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Dear Patrons,
I am happy to inform you that I am a candidate for the president of the American Library Association (ALA) for 2026-27. Also running are Lindsay Cronk, Dean of Libraries, Tulane University, New Orleans, and Andrea Jamison, Assistant Professor of School Librarianship, Illinois State University. The mission of the American Library Association is to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. Learn more here: Cronk, Jamison, McCauley seek ALA presidency for 2026-2027 | ALA.
CPL in the News
A few weeks ago, a Boston resident brought in an old book that they found to the front desk. It turns out that book, “The Early Works of Aubrey Beardsley,” was over 100 years old and had last been checked out in 1973 from the Worcester Public Library. Thanks to a thoughtful Library Associate and our Collections Services Manager, the book has made its way back to its rightful place in the Worcester Public Library collections. Read more about this story here: 51 years later, overdue book is finally returned to Worcester Public Library | GBH.
I also had the pleasure of speaking with Boston.com about our social work program. Read the story here: Boston-area libraries are employing social workers. Here’s why.
Upcoming Events
Celebrate the season with a fall-themed craft and story on Wednesday, November 20, from 4 to 5 p.m.! Noah Stang-Osborne will be leading this week's afterschool stories and crafts using acorns, pine cones, and leaves as art materials. Kids are encouraged--but not required--to bring their own nature objects to incorporate into their project. This program is recommended for children ages 5-10.
On Thursday, November 21, from 7 to 8 p.m., Shayla Tate of M.U.D.D. Flower Yoga leads an evening flow in the Community Room. The Library will not provide any materials; please bring your own mat and any other items in your practice.
On Saturday, November 23, from 3 to 4 p.m., join us at the Valente Branch Library for some dinosaur fun! It's your turn to be a paleontologist: use a chisel and brush to excavate your own tiny dinosaur. We'll play dinosaur trivia and look at dinosaur books! All supplies will be provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5+. Dinosaur coloring pages will be provided for younger children. Registration is required for each child. Call 617-349-4015 for more information.
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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 Seniors: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual)
Monday, November 18
11-11:45 a.m.
A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful routine. We'll work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful, happy mind/body/spirit. Good for every body! Registration for each session is required. This is a virtual event.
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Monday, November 18
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Read with a cuddly friend! Trained therapy dogs provide warm, nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, November 18
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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, November 19
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, November 19, Wednesday, November 20, and Thursday, November 21
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.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, November 19
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.
Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, November 19
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.
CPL Arts Collective: Kintsugi Boston (Main)
Tuesday, November 19
6-8 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Join us for a hands-on, beginner-friendly kintsugi workshop led by the local artist Tad Murao! Kintsugi embraces the philosophy of wabi-sabi, highlighting "imperfections" with metal powders and transforming your broken piece into a unique piece of art.
In this comprehensive 2-hour workshop, you will:
Due to curing time, we'll be using a fast-drying epoxy, allowing you to take your creation home at the end. We advise against using your repaired pieces with food. Please bring:
Please note that pieces not meeting these requirements may not be finished during the workshop. If you aren’t sure about whether your piece is suitable, please e-mail us with a description and photo of the piece you wish to fix at kintsugi.boston@gmail.com. Open to ages 18+. Limited spaces are available! Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available.
Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Intermediate (Main)
Wednesday, November 20
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, November 20
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.
Autumn Arts & Crafts with Noah Stang-Osborne (Central Square)
Wednesday, November 20
4-5 p.m.
Celebrate the season with a fall-themed craft and story! Noah Stang-Osborne will be leading this week's afterschool stories and crafts using acorns, pine cones, and leaves as art materials. Kids are encouraged–but not required– to bring their own nature objects to incorporate into their project. This program is recommended for children ages 5-10.
Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, November 20
4-5 p.m.
Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! Therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental 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).
Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group (Main)
Wednesday, November 20
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Writers at all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported writing 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 writing exercises in class and read samples of published writing as time allows. Registration is required. For more information, please e-mail Susannah at sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov.
Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Main)
Thursday, November 21
11-11:45 a.m.
A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful class. Work your way through the seven energy centers (chakras). You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful, happy mind/body/spirit. Good for every body! Registration for each session is required.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, November 21
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.
Read to a Dog (Valente)
Tuesday, November 21
3:30-5 p.m.
Read to Dante, our cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm, nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).
Evening Yoga at the CPL (Main)
Thursday, November 21
7-8 p.m.
Shayla Tate of M.U.D.D. Flower Yoga leads an evening flow in the Community Room. The Library will not provide any materials; please bring your own mat and any other items in your practice.
Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm--Beginner (Main)
Friday, November 22
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available.
Coffee, Cribbage, and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, November 22
11 a.m.-Noon
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!
Creative Aging: Drawn to Nature (Main)
Friday, November 22
1:30-3:30 p.m.
This introductory drawing course focuses on the plant world as a basic subject. Botanical drawing is an ancient art, and we will examine how scientists and artists have drawn the natural world through the ages. Over 10 weeks, we will focus on a variety of plant life as we explore line, volume, space, and color with graphite and watercolor. Students will keep notebooks recording both the plants they draw and the techniques they learn. All levels are welcome. Space is limited to 10 participants. To gain the most out of this popular program, we expect participants to commit to all 10 sessions. Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available.
Cambridge Young Authors’ Squad (O’Neill)
Friday, November 22
4-5 p.m.
Young people aged 10-14 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.
Chess Hour (O'Neill)
Saturday, November 23
3-4 p.m.
Join us for a game of chess! Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is a space for individuals to play and test their skills against other members of the community. It is not an instructional class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via e-mail: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov.
Dino Dig (Valente)
Saturday, November 23
3-4 p.m.
Join us for some dinosaur fun! It's your turn to be a paleontologist: use a chisel and brush to excavate your own tiny dinosaur. We'll play dinosaur trivia and look at dinosaur books! All supplies will be provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5+. Dinosaur coloring pages will be provided for younger children. Registration is required for each child. Contact 617-349-4015 for more information.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries
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