Director's Update, December 15, 2024

Last week, the renowned poet Nikki Giovanni passed away at the age of 81. Giovanni’s first poetry collection, Black Feeling Black Talk, was published in 1968 and established her as a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement. Giovanni’s legacy continues through her poetry. I wanted to take the time to remember Giovanni in her words about libraries in “My First Memory (of Librarians).”

This is my first memory:
A big room with heavy wooden tables that sat on a creaky
       wood floor
A line of green shades—bankers’ lights—down the center
Heavy oak chairs that were too low or maybe I was simply
       too short
              For me to sit in and read
So my first book was always big

In the foyer up four steps a semi-circle desk presided
To the left side the card catalogue
On the right newspapers draped over what looked like
       a quilt rack
Magazines face out from the wall

The welcoming smile of my librarian
The anticipation in my heart
All those books—another world—just waiting
At my fingertips.

Give the Gift of Stories

The Library is collecting book donations for children living in transitional housing in Cambridge. We are only accepting new children’s and young adult books. Books can be purchased anywhere and dropped off at any Cambridge Public Library location.

Porter Square Books is offering 20% off books purchased for this program! Just mention the Cambridge Public Library’s “Give the Gift” campaign at checkout or use code CPLHOLIDAY24 on the Porter Square Books website.

Donations are accepted now through January 31. Thank you for your support!

Secret Santa for Seniors

The holiday season is a joyous time of year for many people, but it can be lonely for many senior citizens who may not have family or friends to celebrate with. The Cambridge Police Department is collecting donations for seniors at the Main Library as part of the Secret Santa for Seniors program. Donated items will be hand-delivered to seniors on Christmas eve. Please visit this website for a list of items to donate. 

Upcoming Events

On Monday, December 16, from 6-7:30 p.m. join the O’Neill Branch for open crafting for adults! Bring your own projects or start something new with our assortment of materials and supplies. This self-guided, relaxed environment is perfect for crafting enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy a casual evening and connect with others. Snacks provided! Registration suggested.

Teens! Join us at the Main Library for a special teens-only edition of Cambridge Cooks on Wednesday, December 18 at 3:30 p.m. Professional pastry chefs will teach tips and tricks for icing cookies, cakes and more! Registration is required

Join us at the Main Library for Reclaiming Folk: Celebrating the Voices of People of Color in Folk Music on Thursday, December 19, from 6-8:30 p.m. The Reclaiming Folk event series is a celebration of people of color in folk music. Folk music is traditional music, folk music is storytelling, folk music is music of the people, and folk music is a voice for what’s happening in the world today. Featuring Naomi Westwater, Chris Walton, and Kemp Harris, this 90-minute program includes a 60-minute performance followed by a 30-minute talkback and Q&A. Register here.

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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 Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, December 16
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.
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.

Artful Evenings: Open Crafting for Adults (O'Neill)
Monday, December 16,
6-7:30 p.m.

Unleash your creativity at our open crafting program for adults! Bring your own projects or start something new with our assortment of materials and supplies. This self-guided, relaxed environment is perfect for crafting enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy a casual evening and connect with others. Snacks provided! Registration suggested.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, December 17
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
Tuesday, December 17
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.

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, December 17, Wednesday, December 18, and Thursday, December 19
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.

Handsewing for Mending (Valente)

Tuesday, December 17

6-7:30 p.m.

Handsewing For Mending will focus on hand sewing techniques that can be used to repair seams, hems, tears, and more. Participants will learn about tools and materials for hand sewing, a variety of stitches, and when to apply them to restore garments back to wearability. Registration is required

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, December 17
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.

Pajama Story Time (O’Neill)

Tuesday, December 17

6:45-7:30 p.m.

Come to the library in your pajamas to listen to stories, read with your children, and enjoy a snack before bed! This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Pajama Story Time is presented by the Cambridge Public Library and the Center for Families.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, December 18
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 18
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 painting!

Cambridge Cooks: Icing Decoration for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, December 18
3:30-5 p.m.

Professional pastry chefs will teach tips and tricks for icing cookies, cakes and more! This special edition of Cambridge Cooks is recommended for teens and preteens. Registration is required.

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, December 18
4-5 p.m.

Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! Therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins a week in advance. Sign up by phone or in person at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019).

Evening Family Story Time (O’Connell)

Wednesday, December 18

5:30-6 p.m.

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for a special evening story time event. This program will run for 20-25 minutes, with songs, stories and rhymes.

Family STEAM Night: Origami Shapes (O’Neill)

Wednesday, December 18

5:30-7 p.m.

Create 3-D shapes at a family origami night! The library will provide all required materials. This event is recommended for children over 5 and their caregivers.

Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group (Main)
Wednesday, December 18
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Writers of all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported writing group. In this group, participants take turns bringing short in-progress or completed pieces of any genre. The group reads several pieces each month, sharing feedback and constructive criticism in a supportive and inclusive environment. We may practice in-class writing exercises and read samples of published writing as time allows. Registration is required. For more information, please email Susannah at sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov.

Culinary Classes for Older Adults: Holiday Dishes (Virtual)
Thursday, December 19
10-11 a.m.


Join us for a 1-hour Zoom program as Chef Kelcy shares her favorite farm-fresh holiday dishes. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or preparing meals ahead to bring to your celebrations, Chef Kelcy will guide you through easy and delicious recipes perfect for any festive occasion. Get ready to elevate your holiday meals with fresh, seasonal ingredients and expert tips in this interactive virtual class!. 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 19
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.

Drop-In Button Making Workshop (Boudreau)
Thursday, December 19
3-5 p.m.

Come try your hand at making a beautiful button! Draw your own design, and learn to use our button making machine. Whether you're making a pin or a magnet, these are excellent gifts for friends and family! This event is recommended for school-age children. No registration necessary - just drop in anytime during the event (while supplies last).

CPL Nature Club: Winter Solstice Celebration (O'Neill)
Thursday, December 19
3:30-5 p.m.

Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the winter season! Join us for a seasonal story time, a winter nature craft and a cozy treat.

Read to a Dog (Valente)
Thursday, December 19
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 19
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!

Reclaiming Folk: Celebrating the Voices of People of Color in Folk Music (Main)
Thursday, December 19
6-8:30 p.m.

The Reclaiming Folk Event Series is a celebration of people of color in folk music. Folk music is traditional music, folk music is storytelling, folk music is music of the people, and folk music is a voice for what’s happening in the world today. Featuring Naomi Westwater, Chris Walton, and Kemp Harris, this 90-minute program includes a 60-minute performance followed by a 30-minute talkback and Q&A.

Kids’ Zine Collective (O’Neill)
Friday, December 20
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!

Solstice Tai Chi & Reflections (Main)
Saturday, December 21
10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Explore Qigong warm-ups and the elements of Tai Chi in a low key, friendly environment with instructor, Ellen DeGenova. This session will be infused with winter solstice reflections on the value of darkness, dormancy, strategic retreat and “don’t know mind.” There’s no complicated choreography. A seated option is available. No experience necessary. Registration is required.

CPL Nature Club: Winter Solstice Story Time (Main)

Saturday, December 21

11-11:30 a.m.

Brrr... Winter is coming! On the shortest day of the year, we'll gather for a cozy story time. Come read, sing, and welcome back the light!

Festive Fanfare with musicians of the Boston Festival Orchestra (Main)
Saturday, December 21
2-3 p.m.

Join musicians of the Boston Festival Orchestra for "Festive Fanfare," a dazzling celebration of the season's joy and warmth at the Cambridge Public Library! Featuring the radiant power of brass instruments, this festive concert will fill the air with beloved holiday classics, heartwarming melodies, and jubilant fanfares. Perfect for audiences of all ages, this free event celebrates holiday cheer and musical splendor! This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library. Registration is not required.

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