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The Cambridge Public Library is honored to host the breathtaking art of Xiang Li, featuring over a dozen selected canvas portraits of Chinese empresses, for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The artwork is located on L2. Click here to explore the artist's webpage.

This month's book: Cross the Line by Simone Soltani Audience: Teens and Adults. If you read romance (or want to start), this group is for you! Reading Interests: This group will explore the burgeoning genre of contemporary romance. Example selections include: Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola and Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner. How to get the print book: Copies of the print book are set aside at the Main Library Q&A Desk on the ground floor. Visit the Main Library at 449 Broadway during service hours and a staff member can help you check out a copy. How to get the e-book or digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as an e-book and digital audiobook through Libby. We'll meet in the Teen Room on the first floor of the Main Library. For more information, contact Susannah at sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov.

This Month's Read: 2026 Hugo Award Nominees for Best Novelette and Short Story (listed here) Reading Interests: The group concentrates on science fiction and fantasy. An advanced reading schedule is published each summer. Example selections include: Neuromancer by William Gibson and The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. Requirements: A love of speculative fiction and a desire to talk about books. The group is friendly and informal. How to get the print book: Copies of the print book are set aside at the Main Library Question and Answer desk on the ground floor. Visit the Main Library at 449 Broadway during service hours and a staff member can help you check out a copy. E-books and digital audiobooks are available on Libby or Hoopla. We'll meet in the Rossi Room on the ground floor of the Main Library. For more information, contact Carrie at csauder@cambridgema.gov.

Join us for a lively discussion of a great book in person at the Main Library! Pizza 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

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.

Lawrence Millman on Fungi and Foraging, Jenny the Juggler, Read to a Dog, and More!

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.