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Join us for a special Park Sounds in celebration of Juneteenth with saxophonist Tim Hall, an award-winning musician, performance poet, and producer from Detroit, MI, now based in Boston. His poetry draws inspiration from his lived experiences - charting the nuances of blackness, masculinity, and the beauties of life. Tim's music is used to underscore his vivid storytelling with warm neo soul, jazz, and hip hop influences. PARK SOUNDS 2026 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.

In this 60-minute workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of houseplant care, including how to choose the right plants for their space, understand light and watering needs, and troubleshoot common issues. The session also introduces the concept of “plantuition”—a more intuitive approach to plant care that encourages observation and confidence. This workshop is especially suited for renters, beginners, and anyone working with limited space or budget.

Join us for a lively discussion of a great book in person at the Main Library! Snacks will be provided. For ages 7-10 and a parent or caregiver. This month's book is Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case, a graphic novel which imagines a future world where all life on earth has become allergic to the sun. Human survivors have moved underground, and it's up to 10-year-old Elvie to distribute a cure made from Monarch wing scales to save the world! (Content: dystopian themes, some action and violence, natural disasters) 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

Turn paper cut-outs into animations with the Gif-O-Graf machine! See your stories come to life! This program is for families with children who are elementary school-age or older. No registration or experience is required.

Join herbalist Mo Katz-Christy for a walk through Danehy Park to identify plants and their medicinal uses! We will explore weeds and cultivated plants, trees and shrubs, with plenty of time for questions and conversation. Bring a notebook if you like. Meet us at the parking lot on Sherman Street (if you’re late you should be able to find us – we won’t move too far too fast!). Registration is required.

In honor of Women’s History Month, this collage workshop invites participants to explore collage as a practice rooted in storytelling, care, and reclamation. Together, we will look at how women and femmes have historically used cutting, layering, assemblage, and repair as forms of documentation and self expression, often working outside traditional art spaces and definitions of what is understood to be "fine art.” Participants will create collages using photographs, found papers, textiles, and personal ephemera, reflecting on lineage, memory, and the quiet labor of the women that shapes our lives. No prior collage experience is necessary. This workshop is designed as a welcoming, reflective space where participants are encouraged to work intuitively, honor their own histories, and engage with material in a tactile, intentional way. All are welcome. Registration is required.

January 2026 classes will be held at Saint James Church, 1991 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 due to repairs to the O'Neill Branch Library. Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed.

The Library celebrates Juneteenth with the Dave Macklin Band as they pay tribute to the musical contributions of Black artists. PARK SOUNDS 2025 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation.

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 welcomed. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.

Cambridge Porchfest is a free, walkable, community musical event. Neighbors host musicians on their porches, in their yards or driveways, with the idea that anyone can come by and check them out.