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Sacred Songs and Rituals brings Kendra Comstock, soprano, and Charles Iner, lute, to explore Catholic persecution during the English Renaissance and the forms of secret musical resistance Catholic musicians created during this time. Sacred Songs and Rituals is a Cambridge Public Library music series celebrating the divine in the many cultures found in Cambridge.

The Hastings Room Reading Series and the Cambridge Public Library are excited to welcome two award-winning poets to the Library for a poetry reading. Denise Duhamel and Martha Collins will both read from recent works. The reading will take place in the Main Library's Community Room at 7 p.m. on May 1, 2025.

Why does the Massachusetts State flag matter? Learn about the history and significance of the Massachusetts state seal, flag, and motto from Sage Carbone and David Shane Lowry. Think more deeply about your community's symbols and better understand why our state flag must be changed. This discussion is inspired by the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission’s open call to artists, historians, educators, students, and members of the public to participate in the effort to redesign the state’s seal, flag, and motto. Established by the Legislature in 2024, the Commission is tasked with developing and recommending new symbols to represent the state through a statewide public process. Learn more about the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission’s open call to artists.

The City of Cambridge will host a series of events and feature a variety of stories throughout February in celebration of Black History Month. Throughout the month, programs led by the Public Library, Veterans Services, Office of Equity and Inclusion, and more will highlight Black theater, poetry, movies, musical traditions, and cuisine to celebrate Black heritage and culture.

Join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating Pride Month by welcoming Kristen Arnett, author of Mostly Dead Things, With Teeth, and—published just this past March—STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE. After a reading from her work, Arnett will be joined in conversation by Jill McDonough, author of five books of poetry including American Treasure and Here All Night. Called "a perversely funny novel about family, ambition, and desire" (Shelf Awareness), STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE follows a professional clown, Cherry Hendricks, as she tries to stay true to her needs as a person as well as an artist. This is a hybrid event and registration is required. This event is cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

What happens when mental illness meets homelessness and there’s nowhere to turn? What does healthcare look like when you’re sleeping outside, alone, and invisible? Join NAMI Cambridge/Middlesex and the Cambridge Public Library for an unflinching look at healthcare on the margins as Dr. Jim O’Connell, founding physician and President of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) shares stories, insights, and hard truths from a lifetime spent caring for patients—not in pristine clinics but in shelters, on sidewalks, and under bridges. Moderated by Dr. Rich Parker, this one-night event will explore the barriers so many in our community face when mental illness goes untreated, housing is out of reach, and support feels out of sight. Cosponsored by Cambridge Public Library. Registration is required.

The City of Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative and its partners is offering upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinics. These clinics are free. No appointment is required, and you do not need insurance, an ID, or a social security number to get the vaccine. Getting a vaccine will NOT affect a public charge determination or immigration status.

Today, City of Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, City Manager Louis A. DePasquale, and Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Assaad J. Sayah announced an Emergency Order “Establishing a Moratorium on Eviction Enforcement and Non-Essential Entry by Property Owners and Their Agents Into Occupied Dwelling Units in the City of Cambridge” for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Monday, September 25, every U.S. household can place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home by mail. To order tests, visit covidtests.gov. Cambridge residents can also pick up free rapid tests from the Cambridge Public Health Department at 119 Windsor Street while supplies last.

On October 22, the Department of Public Works (DPW) presented nine strategies to City Council’s Health & Environment Committee on draft changes to improve on the City’s waste programs. The draft strategies are part of the City’s updated Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP), and the City seeks feedback from all Cambridge stakeholders by November 30, 2024.