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Mass Audubon will lead an exploration around the library in search of plants and animals, while using scientific tools like binoculars and magnifying lenses to get a closer look. We'll record what we find in our nature journals and play nature games. All materials will be provided. In the instance of bad weather, this program will take place in the Children's Room. No registration required. This program is recommended for children 4-8 and their caregivers. Hosted by Mass Audubon and the Cambridge Public Library.

Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. Snacks are provided! This week there will be a special guest, local author Fin Leary! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful, but not required.

Our monthly Middle Grade Mystery book group is for kids aged 10-14. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our October book is Return to Howliday Inn by James Howe. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the O'Connell Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Middle Grade Mystery Book Group, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.

Darning is a fabric mending technique that involves reinforcing or re-weaving a portion of fabric by hand. In this workshop, we’ll learn how to visibly mend holes and weak areas in sweaters, socks, and other knit fabrics using seed stitch and square darning techniques. You’ll leave with a sampler of both techniques that you can refer back to when tackling your own darning projects at home. Suitable for beginners with little or no darning experience, though it does help if you have some experience with hand sewing. Registration is required.

We are postponing today’s session of our reading group. We plan to have our Tuesday discussion about today’s materials! “If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression.” - Combahee River Collective, April 1977 This event is part 1 of 4 of our reading group to discuss How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. We will read and discuss the book in sections as follows: Session 1 - Intro, Barbara Smith Session 2 - Beverly Smith, Demita Frazier Session 3 - Alicia Garza, Angela Davis, comments Session 4 – Reflections on Cambridge present and future Participants are encouraged to come to as many sessions as they can — and all are welcome! Copies of the book are available for pickup at the Central Square Branch. This event was created in partnership with Community Conversations: Sister to Sister, the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Cambridge Women’s Commission.

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 11:30AM 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.

Join us for a lively discussion of a great book in person at the Main Library! Snacks will be provided. For ages 7-9 and a parent or caregiver. This month's book is The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Mary Lennox is a sickly and spoiled 10-year-old girl sent to live with her reclusive uncle after the death of her parents. When she arrives at his rural estate she meets a cast of characters including a friendly housekeeper and a mysterious cousin who she hears crying at night. When Mary discovers a hidden garden that has been growing wild for years, she decides to restore it in secret. Choose either the original or one of our graphic novel adaptations and come ready to compare and contrast! Copies of this month's book are available at the Children's Desk. Both caregiver and child should read the book before the discussion to participate. Registration is required — only one registration is needed per family. For questions about parent/child book group, please email Rachel: rbeaton@cambridgema.gov

Learn how to make (and taste) DIG's frisée tossed with green beans, charred scallions, and roasted red pepper dressed in romesco sauce. Cambridge Cooks invites local chefs for a free cooking demonstration, followed by a Q&A with the chef.

Join us for a special book group in honor of Recovery Month. Recovery Month, observed each September, affirms that recovery from substance use and mental health challenges is possible, and shows the city's support for every Cambridge community member in all stages of their recovery journeys. We will be reading Men We Reaped by Jasmyn Ward. Registration is helpful but not required. This event was created in partnership with the Cambridge Public Health Department.

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 for each class.