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Join us at Donnelly Field (behind the Valente Library) for a joyful celebration with musician and educator Otha Day! A Drum Circle is a highly interactive group of people who play drums and percussion instruments together to create in-the-moment music. Through the experience of rhythm and sound we experience what it means to beat as one heart: we become a vibrant community. This drum circle will include playful and accessible rhythm activities, games, traditional ensemble pieces, songs and most importantly, improvisation. No experience necessary; all ages can participate. No registration is required. In the event of rain, this program will move indoors to the Community Room of the Valente Branch. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Join us for this special summer reading edition of a fun, interactive, activity-based American Sign Language lesson, including: Everyday communication signs (greetings, help, common phrases, fun "Plant a seed, read!" summer reading themed signs) How to respectfully and effectively interact with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals Basic expressive communication using facial expressions and body language How to navigate simple real-life scenarios using ASL Inclusive communication strategies that can be used immediately The session also includes: Silent communication challenges Interactive group practice Engaging sign language games This program is recommended for participants ages 10 and up. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Artwork copyright iRead.

Learn about the centuries-old art of reverse glass painting and create your own reverse painting! Choose from three images and paint it using acrylic paint on clear acetate. This program can accommodate 30 youth ages 11 to 18 years old. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.

Join us for a 3-hour Community Retreat. Mindfulness offers a gentle yet powerful way to meet the challenges of aging with calm, resilience, and compassion. In this retreat, we will explore simple practices that can be adapted for all bodies and abilities. Together, we will create space for quiet contemplation and personal reflection, while also fostering a sense of community among elders walking this stage of life side by side. Whether you are new to meditation or have practiced before, you will leave with practical tools to support your well-being and cultivate greater wisdom in daily life. Come as you are—all levels of experience are welcome. Presented in partnership with the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center.

This presentation incorporates 4-5 live birds of prey that all native to New England. The program is designed to explain predation, the birds' place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world. Because many birds of prey are declining in number, this presentation also features one or more of the endangered raptors that Wingmasters cares for, and explains why these species face an uncertain future. Recommended for children ages 6 and up and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 75 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Join the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood to learn more about the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP). Families can apply to CPP for the 2027-2028 school year from October 1 through November 13, 2026.

Learn about the ducks that live at Land’s Sake Farm. We will have a story time and activity, then children can touch and interact with a live duck. This program will happen outside. In case of rain or bad weather it will be inside the O'Neill Branch. This program is for children of all ages with a caregiver. Registration is required. When registering, please list how many children are attending. Adults do not need to be included in the numbers for registration

Use this page to prepare for extreme weather before it arrives. Taking a few simple steps can help you and your community stay safe, protect your home or business, and recover more quickly if an emergency occurs.

“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 2 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.

“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 3 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.