Director's Update, March 23, 2025

Open Data Workshop (Main)
Monday, March 24
5:30-6:30 p.m.

The City of Cambridge offers free access to hundreds of datasets on its Open Data Portal, covering everything from crime and traffic to property and even dog names. Join us for a hands-on workshop at the Cambridge Public Library to explore what's available and learn how to analyze and visualize this data. No prior experience or expertise is required. Register here.

Karen Russell Presents: The Antidote (Main)
Monday, March 24
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Karen Russell—award-winning author of six books of fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Swamplandia! and Vampires in the Lemon Grove—for a discussion of her new novel The Antidote. Registration is required.

CPL Nature Club: Seed Swap (O'Neill)
Monday, March 24
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bring the extra garden seeds you don't think you will plant this year! See what your neighbors have before you purchase more! We will have envelopes and pens to help keep them straight. If you don't have seeds, come anyway, as we will have extras.

This event is co-hosted by Cambridge City Growers, a group of volunteers across Cambridge working to start up gardens in neighborhoods to increase access to healthy, organic, and locally grown food.

An Introduction to "Forest Bathing" for Elders (Central)
Tuesday, March 25
10-11:30 a.m.

Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and how to experience it indoors? Then join us for a calming and restorative indoor introduction to the practice of Forest Bathing, specially designed for people 55 and over. Come once or join every workshop in this 6-part series to explore the concept of "Shinrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”) which is the practice of being mindful and contemplative within nature, using all your senses. Stefanie Haug, LICSW (she/her) guides people on journeys of self-awareness and relationship with nature as a local psychotherapist, certified Mindful Outdoor Guide (Kripalu), and coach. Her career has spanned the nonprofit and corporate world with a focus on the wellbeing of humans and the more-than-human world. Registration is required.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main) 
Tuesday, March 25
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, March 25
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, March 25, Wednesday, March 25, and Thursday, March 26
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. 

Froca Fitness: Event Series (Central Square)
Tuesday, March 25
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Back by Popular Demand: Join us at the Central Square Branch-Lewis for an hour of electrifying, hip-whining, and upbeat African and Caribbean fusion dance fitness class with founder and instructor Sylver! Registration is required!

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, March 25
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, March 25
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!

Expressive Arts for Older Adults: Open Studio (Main)
Wednesday, March 19
1:30-3:30 p.m.

Looking for a space to unleash your creativity? Join instructor Marguerite White, Wednesday afternoons March 5 through April 30 (No group on April 2), 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)349-4041. Registration is required for each session.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, March 26
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.

Henna at the Library (Main)
Wednesday, March 26
3-5 p.m.

Drop into the Teen Room and get a beautiful henna design from certified / insured henna artist Mandy Roberge. Choose from hundreds of designs. Henna is handmade and 100% natural.

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, March 26
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).

Boudreau Movie Night: Curious George (Boudreau)
Wednesday, March 26
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us at the Boudreau Branch as we watch the 2006 movie Curious George. There will be pizza available! No registration required.

Chile Eboe-Osuji Presents: End of Immunity (Main)
Wednesday, March 26
6-7:30 p.m.

Harvard Book Store, the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji—fourth President of the International Criminal Court, Distinguished International Jurist at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at the Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Special Advisor to the President of the University—for a discussion of his latest book End of Immunity: Holding World Leaders Accountable for Aggression, Genocide, War Crimes, and Crimes against Humanity. Registration is required.

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Thursday, March 27
10-11 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. Registration is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Creative Aging: Improv (Main)
Thursday, March 26
1:30-3:30 p.m.

A series of classes with instruction from Comedian Jack Grey. Learn how to seamlessly integrate interactive improv games, scenes, and skillful storytelling that all come together with performance. The 10-week course will take place every Thursday, from 1:30pm-3:30pm, starting February 27 through May 1. This will be an in-person program at the Main Library. Space is limited to 15 participants. Due to the popularity and to gain the most out of this program, we expect all participants to commit to all sessions in this 10-week course. Instructor Jack Grey is a local comedy performer with over nine years of combined improv and stand-up comedy experience. They produce their own shows and workshops in Camberville, believing that kindness and community can be born from laughter. Learn more at constellationcomedy.com. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a wait list is available. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, March 26
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.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, March 26
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!

Puppetry Studio (Main)
Thursday, March 26
5-6:30 p.m.

We will adapt the tale “Baba Yaga” and perform our masterpiece for family and friends. Using mixed media, we will create our own puppets fit for a tiny stage. This four-week puppetry workshop is for youth ages 9-12. We will meet on March 6, 13, 20 and 27. No experience necessary! Participants must attend all sessions and have read a version of the tale before the first session. Stop by the Children’s Room to pick up a copy or call 617-349-4038. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
For questions about Puppetry Studio, please email nzylicz@cambridgema.gov.

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Friday, March 28
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, Cribbage and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, March 28
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for coffee, treats, and games (Chess, Cribbage, Rummikub, etc.). Bring a friend or meet a new one at the library!

Kickback & Watch a Movie! (Central Square)
Friday, March 28
2:30-5 p.m.

Come watch a film on the Central Square Library’s big screen and eat free popcorn! No registration is required.

Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
Friday, March 28
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!

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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.