Programs hosted by the Library provide an opportunity for civic dialogue, conversation, and learning, which includes exploring a wide-range of views. Programs do not constitute an endorsement of beliefs by the Library, Library staff, the Library's Board of Trustees, or the City of Cambridge. Please contact Zachary Bond at zbond@cambridgema.gov with questions about Library programs and events.
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.
Events
Displaying 22 results
10:30 AM
Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139
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.
10:30 AM
Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last.
Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
11:00 AM
Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139
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.
11:00 AM
Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, movement, and dancing! This event is for children and their grown-ups.
This program will take place in the Community Room. No registration is required. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.
11:00 AM
Main Library, Rey Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
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.
12:30 PM
O'Connell Branch, 48 Sixth St., Cambridge, MA 02141
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last.
Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
1:00 PM
Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is certified to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
1:00 PM
Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139
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.
2:00 PM
Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
Want to build your confidence using the Mac operating system? Learn how to to navigate the Mac operating system, manage applications using the Dock, find and manage files and folders, save and delete files, and more.
To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
2:30 PM
Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141
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
2:30 PM
Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
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.
3:00 PM
Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139
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.
3:00 PM
Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141
Meet a swimming, quacking friend at a duck-themed story time, learn about duck behavior and anatomy, and do a themed activity! Best of all, in the Duck Circle, youth are able to touch and interact with a live duck.
Due to the particularly fine weather, this program will meet in the Valente Reading Garden, at the corner of Cambridge Street and Berkshire Street.
This program is for children of all ages, with a caregiver. Registration is required. When registering, please indicate how many children are attending. Adults do not need to be included in the numbers for registration.
Contact the Valente Library at 617-349-4015 for more information.
3:30 PM
Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 4 and 6pm. No registration required.
If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov
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.
4:00 PM
Main Library, Rey Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children ages 3-5.
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.
5:00 PM
Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
5:00 PM
Main Library, Community Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
In honor of Earth Day, spend your afternoon at the Library creating your own terrarium. In partnership with Emerald City Plant Shop, you will have the opportunity to learn more about different kind of plants and plant care. This event will be conducted in the front park area of the Library. In the case of rain, the class will be moved to the community room. The Library will provide needed supplies.
5:30 PM
Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Bounces and rhymes for our youngest library patrons. Recommended for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers.
6:30 PM
Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Join us for an evening of board games. We have a range of classic, strategy, and party games including Bananagrams, Chess, Ticket to Ride, Azul, and more!
Feel free to bring a board game to play with others.
We will provide pizza and beverages.
Registration helpful.
6:30 PM
Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
7:00 PM
Main Library, Curious George Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
This week's selection: Shakespeare, King Lear
Reading Interests: We concentrate on Great Books in the following areas: a long novel over the summer, two sections of poetry and short stories, a book of the Bible, a Shakespeare play, an ancient and modern drama, a work of science, a smaller work of fiction, an even smaller work of fiction, and a rotating mix of politics, philosophy, and religion. Authors read in the past five years include Dickens, Keats and Yeats, O'Connor and Munro, Ecclesiastes, Sophocles and August Wilson, Darwin, Austen, Duras, The Federalist Papers, and Arendt.
How to get the print book: Copies of the reading are set aside at the Main Library. Visit the Main Library at 449 Broadway during current service hours and a staff member can help you get a copy.
How to register: Registration is required. Click the registration link below to register.
This is a hybrid event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
For more information, contact Drew Griffin (dgriffin@cambridgema.gov)
7:00 PM
Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
Step into the Hive's state-of-the-art recording studio and film a short video of yourself in front of our green screen. Then, spend some time becoming familiar with video editing software while working with your footage. Registration is required.
You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.