Programs hosted by the Library provide an opportunity for civic dialogue, conversation, and learning, which includes exploring a wide-range of views. Programs do not constitute an endorsement of beliefs by the Library, Library staff, the Library's Board of Trustees, or the City of Cambridge. Please contact Zachary Bond at zbond@cambridgema.gov with questions about Library programs and events.
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.
Events
Displaying 1-15 of 23 results
June 1
Monday
3:00 PM
Main Library, Rindge Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE from Joan Lorentz Park to CPL Rindge Room.
Swap extra seeds, plants or harvested items from your garden at the Library! Learn informally about Cambridge's pollinator biodiversity and why it's so important to grow and share food, strengthen and grow our local food economy, and most of all...to get our hands dirty while we get to know our neighbors, our community and our place in the world around us.
Kids can make a pollinator finger puppet or take home a kit to make one.
June 11
Thursday
5:30 PM
Main Library, Richard C. Rossi Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
Back by popular demand!
Explore the art of botanical collage. In this workshop, participants work with a variety of plant-inspired imagery—think leaves, flowers, stems, and natural textures—to create their own unique composition. Whether you prefer something delicate and minimal or bold and layered, this is a chance to experiment, play, and let your creativity unfold. No prior experience is needed—this workshop is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners. A selection of materials will be provided, so you can simply show up and start creating. That said, students are more than welcome to bring your own papers, clippings, pressed plants, or anything else that inspires you.
Registration is required.
June 16
Tuesday
4:00 PM
Collins Branch, 64 Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Get creative after school! Decorate a blank notebook to use as your summer sketchbook, junk journal or reading log. Supplies may be limited.
Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.
June 17
Wednesday
6:00 PM
Main Library, Richard C. Rossi Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
This Month's Read: Last Exit by Max Gladstone
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.
June 20
Saturday
2:00 PM
Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
Join us in Joan Lorentz Park (outside the Main Library) for a Summer Kickoff Party for all ages! Enjoy a live concert with award-winning, GRAMMY nominated folk musician Alastair Moock and friends! Take home a tiny blossom kit and enjoy ice-cream (while supplies last). You can also register for Summer Reading, pick up a bingo board and learn more about special events happening across branches all summer long. The Department of Public Works, Community Gardens, and Office of Sustainability will join us to celebrate summer and the natural world.
3:00 PM
Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141
This event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Stay tuned for a rescheduled date.
Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required for this event.
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.
3:00 PM
Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141
Welcome Summer Reading by planting and decorating your own wooden Blossom Kits! Grow tomatoes, zinnia, and more.
This program is recommended for children ages 4+ and their guardians.
June 22
Monday
3:30 PM
Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141
Join us to learn how to transform your game ideas into a playable reality. Recommended for ages 10-14.
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.
June 24
Wednesday
3:00 PM
Main Library, Curious George Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
Experience the joy of Hip Hop Xpression with Jarell Howard Rochelle in this fun, high-energy program for kids and teens. Participants will learn simple choreography, explore freestyle movement, and be introduced to authentic hip hop terminology and culture. This interactive class emphasizes connection, creativity, and self-expression, while celebrating the spirit of hip-hop.
No prior dance experience is needed — just come ready to move, laugh, and have fun together. Families and youth of all ages are welcome.
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.
5:30 PM
Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Join us to celebrate the beginning of summer and get ready for Summer Reading! We will have small seed planting kits for you to decorate & use, a few assorted crafts, and refreshments. All ages welcome.
June 25
Thursday
3:30 PM
O'Connell Branch, 48 Sixth St., Cambridge, MA 02141
Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.
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.
3:30 PM
O'Connell Branch, 48 Sixth St., Cambridge, MA 02141
Join us to celebrate the beginning of summer and sign up for Summer Reading! We will have small seed planting kits for you to decorate & use, some coloring pages, and dance party music! All ages welcome.
5:00 PM
Collins Branch, 64 Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Celebrate the start of summer at a neighborhood bash for all ages! Join us for:
Outdoor activities (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, etc.)
Face painting by Color Me Funky
Mini blossom kits to decorate and plant seeds
Refreshments
Sign up for summer reading bingo
In the event of inclement weather, all activities will move indoors.
June 26
Friday
1:00 PM
O'Neill Branch, 70 Rindge Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Join us outdoors at the O'Neill Branch to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of the summer! Pick up a "blossom kit" (small growing kit with seeds) while supplies last.
We will also have food, games and art. No registration is required. All ages are welcome!
In case of rain or bad weather this event will be inside the O'Neill Branch.
4:00 PM
Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Experience the joy of Hip Hop Xpression with Jarell Howard Rochelle in this fun, high-energy program for kids and teens. Participants will learn simple choreography, explore freestyle movement, and be introduced to authentic hip hop terminology and culture. This interactive class emphasizes connection, creativity, and self-expression, while celebrating the spirit of hip-hop.
No prior dance experience is needed — just come ready to move, laugh, and have fun together. Families and youth of all ages are welcome.
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.