U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

City Seal of Cambridge
Image of mural in The Hive

The Hive

About

hive logo

The Hive is a hub for STEAM learning, creativity, and community collaboration in Cambridge. Its mission is to provide free, hands-on learning opportunities to the Cambridge community, resources for personal projects and to serve as a hub for skill sharing and creative collaboration.

  • We center equity.
  • We spark creativity.
  • You are welcome.
  • We will help!

The Hive is part of STEAM at the Library. Learn about other STEAM offerings at the Library here.

Features

  • Hive Safety Training: Required introduction to the space.
  • 101 Workshops: Get trained on the basics of the equipment and spaces in The Hive.
  • Equipment & Studio Reservations: Once you have been trained on equipment and spaces basics, reserve time in The Hive.
  • Other Workshops & Events: Specialty workshops and programs offered throughout the year.

Visit our calendar to see what is coming up.

Coming Up

Sewing 101 (Main)

Tuesday, October 15 @ 1:00 PM
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. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Learn More

Sewing 101 (Main)

Tuesday, October 15 @ 3:30 PM
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. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Learn More

Sewing Circle

Tuesday, October 15 @ 5:30 PM
Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND receive support as you work on your own sewing projects with our Library sewing community. Participants must register but may drop-in any time during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.
Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a maker in The Hive?

The Hive is open to individuals with a Minuteman library card. The space is designed for independent use for patrons ages 12 and up and supervised use for children under the age of 12.

How do I reserve equipment and spaces?

Makers can reserve equipment in our fab lab and spaces (XR lab, multimedia studio, podcasting studio) through our booking system. Reservations can be made online, over the phone, or in person.

How do I contact The Hive?

Stop by and visit us on L2 at the Main Library! Alternatively, you can reach us by email or phone.
Email: thehive@cambridgema.gov 
Phone: 857-235-9819

For More Information

To learn more about local STEAM programs, visit the Cambridge STEAM Initiative website

Contact Us

How can we help?

Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry:

As a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper.

Read our complete privacy statement


Service Requests

Enter a service request via SeeClickFix for things like missed trash pickups, potholes, etc., click here