet the Director

Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.

Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)

Wednesday, April 16 @ 10:30 AM

Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or join every workshop in this 6-part series to explore the concept of "Shinrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”) which is the practice of being mindful and contemplative within nature, using all your senses. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature. No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting. Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.

CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (O'Neill)

Thursday, April 17 @ 10:15 AM

Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his 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 in front of the Fresh Pond Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway (under the clock tower). Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.

News

Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries, Elected President of the American Library Association

The City of Cambridge is proud to announce that Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries, has been elected 2026-2027 American Library Association president.

Director's Update, April 6, 2025

Forest Bathing, Barry Schneier, Seed Swap, and More!
Director's Update, March 30, 2025

Artful Evenings, The Silenced Muse, Mass Capoeira, and More!
Director's Update, March 23, 2025

Open Data Workshop, ‘Froca Fitness, Henna at the Library, and More!
Director's Update, March 16, 2025

Curious George Lecture with Jerry Craft, Collage Workshop, Body Kintsugi, and More!

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Coming Up

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
9:00 AM
This program, led by Zeenat Potia, will introduce and utilize mindfulness techniques to help us examine and...
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. Presented in Partnership with Cambridge Insight Meditation Center (CIMC). Rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition,CIMC is a welcoming refuge and teaching Center for all who seek inner peace through the liberating practice of Insight Meditation (vipassana). As an urban center, and now as an online community, CIMC is dedicated to the integration of practice into every aspect of community and daily life. Visit the CIMC Website. Registration is required.
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Sewing 101 (Main)
9:30 AM
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will...
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
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Songs and Stories (Boudreau)
10:30 AM
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together,...
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together, and share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups.
View Full Description
Stories, Songs & Play (Central Square)
10:30 AM
Join us for a new hour-long program, featuring thirty minutes of songs and stories and thirty minutes of open...
Join us for a new hour-long program, featuring thirty minutes of songs and stories and thirty minutes of open play! No tickets required. This program is recommended for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
View Full Description
Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)
11:00 AM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an...
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. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
View Full Description
One-on-One Tech Help at Main Library
11:00 AM
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks?...
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the Main Library for our drop-in hours! Drop-in sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. We can help you with: accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices e-mail and searching the web smartphone and mobile app questions We are not able to help you with: installing advanced software programs completing online transactions for you computer hardware and technical maintenance To view all available timeslots and dates, use the following link: One-on-One Tech Help schedule. Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact Gina Josette Rivera by email at gjosette@cambridgema.gov
View Full Description
Story Time (O'Neill)
11:00 AM
Join us for a half hour of stories for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Story Time (Valente)
11:00 AM
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes. This...
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes. This program will take place in the Community Room. No registration is required. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.
View Full Description
Toddler Story Time (Main)
11:00 AM
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Designed for children 18...
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Designed for children 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 45 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. 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.
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Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
11:30 AM
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The...
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Before taking in-person workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
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One-on-One Tech Help at Main Library (by appointment)
11:30 AM
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks?...
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the Main Library for our drop-in hours! Drop-in sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. We can help you with: accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices e-mail and searching the web smartphone and mobile app questions We are not able to help you with: installing advanced software programs completing online transactions for you computer hardware and technical maintenance To view all available timeslots and dates, use the following link: One-on-One Tech Help schedule. Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact Gina Josette Rivera by email at gjosette@cambridgema.gov
View Full Description
One-on-One Tech Help at Main Library
12:00 PM
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks?...
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the Main Library for our drop-in hours! Drop-in sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. We can help you with: accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices e-mail and searching the web smartphone and mobile app questions We are not able to help you with: installing advanced software programs completing online transactions for you computer hardware and technical maintenance To view all available timeslots and dates, use the following link: One-on-One Tech Help schedule. Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact Gina Josette Rivera by email at gjosette@cambridgema.gov
View Full Description

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
9:00 AM
This program, led by Zeenat Potia, will introduce and utilize mindfulness techniques to help us examine and...
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. Presented in Partnership with Cambridge Insight Meditation Center (CIMC). Rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition,CIMC is a welcoming refuge and teaching Center for all who seek inner peace through the liberating practice of Insight Meditation (vipassana). As an urban center, and now as an online community, CIMC is dedicated to the integration of practice into every aspect of community and daily life. Visit the CIMC Website. Registration is required.
View Full Description
Sewing 101 (Main)
9:30 AM
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will...
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
View Full Description
Songs and Stories (Boudreau)
10:30 AM
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together,...
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together, and share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups.
View Full Description
Stories, Songs & Play (Central Square)
10:30 AM
Join us for a new hour-long program, featuring thirty minutes of songs and stories and thirty minutes of open...
Join us for a new hour-long program, featuring thirty minutes of songs and stories and thirty minutes of open play! No tickets required. This program is recommended for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
View Full Description
Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)
11:00 AM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an...
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. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
View Full Description
One-on-One Tech Help at Main Library
11:00 AM
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks?...
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the Main Library for our drop-in hours! Drop-in sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. We can help you with: accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices e-mail and searching the web smartphone and mobile app questions We are not able to help you with: installing advanced software programs completing online transactions for you computer hardware and technical maintenance To view all available timeslots and dates, use the following link: One-on-One Tech Help schedule. Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact Gina Josette Rivera by email at gjosette@cambridgema.gov
View Full Description
Story Time (O'Neill)
11:00 AM
Join us for a half hour of stories for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Story Time (Valente)
11:00 AM
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes. This...
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes. This program will take place in the Community Room. No registration is required. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.
View Full Description

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
9:00 AM
This program, led by Zeenat Potia, will introduce and utilize mindfulness techniques to help us examine and...
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. Presented in Partnership with Cambridge Insight Meditation Center (CIMC). Rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition,CIMC is a welcoming refuge and teaching Center for all who seek inner peace through the liberating practice of Insight Meditation (vipassana). As an urban center, and now as an online community, CIMC is dedicated to the integration of practice into every aspect of community and daily life. Visit the CIMC Website. Registration is required.
View Full Description
Sewing 101 (Main)
9:30 AM
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will...
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
View Full Description
Songs and Stories (Boudreau)
10:30 AM
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together,...
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together, and share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups.
View Full Description

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