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Get creative after school! Follow instructions to turn patterned paper into a pinwheel. Then, watch the springtime wind make it spin. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

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: Regenerative Possibilities Book: Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility - edited by Rebecca Solnit & Thelma Young Lutunatabua 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.

Our monthly Middle Grade Mystery book group is for kids aged 10-14. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our January book is The Sherlock Society by James Ponti. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the O'Connell Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Middle Grade Mystery Book Group, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.

Drop in for an after school activity. Have you ever tried drawing or writing with gel pens? These vivid and luminous colored inks add pizzazz to doodles, notes and more. See how they pop on contrasting dark papers. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

Join guide Stefanie Haug while exploring our neighborhood nature and history. As a group we'll connect with and explore the neighborhood mindfully with a gentle walk and draw on contemplative practices. What to bring: layered clothing, comfortable shoes and water. Where to meet: At the Collins Branch entrance. Registration is requested but not required.

Bring the extra garden seeds you don't think you will plant this year! See what your neighbors have before you purchase more! We will have envelopes and pens to help keep them straight. If you don't have seeds, come anyway, as we will have extras. This event is co-hosted by Cambridge City Growers, a group of volunteers across Cambridge working to start up gardens in neighborhoods to increase access to healthy, organic, and locally grown food.

Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the winter season! Join us for a seasonal story, a winter nature craft and a cozy treat.

Celebrate reading with fellow new readers at the Valente Branch Library! We will explore a book from the Beginning Reader collection, spend time reading together, and do an activity! Copies of the book will be provided via the library; participants may check out a copy to take home after the program. This is open to students in kindergarten through second grade who are practicing reading independently; their grown-ups are welcome to join us. Registration is required. Contact the library at 617-349-4015 for more information.

Join local artist, musician and educator Ben Cunningham for a transformative storytelling performance. This program is for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration needed.