Director's Update, February 9, 2025

Dear Patrons,

 

Join representatives from the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) at the Central Square Branch on Tuesday, February 11, at 5:30 p.m., for a drop-in program providing assistance for legal name and other identity document changes. Learn how to start the legal process of changing your name/gender and fill out forms alongside experienced volunteers. Financial assistance may be available. A limited supply of laptops will be available for filling out forms digitally. Registration is recommended but not required. On Tuesday, February 11, from 7-8:30 p.m., join Grow Native for a panel on Designing Biodiversity from Gardens to Regions. Join Evan Abramson, a Pollination Systems Designer and Planner, to learn from case studies of his project sites across the Northeast. This event is cosponsored by Cambridge Public Library. Registration is not required.

 

Love is in the air! If you find yourself in a reading rut, join us on Thursday, February 13, from 5-6:30 p.m., for Speed Dating with a Book. Create connections through your love of reading! Explore ne w authors, titles and genres, and meet new folks while you bond over books. You might find your next favorite read or meet a new friend! Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

 

The Library is pleased to offer the programs below for the week beginning February 9.

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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

CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (O'Neill)
Monday, February 10
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). This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available. Registration is required.

Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Valente)
Monday, February 10
11-11:45 a.m.  
  
This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! Registration is required for each session.  This is a hybrid event, available online and screened at the Valente Branch. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. 

Cookie Decorating (O'Neill)
Monday, February 10
3:30-5 p.m.

Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to decorate cookies! All supplies will be provided. No registration necessary.

Papercraft: Valentines (O'Connell)
Monday, February 10
3:30-5 p.m.

Join us at the O'Connell Branch to make valentines for family, loved ones or neighbors! We will have card making supplies available. All ages are welcome!  For more information, contact the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. 

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, February 10
5-6 p.m.

Come join us at the Boudreau branch for a chess challenge. Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community. There's no need to register in advance - simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.

Loretta J. Ross Presents: Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel (Main)
Monday, February 10
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Loretta J. Ross—associate professor at Smith College, cofounder of the National Center for Human Rights Education, and cofounder of the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective—for a discussion of her new bookCalling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel. Registration is required.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, February 11
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, February 11, Wednesday, February 12, and Thursday, February 13
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.

Name Change Clinic (Central Square)
Tuesday, February 11
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Join representatives from the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) for a drop-in program providing assistance for legal name and other identity document changes. Learn how to start the legal process of changing your name/gender and fill out forms alongside experienced volunteers. Financial assistance may be available. A limited supply of laptops will be available for filling out forms digitally. Registration is recommended but not required.

Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, February 11
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 helpful.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, February 11

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.

 

Grow Native Massachusetts Presents: Designing Biodiversity from Gardens to Regions (Main)
Tuesday, February 11
7-8:30 p.m.

 

Functionally diverse native pollinator habitat created in parks, sidewalks, and gardens can serve as a building block for linking intact natural areas across a fragmented landscape. But what to plant, where to focus first, and how to measure the results? Join Evan Abramson, a Pollination Systems Designer and Planner, to learn from case studies of his project sites across the Northeast. This event is cosponsored by Cambridge Public Library.

 

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, February 12
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!

 

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, February 12
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 play with air-dry clay!

 

Cookie Decorating for Teens (Valente)
Wednesday, February 12
3-4 p.m.

 

Join us at the Valente Branch to decorate cookies with your friends! The library will provide all required materials. This program is recommended for ages 11-14.

 

Family Board Game Night (Valente)
Wednesday, February 12
5:30-7 p.m.

 

Challenge your family or meet new friends overboard games in the Community Room at Valente. The library will supply games and snacks. No registration is required for this drop-in event. This event is recommended for children ages 5 and up, with their caregivers. Contact the library at 617-349-4015 for more information.  

 

Wiggle Party (O'Connell)
Wednesday, February 12
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 Cupid Shuffle! This program will take place indoors at the O'Connell Branch Library. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4019.

 

Tween Hang Out (Main)
Wednesday, February 12
4-4:45 p.m.

 

Every Wednesday from 4 – 4:45 p.m. we’re opening up the Curious George Room on the third floor for ages 10 –12 to snack, craft, relax, and play video games. We invite all tweens to make this space their own! There are no tickets or registration required. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

 

Trivia Night! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, February 12
6:15-7 p.m.

 

Come join us for Trivia Night! Test your knowledge of science, history, literature, and culture. Snacks will be provided.  Individuals and groups are welcome. Registration is helpful but not required. 

 

Cass Sunstein Presents: Climate Justice: What Rich Nations Owe the World—and the Future (Main)
Wednesday, February 12
6-7:30 p.m.

 

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Cass R. Sunstein—the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard University, where he is the cofounder and codirector of the Initiative on Artificial Intelligence and the Law—for a discussion of his new book Climate Justice: What Rich Nations Owe the World—and the Future. Registration is required.

 

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Thursday, February 13
9-10 a.m.

 

This program, led by Zeenat Potia, will introduce and utilize mindfulness techniques to help us examine and regulate everyday life changes with a focus on aging.  Participants will learn and benefit from the development of a mindfulness practice to enable responding to getting older in a calm, clear and thoughtful manner. Presented in Partnership with Cambridge Insight Meditation Center (CIMC).  Rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, CIMC is a welcoming refuge and teaching Center for all who seek inner peace through the liberating practice of Insight Meditation (vipassana).  As an urban center, and now as an online community, CIMC is dedicated to the integration of practice into every aspect of community and daily life.  Visit the CIMC Website. Registration is required.  This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

 

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, February 13
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, February 6
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, January 30 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015). 

 

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, February 13
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!

 

Speed Dating with a Book (Main)
Thursday, February 13
5-6:30 p.m.

 

Love is in the air! If you find yourself in a reading rut, join us in creating connections through your love of reading! Explore new authors, titles and genres, and meet new folks while you bond over books! You might find your next favorite read or meet a new friend! Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

 

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, February 14
9:15-10 a.m.

 

Join instructor Darren Hairston for Zumba Gold – the fun and energizing dance fitness class tailored for active older adults and beginners! Set to vibrant, upbeat music, Zumba Gold features low-impact, easy-to-follow dance moves that make staying fit enjoyable and accessible for all fitness levels. Improve your balance, flexibility, and cardio health while having a great time in a supportive and friendly environment. No dance experience needed—just bring your smile and a willingness to move!  Registration is required.

 

Coffee and Games for Adults (Valente)
Friday, February 7
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

 

Join us at the Valente Branch for coffee and games. We have Scrabble, cribbage, cards, Bananagrams, chess, checkers, Boggle and more! Registration helpful.

 

Expressive Arts for Older Adults: Open Studio (Main)
Friday, February 7
1:30-3:30 p.m.

 

Looking for a space to unleash your creativity? Join instructor Marguerite White, Friday afternoons January 10 through February 28, for two hours each week to work on a drawing or watercolor project of your choice.  A still-life arrangement and basic supplies will be provided.   If you have any questions, please reach out to Brynne Quinlan at bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or (617)349-4035. Registration required for each session.  

Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS (O'Neill)
Friday, February 14
4-5 p.m.

 

Young people ages 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.

Saturday Screening: Black Panther 2 (Main)
Saturday, February 15
1-3 p.m.

In honor of Black History Month, stop by for a free movie screening of the 2022 film Black Panther 2 directed by Ryan Coogler.   

 

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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.                        

Director of Libraries      

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About the Cambridge Public Library:
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.