Little Free Libraries for Children
Little free libraries are beautiful, functional works of art that help build community. They develop literacy skills and encourage a love of reading by making it easy for families to exchange books in an informal, neighborhood setting.
Living Wage Cost of Living Adjustment 2026
The Living Wage Ordinance (2.121) provides, at 2.121.030 (b), that the wage shall be upwardly adjusted each year no later than March 1st in proportion to the increase in the Annual Average Consumer Price Index for the prior calendar year for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Boston area, as published by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. For calendar year 2025, the CPI-U increased by 3.13%. Therefore, the new Living Wage as of March 1, 2026 is $20.32. This amount should be communicated to vendors subject to the Living Wage Ordinance and will be used to adjust pay for appropriate city employees. The adjustment does not affect any existing contractual agreements unless the terms of those agreements so require. Questions concerning applicability and enforcement of the ordinance should be directed to the City of Cambridge Law Department at 617-349- 4121 or the Purchasing Department at 617-349-4310
2024 Resident Parking Permit Photo Contest
Submit your images depicting City buildings, landmarks, and the beauty of Cambridge to the 2024 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit contest. The winning photo will be featured in the 2024 Resident Parking Permit sticker.
New Programming Now Available For Older Adults
The Cambridge Council on Aging and Public Health Department (CPHD) have offered engaging programs to support the well-being of older adults, including monthly music jams and cooking workshops. The music sessions, led by Bobby Tynes and Friends, provided a lively space for community connection, creativity, and movement, while CPHD’s collaboration with East End House introduced hands-on cooking classes focused on nutritious, accessible recipes. Both initiatives received enthusiastic feedback, highlighting their positive impact on social engagement, mood, and overall wellness.
Preschool Programs
The Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) provides access to free school-day, school-year preschool for all Cambridge 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds. CPP, managed by the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood, is a mixed-delivery system that allows families to choose preschool programs that best fir their family's needs. DHSP Preschools are a partner provider of CPP.
Traffic Garden
A Dutch Traffic Garden, called “Safety School” in the U.S., is a permanent park for children to learn transportation etiquette by role playing. Kids take turns biking, walking, and driving a miniature streetscape in a safe environment.
Farm Girl on the Front Lines: Deborah Sampson’s Secret
Deborah Sampson, a Massachusetts Revolutionary War heroine, disguised herself as a man and served in the Revolutionary War under the name Robert Shurtliff. She was also perhaps the first woman to lecture professionally in the United States.