City of Cambridge, MA
12/28/2025 | Press release | Archived content
Director's Update, December 28, 2025
Dear Patrons,
I wish you good health and prosperity in the New Year! Please note that all library locations will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. All Library locations will be closed Thursday, January 1 for New Year's Day.
I'm proud of everything we have accomplished at the Library this past year, and I look forward to continuing this work in the new year. Take a look at some achievements from this year and beyond in the Cambridge Public Library's Strategic Framework Report , detailing the progress made on our Strategic Priorities, and view the presentation highlighting key accomplishments.
I am also delighted to share with you that in the City of Cambridge's 2025 Resident Opinion City Survey, 91% of participants rated our Libraries as good or excellent. Congratulations to our dedicated Library team!
Upcoming Events
Kick off the New Year with some vision boarding at the O'Connell Branch on Monday, December 29, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Take a moment to reflect on 2025 and create your own vision board for 2026.
At the Valente and Collins Branches, celebrate the beginning of the new year, 12 hours early! Families with children of all ages join us for crafts, activities, and a Noon Year's Eve countdown on Wednesday, December 31 at noon.
Best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries
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Additional Programs and Events
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
Make Your Own Vision Board (O'Connell)
Monday, December 29
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join us for a cozy craft at the O'Connell Branch! Take a moment to reflect on 2025 and create your own vision board for 2026. All materials will be provided. This is a drop-in event designed for all ages. No registration is required .
Meditation Mondays (Central Square)
Monday, December 29
12-1 p.m.
Start your week off right with some meditation at the Central Square Library. Led by the Library Social Worker, Brett Dixon, we combine gentle breathwork, visualization practice and mindful meditation, for a relaxing and recharging experience.
Remembering Together: Grief Support Group (Central Square)
Tuesday, December 30
12-1 p.m.
The "Remembering Together" support group is for patrons who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Facilitated by the library social worker, this online group offers a safe and confidential online space for peers to come together, share common experiences and heal in community. If you are interested in participating , or simply learning more about this offering, please email Brett Dixon, the library social worker, at [email protected].
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, December 30
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.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Tuesday, Wednesday , Thursday
5-6 p.m.
Do you 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 required . Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, December 30
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
"Noon Year's" Eve Party (Valente)
Wednesday, December 31
11:30 a.m.-12:25 p.m.
Celebrate the beginning of the new year, 12 hours early! Families with children of all ages join us for crafts, activities, and a Noon Year's Eve countdown!
Vacation Week: Noon Year's Eve Party (Collins)
Wednesday, December 31
12-1 p.m.
Celebrate the start of 2026 without staying awake until midnight! Play games and create crafts with friends, family and neighbors. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, December 31
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 be celebrating New Year's Eve! No registration is required .
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valent e)
Wednesday , December 31
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 .
Family Movie at the Library (O'Neill )
Friday, January 2
2-3:45 p.m.
Join us over winter vacation for a family movie at the Library ! We will be screening Dog Man - PG (Dream W orks, 2025). Snacks will be provided.
CPL Nature Club - New Year's Birdwatching at Fresh Pond (O'Neill)
Saturday, January 3
10-11 a.m.
Start the year off right by getting to know Cambridge birds! All ages are welcome to join us as we observe birds at Fresh Pond, which provides habitat for many different species at all times of the year. This event will focus on birds that can be found in the winter in Cambridge, including several species of ducks, sparrows and more. We may also see some of our year-round resident birds, and we will discuss general birdwatching tips and learn more about the birds we share our outdoor spaces with. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. Please dress accordingly as we will be outside for the entire walk. Registration is required for this event . The walk will meet outside the ranger station/ W ater D epartment building at Fresh Pond: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G1bJGhMG17mAaFgL9
In case of inclement weather or conditions, this event will be rescheduled to Saturday, January 24th. For more information, contact the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.
Community Build (Valente)
Saturday, January 3
2-4 p.m.
Join us for a community building party at Valente as we build structures with LEGOS, wooden sticks, cards, and any other materials we can get our hands on! The library will provide all building materials. This event is recommended for children ages 5+ and their guardians.
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Stay Connected
Please subscribe to our e-mail list , follow us on X , Instagram , or Facebook , and visit our website .
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 .
This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Main, O'Connell, O'Neill, and Valente locations.
City of Cambridge, MA published this content on December 28, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 31, 2025 at 13:58 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]