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Dear Patrons,
On Tuesday, December 2, 6-7:30 p.m., write your holiday greeting cards at the Valente Branch! We will provide pizza, pens, and blank cards for you to decorate. You are welcome to bring your own cards if you have them. Registration is required.
On Wednesday, December 4, from 6-7:30 p.m., join us for a conversation with Bill Ayers and Michael Patrick MacDonald. Bill Ayers is a scholar known widely for his social justice activism. His new book, When Freedom is the Question, Abolition is the Answer: Reflections on Collective Liberation, shares reflections that incorporate history, political theory, literature, and his own personal experience within social movements. Registration is required.
On Thursday, December 5, from 10-11 a.m., join Chef Kelcy for a virtual cooking class for older adults. "Food Prep 101" will teach you how to efficiently plan meals for one or two while making the most of your fridge and freezer. Learn freezer-friendly recipes and portioning tips that simplify weekly meal prep, helping you stay organized even on the busiest days. Registration is required.
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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.
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
Wellness for Seniors: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, December 2
11-11:45 a.m.
Put on your dancing shoes to improve flexibility and balance, strengthen muscles and have fun! Certified Zumba Gold instructor Emily B. will lead you through 45 minutes of low-impact and easy-to-follow choreography in your own home through Zoom. Join us! Registration is required for each session. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, December 2
5-6 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to test their skills against those of other members of the community. No registration is required. Simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game! If you have any questions, please contact us at 617-349-4017 or via e-mail: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.
Crayon Mural: Story Time and Craft (O'Neill)
Tuesday, December 3
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
We invite children of all ages and their grown-ups to join us for stories and a simple art activity.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, December 3
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.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, December 3, Wednesday, December 4, and Thursday, December 5
5-6 p.m.
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 is required. Stop by or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
Holiday Cards Write-Along (Valente)
Tuesday, December 3
6-7:30 p.m.
Write your holiday greeting cards with us! We will provide pizza, pens, and blank cards for you to decorate. You are welcome to bring your own cards if you have them. Registration is required.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, December 3
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.
CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (O'Neill)
Wednesday, December 4
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
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.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, December 4
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.
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, December 4
2:30-4 p.m.
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required. This week we will be making winter decorations.
Introduction to E-Bikes Workshop (Valente)
Wednesday, December 4
5:45-6:45 p.m.
Join us for this new workshop about e-bikes offered by the Cambridge Community Development Department. Registration is required.
Culinary Classes for Older Adults: Food Prep 101 (Virtual)
Thursday, December 5
10-11 a.m.
Join Chef Kelcy for "Food Prep 101" and discover how to efficiently plan meals for one or two while making the most of your fridge and freezer. Learn freezer-friendly recipes and portioning tips that simplify weekly meal prep, helping you stay organized even on the busiest days. Whether you're cooking solo or just looking to streamline your routine, this class will give you practical tools for creating delicious, easy-to-store meals. Chef Kelcy is a Lowell-based chef and educator who emphasizes seasonal eating and community support. As the Farm Chef at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, MA, she conducts educational programs for all ages and creates delightful farm-to-table food experiences. Registration is required.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, December 5
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle. An hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon at the Cambridge Main Library.
Read to a Dog (Valente)
Thursday, December 5
3:30-5 p.m.
Read to Dante, our local cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required and begins on Thursday, November 28 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).
Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, December 5
4-5 p.m.
Bring your project and join other fiber crafters in your community! Crochet, sew, embroider, knit, cross stitch, spin, mend, and more at this informal drop-in fiber arts circle. All crafts are welcome!
Kids’ Zine Collective (O’Neill)
Friday, December 5
4-5 p.m.
What's a zine? And how do I make one? Come find out! Kids are invited to explore making, copying, sharing, and swapping zines. Making zines will include activities like writing, drawing, and using a photocopier. For kids ages 7 and up. Snacks are provided!
Creativity Club: Holiday Cards (Valente)
Friday, December 5
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Join us at Valente once a month for Creativity Club, where we will learn or practice an arts & crafts activity. Materials are limited, and registration is helpful, but not required. On the day of the program, we will welcome drop-in participants as long as space and materials are available. Recommended for children ages 7-11. All materials will be provided by the library. Please contact the Valente Branch Library at 617-349-4015 if you have any questions.
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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.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries
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