Sewing 101 with ASL Interpretation (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. Registration is prioritized for patrons who will directly benefit from interpretation in American Sign Language. Please email thehive@cambridgema.gov to register.
You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Summer Reading: Live Animal Program with Harvard Alpaca Ranch (O'Neill)
Alpacas from the Harvard Alpaca Ranch will be visiting the library for an educational program and meet and greet. Join us to learn more about alpacas and take some time to say hello! This event is intended for school-age children. No registration required.
This event will be held outside, with a rain date of Aug. 15 at 11 a.m.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) Working Group - Meeting 2
This is the second regular meeting of the Mass Ave Planning Study Working Group, a representative body of neighborhood stakeholders that will help guide the planning process for Mass Ave from Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway.
Main Street Open House
On June 9 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, CDOT will host a drop-in project open house in front of the Whitehead Institute for the 2026 Main Street Safety Improvement Project.
Climate Action Book Club (Collins/Virtual)
Join the Collins Branch Library in collaboration with the Cambridge Climate Leaders Initiative for a monthly discussion of a climate-related topic. Each month the group will discuss a book on the topic at hand then hear about a related local program or initiative and how you can take action.
Topic: Decarbonizing the Future
Book: Electrify: an optimist's playbook for our clean energy future by Saul Griffith
This group will meet virtually and in person at the Collins Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. For more information contact Jo at jpercell@cambridgema.gov.
Closures and Service Information for Labor Day Holiday Monday, September 7
In observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 7, City of Cambridge offices, libraries, and senior centers will be closed, and payments will not be required at City of Cambridge parking meters and parking meter pay stations. All library locations will also be closed Sunday, September 6.
Solar Power Shines
Let’s power the public library with clean, renewable energy! Adding solar panels to our main library will help Cambridge meet our climate goals by reducing emissions, saving money over time, and serving as an example for patrons.
Gund Kwok Asian Women's Lion Dance Troupe (Main)
Gund Kwok is the first all Asian and all female lion dance troupe in the country. They will present an interactive story about the origins and significance of the lion dance, followed by a lion dance performance that will include the traditional "eating of the greens" and the unrolling of good luck banners. After the performance, the audience will be invited to try on the lion heads and take photos. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Bring the whole family for a unforgettable experience!
Central Square Rezoning - Community Meeting 3
Please join the Central Square Rezoning Project team for our final community meeting regarding potential updates to the zoning for Central Square. This meeting will begin with a presentation by City staff focusing on what we've heard thus far and how that has informed the preliminary zoning recommendations. It will be followed by a robust public discussion where community members can share their feedback and input.
CPL Nature Club: The Nature of Cambridge (Central Square)
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.