Director's Update, November 24, 2024

Dear Patrons,

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday break! I am deeply thankful to our library staff who make our services and programs happen every day. I am also grateful to each of you for being vibrant community members and patrons of our beloved CPL.

November is Native American Heritage Month. The land we now call Cambridge is Native land, which has been inhabited for over 10,000 years. This land is the ancestral home of the Massachusett and their neighbors the Nipmuc, the Pawtucket, the Pokanoket, and the Wampanoag peoples. We extend our respect to the citizens of these Nations who live here today, to their ancestors who have stewarded these lands for hundreds of generations, and to all Indigenous people. Learn more about the ongoing efforts to preserve Indigenous cultural practices, like the African American and Indigenous Peoples Historical Reckoning Project, part of Participatory Budgeting right here in Cambridge!

November 20 was Transgender Day of Remembrance, which honors members of the trans community lost to homicide or suicide. The annual memorial began 25 years ago in remembrance of Allston resident Rita Hester, a Black trans woman, whose murder in 1998 remains unsolved. You can learn more about Transgender Day of Remembrance and find educational and mental health resources here.

Upcoming Events

On Tuesday, November 26, from 12:30-2 p.m., join neighbors and friends for an autumn-themed potluck lunch at the Valente Branch. Bring a dish or simply come and enjoy! Registration is helpful.

On Saturday, November 30, from 2-3 p.m., join Annawon Weeden (Mashpee Wampanoag/Pequot/Narragansett) for storytelling and social dance, in honor of Native American Heritage Month. This program is for people of all ages. No registration required.

All Library locations will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and remain closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, for Thanksgiving.

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Weekly Activities for Kids              

This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations.

• Sing Alongs
• Story Times

Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups.              

The Hive Workshops
Check out this week’s classes in The Hive.        

ESOL Classes
Find an ESOL Class.                   

Tech Help                       

• Basic Tech Classes
• One-on-One Tech Help

Wellness for Seniors: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual) 
Monday, November 25
11-11:45 a.m.  
  
A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful routine. We'll work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful, happy mind/body/spirit. Good for every body! Registration for each session is required. This is a virtual event.

Board Game Afternoon for Teens (Valente)
Monday, November 25
3:30-5 p.m.

Join us for a chill afternoon of gaming with friends! The library will provide food. This event is recommended for teens and preteens.

Valente Community Potluck (Valente)
Tuesday, November 26
12:30-2 p.m.

Join neighbors and friends for an autumn-themed potluck lunch at the Valente Branch. Bring a dish if you would like or simply come and enjoy! Registration helpful.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main) 
Tuesday, November 26
2:30-3:30 p.m.             

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, and mend. Refreshments will be provided.     
  
Teen Advisory Board (Main)
Tuesday, November 26
4-5 p.m.

Teens! Help us plan teen programs for the Library! Earn community service hours! Enjoy free snacks! We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.

Knitting Group (Boudreau) 
Tuesday, November 26
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Registration is not required.  
 
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell) 
Wednesday, November 27
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 
 
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, cross stitch, and more. All crafts are welcome! Registration is not required. 

Storytelling and Social Dance with Annawon Weeden (O'Neill)
Saturday, November 30
2-3 p.m.

Join Annawon Weeden (Mashpee Wampanoag/Pequot/Narragansett) for storytelling and social dance, in honor of Native American Heritage Month. This program is for people of all ages. No registration required.                                                                                          

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Stay Connected                          

Please subscribe to our e-mail list, follow us on X, Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website.   

All the best!

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries