Director's Update, December 8, 2024

Dear Patrons,

On Tuesday, December 10, from 6-7:30 p.m., join us at the Valente Branch for an evening of board games. We have Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Azul, Splendor, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages. Registration is helpful.

On Wednesday, December 11, from 3-5 p.m., learn to make some crafts at the Boudreau Branch, and celebrate the coming winter solstice! You can choose to bring your crafts home or use them to help decorate Boudreau's bulletin board for the winter. This event is intended for school-age children and is open on a drop-in basis while supplies last. No sign-up necessary!

Calling all Swifties! Join the O’Neill Branch for a celebration of Taylor Swift's birthday on Friday, December 13, from 3-4:30 p.m. Feel free to come dressed in an outfit inspired by your favorite album. We will listen to music, make and exchange friendship bracelets and more! No registration is required.

                         +++                 

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 Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, December 9
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 for each session is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main) 
Tuesday, December 10
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 10, Wednesday, December 11, and Thursday, December 12
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.                       

Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, December 10
 6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of board games. We have Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Azul, Splendor, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages. Registration is helpful.

Knitting Group (Boudreau) 
Tuesday, December 10
 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, December 11
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 11
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 paper models!

Winter Crafting Bonanza (Boudreau)
Wednesday, December 11
3-5 p.m.

Come learn to make some crafts with us, and celebrate the coming winter solstice! You can choose to bring your crafts home or use them to help decorate Boudreau's bulletin board for the winter. This event is intended for school-age children, and is open on a drop-in basis while supplies last. No sign-up necessary!

Board Game Afternoon for Teens (Valente)
Wednesday, December 11
3-4:30 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.

Wiggle Party (O'Connell)
Wednesday, December 11
5:30-6 p.m.

Join us for a dance party to get your wiggles out! Play a freeze dance game, shake some shakers, and learn the steps to the Macarena and the Electric Slide! This program will take place indoors at the O'Connell Branch Library. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4019. 

CPL Arts Collective: Winter Felted Landscape Hoop (Main)
Wednesday, December 11
6-7:30 p.m.

Get in the winter spirit with Pop Up Art School! Learn how to “paint” a seasonal landscape with wool. You'll learn how to attach loose wool fibers with a special barbed needle. It's easier than it looks, relaxing and fun to needle felt wool! You'll leave the class with the skills and tools needed to continue needle felting on your own. Registration is required.

Trivia Night! (O’Neill)
Wednesday, December 11
6:15-7 p.m.

Come join us for Trivia Night! Players of all ages are welcome to test their knowledge of science, history, literature, and culture. Snacks will be provided.  Individuals and groups are welcome. Registration is helpful, but not required.

Puzzle Party (Main) 
Thursday, December 12
2:30-3:30 p.m.  

Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation. Registration is not required.   

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, December 12
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!

Time for Tree Stories (Central Square)
Friday, December 13
10-10:45 a.m.

Join us for story time and art activities. Learn about The Community Grafting Project, a public art project for the new Tobin Montessori & Darby Vassall Upper Schools. Help build the future of this artwork with Legos! This event takes place at 344 Broadway, 2^nd Floor (City Hall Annex). No registration required. This program is recommended for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Taylor Swift Party (O'Neill)
Friday, December 13
3-4:30 p.m.

Calling all Swifties! Join us for a celebration of Taylor Swift's birthday at the Library. Feel free to come dressed in an outfit inspired by your favorite album. We will listen to music, make and exchange friendship bracelets and more! No registration is required.

Cambridge Young Authors’ Squad (O’Neill)
Friday, December 13
4-5 p.m.

Young people aged 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful but not required.

Drop-in Maker Studio (O’Neill)
Saturday, December 14
1-3 p.m.

Come to the Library to create something special! Use your own supplies or try out our equipment! You can use our 1-inch button maker, 2.5 inch button maker, 3-D Doodle pens, or Janome sewing machines. The Library will provide basic supplies.

This drop-in program is for people who feel comfortable using these machines on their own. The Library will not provide instruction. Anyone wishing to use the sewing machines must have completed a Sewing 101 training through the Library. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

                                                                                                       +++  

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         

                                                                                                    +++

At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds, and empower community. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives and democracy thrives. The Library’s programming provides an opportunity for civic dialogue, conversation, and learning, which includes exploring a wide range of views. Visit our website to learn more. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on our events here.