Director's Update
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
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CPL Presents: Susan Clare Zalkind, author of THE WALTHAM MURDERS
Thursday, July 25 @ 6:00 PM
Join the Cambridge Public Library in welcoming Susan Clare Zalkind, author of The Waltham Murders, for a reading and discussion moderated by Becky Cooper, author of We Keep the Dead Close.
After the loss of her friend in a 2011 triple-murder in Waltham, Zalkind—an investigative reporter and the writer and producer behind the 2022 Hulu docuseries The Murders Before the Marathon, named one of the best shows of the year by The Wall Street Journal—determined to find out more.
In The Waltham Murders—part-memoir, part-journalistic inquiry—Zalkind is able to communicate to the reader not just the facts of this gruesome murder, as well as its possible links to the Boston Marathon bombings two years later, but also the feelings such a horrible crime brings to the fore.
The reading will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.
Learn More
PARK SOUNDS: ALDRA
Wednesday, July 17 @ 6:00 PM
ALDRA is a Somerville, MA-based performing and recording artist whose music draws influence from soul, R&B, and alternative pop. She captivates listeners with velvety tones, profound lyrics, and imagery to bring them on a journey through her life experiences. Rain date: Wednesday, July 17 from 6 - 7:30 pm.
PARK SOUNDS 2024 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring chairs, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation. In memory of Janet Axelrod.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, July 14, 2024
Joyce Carol Oates, Capoeira, Theater Workshop, Cyanotyping, and More! -
Park Sounds Postponed
The Rain date for the event is on Wednesday, July 17 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. -
Cambridge Public Library to Welcome Susan Clare Zalkind, Author of The Waltham Murders
Join Susan Clare Zalkind for a conversation about her true-crime memoir, The Waltham Murders. -
Director's Update, July 1, 2024
Raymond Park Scavenger Hunt, Mike the Bubble Man, ESOL Classes, and Lots More!
Coming Up
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STEAM Academy: Innovators for Purpose Summer Studio (Main)
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-powered design and innovation program where young creatives channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology and storytelling within a social justice framework, iFp creatives engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. July 8 - August 9, weekdays from 9:15am-3:30pm at the Main Library
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Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)
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.
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Sing-Along (Valente)
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together, and maybe share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups. This program will take place in the Community Room at the Valente Branch Library. If the weather is particularly fine, the program may move outside to the Valente Reading Garden on Berkshire Street. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.
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Toddler Story Time (Main)
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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High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high beginner level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Sewing 101 (Main)
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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Summer Reading: Bilingual Storytelling (O'Connell)
Esther Gomez and Karina Liendo present "The Song of Chirimia," a Guatemalan folktale of young man who tries to win the hand of a Mayan princess by making his song as sweet as that of the birds. This bilingual storytime will be presented in Spanish and English and include arts and crafts for registered attendees. This program is recommended for children above 5 years and their caregivers. Registration is recommended. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
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Tuesday Teen Room Hangouts (Main)
Drop into the Teen Room any Tuesday afternoon this summer and enjoy a variety of FREE activities, from board games to video games, 3D pens, paper crafts, anime, and more. Or just sit down with a great book from our shelves. No registration required.
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Beginner ESOL Class (Valente)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. All are welcome. No registration is necessary. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013 or Kerri McQuown at 617-349-4015
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Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
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. 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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Advanced ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an advanced level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Online Meeting Basics (Main)
From online classes to connecting with loved ones, videoconferencing is a great tool. We will cover the basics of Zoom and similar platforms, and make sure you are prepared to join a meeting or start one of your own! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
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STEAM Academy: Innovators for Purpose Summer Studio (Main)
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-powered design and innovation program where young creatives channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology and storytelling within a social justice framework, iFp creatives engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. July 8 - August 9, weekdays from 9:15am-3:30pm at the Main Library
-
Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)
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.
-
Sing-Along (Valente)
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together, and maybe share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups. This program will take place in the Community Room at the Valente Branch Library. If the weather is particularly fine, the program may move outside to the Valente Reading Garden on Berkshire Street. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.
-
Toddler Story Time (Main)
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.
-
High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high beginner level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
Sewing 101 (Main)
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.
-
Summer Reading: Bilingual Storytelling (O'Connell)
Esther Gomez and Karina Liendo present "The Song of Chirimia," a Guatemalan folktale of young man who tries to win the hand of a Mayan princess by making his song as sweet as that of the birds. This bilingual storytime will be presented in Spanish and English and include arts and crafts for registered attendees. This program is recommended for children above 5 years and their caregivers. Registration is recommended. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
-
Tuesday Teen Room Hangouts (Main)
Drop into the Teen Room any Tuesday afternoon this summer and enjoy a variety of FREE activities, from board games to video games, 3D pens, paper crafts, anime, and more. Or just sit down with a great book from our shelves. No registration required.
-
STEAM Academy: Innovators for Purpose Summer Studio (Main)
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-powered design and innovation program where young creatives channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology and storytelling within a social justice framework, iFp creatives engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. July 8 - August 9, weekdays from 9:15am-3:30pm at the Main Library
-
Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)
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.
-
Sing-Along (Valente)
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together, and maybe share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups. This program will take place in the Community Room at the Valente Branch Library. If the weather is particularly fine, the program may move outside to the Valente Reading Garden on Berkshire Street. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.