Director's Update, September 27, 2026

Dear Patrons,

On Monday, September 28, from 6-7:30 p.m., join Professor Mai Hassan, Associate Professor of Political Science at MIT and Faculty Director of the MIT-Africa Program, for a Cambridge Public Library International Briefing on the ongoing war in Sudan. Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Once allies within Sudan's transitional government, the two forces became increasingly divided over the country's political future and plans to integrate the RSF into the regular military. These tensions erupted into open conflict in 2023. More than three years later, the war continues to have devastating consequences for civilians, including widespread death and displacement, food insecurity, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Professor Hassan will provide context on the conflict, examine its impact on Sudanese civilians, and discuss the broader political and humanitarian implications of the ongoing war. Registration is required .

Join us on Wednesday, September 29, from 10:15 -11:30 a.m., for a morning walk at one of the most renowned bird watching 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 Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am. We will walk to Mt. Auburn Cemetery together (about a five minute walk). Please try to be on time as we will leave shortly after 10:15! 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.

Best,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries

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Weekly Activities for Kids

This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, 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

Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
Monday, September 28
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. Registration is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual)
Monday, September 28
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful class. 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 everybody! Registration is required for each session. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

New to Medicare Workshop (Main)
Monday, September 28
1-3 p.m.

Led by a Minuteman Senior Services state-certified Medicare benefits counselor, this program is for people who are turning 65 or leaving an employer group health plan due to retirement. Topics include Medicare benefits and coverage gaps, when to apply for Medicare, how to apply for Medicare, health insurance plans that work with Medicare, understanding premiums, deductibles and maximum out of pocket costs, and choosing the right supplement plan. It also covers special considerations and the consequences of not enrolling at the right time. Registration is requested but not required.

Back-to-School Locker Magnets (O'Neill)
Monday, September 28
3:30-5 p.m.

Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to make magnets to decorate their lockers! Snacks provided. No registration necessary.

Zen Meditation (Central Square)
Monday, September 28
4-5 p.m.

Join us every other week on Mondays at 4PM to learn and practice Zen meditation with our neighbors at the Cambridge Zen Center! Each session consists of 15 minutes of introduction meditation, 20 minutes of sitting, followed by 10 minutes for questions. For more information about the Cambridge Zen Center, please visit their website! Questions? Contact Brett Dixon, Library Social Worker, [email protected].

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, September 28
6-7 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: [email protected] or [email protected].

Pollinator Stories: How Native Gardens Build Community (O'Neill)
Monday, September 28
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join S-Cube Diplomacyand the O'Neill Branch Library for a multigenerational STEAM program exploring how plants, pollinators, soil, and people work together in a healthy native garden. Families, youth, adult learners, and community members will learn how pollinator gardens support biodiversity, climate awareness, and neighborhood connection through storytelling, observation, and hands-on reflection.

Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Tuesday, September 29
1-2 p.m.

Join us each Tuesday afternoon at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker. No equipment needed. This is an in-person program taking place in the Lewis Room at Central Square. Registration is required for each session.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, September 29
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, mend. Refreshments will be provided.

Teen Advisory Board (Main)
Tuesday, September 29
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Teens, we need YOU:

• Earn community service hours while you help to plan programs and activities for other teens
• Practice collaboration, communication, leadership and social skills
• Learn more about the Library's mission and values
• Be a creative force for positive change in your community

Are there programs and activities you would like to see at the Library? Come share your ideas! We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required, and new members and guests are always welcome. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.

Teens: Focus Time (Valente)
Tuesday, September 29
3:30-5:30 p.m.

Join peers in quiet time after school to complete homework, study, read your next favorite book, work on your graphic novel and art, or otherwise focus on a project. No registration required, drop-in anytime. Ages 12-18.

Creative Aging: Beginner Improv (Main)
Tuesday, September 29
4-6 p.m.

A 12-week series of beginner's classes with instruction from Comedian Jack Simon. Learn how to seamlessly integrate interactive improv games, scenes, and skillful storytelling that all come together with performance. 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 12-week course. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, September 29
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Polyam Education Discussion with The Queer Neighborhood Council (Central Square)
Tuesday, September 29
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Polyamory is having a "moment," but for the queer community, intentional relationship-building has always been a tool for liberation. As interest in non-monogamy grows, so does the need for clarification and conversation. Join us for Poly Talk, an intimate discussion dedicated to the complexities of polyamory and consensual non-monogamy (CNM) through the queer lens. This is a space to dismantle hetero-mononormative stigmas and celebrate the diverse ways our community shows up for and with one another. Pull up a chair. Join our affair. Let's talk about how we grow a community that embodies our shared values and vision for the future. Note: All relationship dynamics are welcome, provided they are rooted in consent. This conversation will be facilitated by The Queer Neighborhood Council. Registration is required.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Wednesday, September 30
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!

Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Main)
Wednesday, September 30
11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful class. 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 everybody! Registration for each session is required. This is an in-person class taking place in the Community Room at the Main library.

AI & Your Small Business (Main)
Wednesday, September 30
2-3 p.m.

Whether you're already running a small business or just thinking about starting one, this class is for you! We'll show you a simple way to figure out which tasks AI can help with, plus tips on privacy and choosing the right tools. Some familiarity with AI chatbots is helpful, but no expertise required. All are welcome! This class is a part of the AARP curriculum. To learn more about AARP please go to: www.oats.org. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, September 30
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. This week we will make cardboard constructions.! No registration required.

Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Wednesday, September 30
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.

Olé Flamenco: Flamenco for Everybody (Main
Wednesday, September 30
4-5 p.m.

Eve Costarelli, of Always Be Dancing, will lead this interactive, engaging program for families that will get everyone dancing! Join us for a body-stretching, hand-clapping, foot-stomping good time. In this upbeat program, that is infused with the music and dance of flamenco, participants will absorb the dramatic postures and colorful flavor of flamenco while also exploring yoga poses and mindfulness. This program is for children of all abilities and their caregivers.

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, September 30
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).

Citizenship Preparation Classes (Central Square)
Wednesday, September 30
6-8 p.m.

Come join this free 10-week class, in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program. This series of classes prepares students for all parts of the Citizenship interview and includes the new 128 civics question list. This class is offered as a 10-week series. Attendance at all sessions is expected.

Requirements:

• Intermediate-level English
• Legal Permanent Resident card for 4 years and 9 months (2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen)

Click Here to Register For more information about registering or classes contact St. Marks at[email protected] or 617-288-8515.

Branch Walk [55+] (Central)
Thursday, October 1
10:30-11:45 a.m.

Join guide Stefanie Haug while exploring our neighborhood nature and history. As a group we'll connect with and explore the neighborhood mindfully with a gentle walk and draw on contemplative practices. Registration is requested but not required.

What to bring: layered clothing, comfortable shoes and water.
Where to meet: Central Square Branch Lobby.

Solo Aging Series (Virtual)
Thursday, October 1
2-3:30 p.m.

Join Marni Blank, founder of Begin with the End, for a three-part series designed to give solo agers and those preparing for that possibility the practical tools, emotional support, and community connection they need to plan with confidence. Registration is required for each session.
Session 2 (October 1): Practical Tools for Planning Ahead
This session walks through what documents, decisions and systems to have in place, how to choose the right support and how to organize your financial and digital life so someone can step in if needed.
Session 3 (October 15): Taking Action: Mindset, Legacy, and Making it Stick
Here we'll address the emotional barriers that keep us stuck, reframing planning as something we do for ourselves and not a sign of decline.

This is a virtual presentation and a link will be provided one hour before each program.
Presented in partnership with Cambridge Neighbors.

Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Thursday, October 2
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.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 every week and will open at 11:30 a.m. the Monday before each class. Please be aware that if you are on the waitlist, we likely cannot accommodate patrons once we've reached capacity to safely run the program.

Kids' Zine Collective

Friday, October 2

4-5 p.m.

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.

Drop-in Blood Pressure Screening (Valente)

Saturday, October 3

2-4 p.m.

Stay proactive about your health and stop by Harvard Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program's blood pressure screening. Early detection of chronic kidney disease can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes and overall well-being.

Hand Embroidery for Mending (Valente)

Saturday, October 3

2-3:30 p.m.

Hand Embroidery will cover an assortment of basic embroidery stitches that can be used to embellish your clothing and hide (or highlight!) holes and stains! Leave class with a sampler of embroidery stitches you can refer back to, along with knowledge of tools, materials, and techniques for stitching up embroidered designs. Suitable for beginners with little or no embroidery experience, or those who want a refresher on the basics. Registration is required .

Costume Swap! All Ages (O'Neill)

Saturday, October 3

2-4 p.m.

Shop our community swap for free spooky season costumes for all ages! Drop gently worn costumes off at the O'Neill Branch from Monday September 28-Friday October 2. Items must be clean and delivered to a staff member during open hours. No shoes or pretend weapons please.

Costume Swap! All Ages (O'Neill)
Saturday, October 3
2-4 p.m.

Shop our community swap for free spooky season costumes for all ages! Drop gently worn costumes off at the O'Neill Branch from Monday September 28-Friday October 2. Items must be clean and delivered to a staff member during open hours. No shoes or pretend weapons please.

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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.