Search

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 Willodeen by Katherine Applegate. From #1 New York Times bestselling author of Odder and The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate, a heartfelt story about a girl who risks everything to help a handmade creature who comes to life. Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the land: strange beasts known as "screechers." When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she's determined to speak up for the animals she loves, and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears. A timely and timeless tale about our fragile earth, and one girl's fierce determination to make a difference. Both caregiver and child should read the book before the discussion to participate. Registration is required — only one registration is needed per family. For a copy of the book, stop by the Children’s Room after you've registered. If we run out of books at the desk, you can place a hold on the book by clicking on the book title in the paragraph above. For questions about parent/child book group, please email Meagan: malbright@cambridgema.gov

Our Magic Tree House book group for kids ages 5-10 meets the first Friday of the month. Pick up a copy of the book beforehand. Our September book is Magic Tree House #1, "Dinosaurs Before Dark." This event is onsite at O'Connell, with the option to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Magic Tree House book club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.

Our Magic Tree House book group for kids ages 5-10 meets the first Friday of the month. Pick up a copy of the book beforehand. Our December book is Magic Tree House #4, "Pirates Past Noon." This event is onsite at O'Connell, with the option to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Magic Tree House book club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.

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: Farming for the Future Book: We are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate by Michael Grunwald Registration is encouraged, but not required. For more information contact Jo at jpercell@cambridgema.gov.

Join the Central Square Book Group! This month, we're reading The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Copies are available for pickup at the Branch. Questions? Contact Ruby (rvail@cambridgema.gov).

Learn how to restore biodiversity and help slow climate change — while creating a beautiful garden! Join Amy Meltzer as we discuss the following: The current biodiversity crisis The shared evolutionary history among native birds, insects and plants How your support of those relationships are necessary for the species' survival How your garden can support biodiversity How you can help our Cambridge public plantings thrive This is a hybrid event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. The in-person event will take place in the Learning Lab.

Join us for this free, hands-on class at the library! You’ll learn the basics of using a Chromebook, including how to navigate the home screen, connect to Wi-Fi, use apps, browse the internet, and manage files. Perfect for beginners—no prior experience needed! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.

Celebrate the breathtaking art of Xiang Li, featuring over a dozen selected canvas portraits of Chinese empresses. Meet the artist Xiang Li and her daughter Fei Wu (the mother-daughter team) in person, hear their artist talk and presentation, and enjoy a relaxed and engaging conversation. Ask questions, connect, and discover the stories behind the art. Light refreshments will be provided.

Co-sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library and the Cambridge Public Library Foundation, the Boston Globe columnist, Barbara Wallraff will speak about her career and column on language, “May I have a word?”. She has had a long career in journalism, primarily as a copy editor, starting at Boston Phoenix then at the Atlantic and today as a columnist at the Globe.

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: Water in a Warming World Book: The High House by Jessie Greengrass Meetings will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. Copies of the book will be available at the Collins Branch during library hours. Registration is encouraged, but not required. For more information contact Jo at jpercell@cambridgema.gov.