Director's Update, April 20, 2025

Dear Patrons, 

The City’s Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) is accepting applications to its DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery for the 2025–2026 school year! Cambridge families apply to DHSP’s four afterschool program models (Cambridge Youth Programs, Childcare Afterschool, Community Schools, and King Open Extended Day) through a single online application process.

 

The last day to apply is May 11. Families will be notified of their child’s placement in a program or in the Waiting Pool by the end of June. For more information and to apply, visit www.cambridgema.gov/AfterschoolLottery.

Live at the Library returns with special programming for youth during Cambridge Public Schools’ vacation week (April 22-26). Join us for Folktales, Story Terrarium, a Drum Circle, and more!

It’s also Massachusetts Space Week, an annual celebration of space science! Check out the exciting, space-related events happening at the Main Library on our website.

All Library locations will be closed on Monday, April 21 for Patriots’ Day. 

 

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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

 

Live at the Library: Folktales & Origami for Families (Boudreau)
Tuesday, April 22
10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last.

Live at the Library: Folktales & Origami for Families (O'Connell)
Tuesday, April 22
12:30-1:30 p.m.

Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last.

Mac OS: Finding and Organizing Your Files (Main)
Tuesday, April 22
2-3 p.m.

Want to build your confidence using the Mac operating system? Learn how to to navigate the Mac operating system, manage applications using the Dock, find and manage files and folders, save and delete files, and more.

To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, April 22
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.

CPL Nature Club: Reading with Ducks from Land's Sake Farm (Valente)
Tuesday, April 22
3-3:45 p.m.

Meet a swimming, quacking friend at a duck-themed story time, learn about duck behavior and anatomy, and do a themed activity! Best of all, in the Duck Circle, youth are able to touch and interact with a live duck. This event will take place in the Community Room. This program is for children of all ages, with a caregiver. Registration is required. When registering, please indicate how many children are attending. Registration is required. Adults do not need to be included in the numbers for registration. Contact the Valente Library at 617-349-4015 for more information. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

Coffee & Games for Adults (Valente)
Friday, April 25
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 is required.

Coffee, Cribbage and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, April 25
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!

Live at the Library: Story Terrarium (Central Square)
Friday, April 25
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join local artist, musician and educator Ben Cunningham for a transformative storytelling performance. The Story Terrarium is not your average storytelling experience - it's an educational, interactive adventure for children and families alike. No registration required.

Vacation Week Event: Rockabye Beats (O'Connell)
Friday, April 25
11-11:45 a.m.

Come join Rockabye Beats for an interactive, musical program experience! We'll sing, play, explore instruments, dance, pretend, learn a little Spanish, and show off our goofy side. For children of all ages and their caregivers.

Bookmaking for Kids (Boudreau)
Friday, April 25
1:30-3 p.m.

Join us as we learn to make unique and creative books using paper, scissors, and a little bit of glue. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children, and is open to drop-in attendees while supplies last.

Family Movie at the Library (O'Neill)
Friday, April 25
2-3:45 p.m.

Join us over April vacation for a family movie at the Library! We will be screening Moana 2 - (Walt Disney, rated PG) Snacks will be provided.

Kick Back & Watch a Movie! (Central Square)
Friday, April 25
3-5 p.m.

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

Lilo & Stitch – MA Space Week 2025 Space Film Festival Matinée [with Open Captions] (Main)
Saturday, April 26
10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join us for a special matinée screening of Lilo & Stitch as part of the MA Space Week 2025 Space Film Festival! This kid-friendly event will kick off with a 15-minute pre-screening presentation by astronomer and SETI expert Simon Steel, exploring the search for life beyond Earth.

Resume Building with Google Docs (Central)
Saturday, April 26
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn how to create a resume using Google Docs in a friendly and welcoming learning environment. A Google account is required for this class. Please remember your Gmail address and password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.

Create your own terrarium! (Main)
Tuesday, April 22
5-6:30 p.m.

In honor of Earth Day, spend your afternoon at the Library creating your own terrarium. In partnership with Emerald City Plant Shop, you will have the opportunity to learn more about different kind of plants and plant care. This event will be conducted in the front park area of the Library. In the case of rain, the class will be moved to the community room. Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available.

Adult Board Game Night (Central Square)
Tuesday, April 22
6-8:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of board games. We have a range of classic, strategy, and party games including Bananagrams, Chess, Ticket to Ride, Azul, 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, April 22
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.

CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (O'Neill)
Wednesday, April 23
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a morning walk at one of the most renowned birdwatching spots in Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available.

The walk will meet at the Bird Sighting Board near the front entrance of Mt. Auburn Cemetery at 10:15 am. Registration is required. 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 space becomes available.

For more information, contact Michael Roberson at mroberson@cambridgema.gov or call the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4021.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, April 23
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, April 23
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. Registration required for each session. If you have any questions, please reach out to Brynne Quinlan at bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or (617)349-4041.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, April 23
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 learn finger knitting!

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, April 23
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.

Live at the Library: Rosalita's Puppets: Puppet-Making Workshop (Main)
Wednesday, April 23
3-4 p.m.

Join us for a 60-minute puppet-making workshop following the performance of, Enchanted Castle, by Rosalita's Puppets. For children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 30 children. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Thursday, April 24
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). Registration is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Paint and Plant a Flower Pot (Central)
Thursday, April 24
12-2 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Central Square Branch of the Cambridge Public Library! Come decorate a terracotta pot or recycled planter, then plant a seed in your new pot to take home to watch grow. All seeds and supplies will be provided. Registration encouraged.

Creative Aging: Improv (Main)
Thursday, April 24
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.

Live at the Library: Learn How to Play the Ukulele (O'Neill)
Thursday, April 24
2-2:45 p.m.

Julie Murray will teach the fundamentals of ukulele playing to children ages 8-12. No experience necessary. Ukuleles provided or bring your own. Please register in advance.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, April 24
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Join our librarians for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle. An hour of fun and conversation on a Monday afternoon at the Cambridge Main Library.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, April 24
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!

Twilight Music and Movement (Central Square)
Thursday, April 24
5:30-6 p.m.

If you're looking to shake your sillies out before bed, join us for thirty minutes of music and movement! This evening dance party will be full of maracas and tambourines, colorful scarves, and lots of movement and dance. Recommended for ages 0-5 and their caregivers. For more information, please call the Central Square Branch Children's Room at 617-349-4012.

Drop-in Maker Studio (O'Neill)
Saturday, April 26
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.

Mission to Mars: How to Eat, Sleep and Think Like an Astronaut (Main)
Saturday, April 26
1-2 p.m.

Sending humans to Mars is hard. Bringing them back safely is even harder. Doing so while also having them perform cutting-edge science and exploration during the mission? A major challenge. Luckily, we can plan and test parts of our future Mars missions before we leave the ground. In this session, we discuss the design and completion of two analog (Earth-based, Mars simulation) missions: Project MADMEN and Pale Red Dot. Come experience life on Mars as we traverse rocky terrain for geology and astrobiology experiments, test different cooking methods to make Martian meals, and navigate emergencies in space. Ever wanted to be an astronaut? This is your chance to experience life on “Mars”! Registration is required.

From Space to the Hospital: How Microgravity Helps Us Heal (Main)
Friday, April 26
2-3 p.m.

What does space have to do with health and medicine on Earth? More than you might think! Scientists from Space Tango and Massachusetts General Hospital are teaming up to study how the unique environment of space, especially microgravity, can help us learn more about the human body, how we heal, and how we treat diseases. In this session, you’ll discover how research done in space can lead to faster drug discoveries, better treatments, and surprising breakthroughs that could change lives here on Earth. Curious minds of all ages are invited to come explore the future of medicine powered by space! Registration is required.

Sungazing with #popscope (Main)
Saturday, April 26
3-5 p.m.
Join us on the lawn of the Cambridge Public Library for a unique afternoon of sungazing with #popscope as part of MA Space Week 2025! You'll have the chance to observe the Sun safely through specially equipped telescopes, guided by enthusiastic astronomy educators and volunteers. Discover sunspots, solar flares, and the powerful beauty of our closest star - no experience necessary! Whether you're a curious kid, a budding scientist, or just passing by, stop in for a moment of cosmic wonder. Registration is required.

Live at the Library: LibraryBEATS Drum Circle with Otha Day (Valente)
Saturday, April 26
3-4 p.m.

Join us at Donnelly Field (behind the Valente Library) for a joyful celebration with musician and educator Otha Day! A Drum Circle is a highly interactive group of people who play drums and percussion instruments together to create in-the-moment music. Through the experience of rhythm and sound we experience what it means to beat as one heart: we become a vibrant community. This drum circle will include playful and accessible rhythm activities, games, traditional ensemble pieces, songs and most importantly, improvisation.

No experience necessary; all ages can participate. In the event of rain, this program will move indoors to the Community Room of the Valente Branch.

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Stay Connected

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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.