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Join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating our Summer Reading theme—“Plant a seed, read!”—by gathering with us for a reading and talk with author and biologist, David George Haskell, author of How Flowers Made Our World: The Story of Nature's Revolutionaries, published just this past March. The recipient of mutliple starred reviews, How Flowers Made Our World has been described as “a work of real passion” (The New York Times) and “a seamless melding of poetry and science” (Wall Street Journal) and in it, David George Haskell, a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Nonfiction, argues that flowers “belong at the center of the story of how our world came to be.” Registration is required.

Treat yourself to an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community while a local artist guides us step-by-step through the process of painting a beautiful art piece, suitable for hanging on your door or wall. Tea and light refreshments provided. No experience necessary. All are welcome. Old clothing recommended, as acrylic paint can stain. Seating is limited to 8. Registration is required and will open November 24.

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Students for Smiles Club and the Cambridge Public Library are hosting a free community event on oral health. Attendees will learn how to brush and floss the right way through a short talk and hands-on practice. The program will also share simple tips for preventing common dental problems and explain when to see a dentist. Free toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and local dental care resources will be available for everyone.

Alpacas from the Harvard Alpaca Ranch will be visiting the library for an educational program and meet and greet. Join us to learn more about alpacas and take some time to say hello! This event is intended for school-age children. No registration required. This event will be held outside, with a rain date of Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.

Join us for a fun and educational one-hour cooking class focused on reducing food waste! Chef Kelcy will show you how to creatively use what you have on hand to reduce food waste while making flavorful dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. Whether you're looking to minimize waste in your own kitchen or just love learning new cooking techniques, this class is sure to inspire! Chef Kelcy is a Lowell-based chef and educator who emphasizes seasonal eating and community support. As the Farm Chef at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, MA, she conducts educational programs for all ages and creates delightful farm-to-table food experiences.

Children and families can join us for an outdoor story time and short walk at Alewife Brook Reservation. We will meet at the seating area on the bike path near the Alewife Brook Pathway and DCR Wetland Boardwalk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CC32nJqG1Xk3b5zDA. There is no parking available on-site. Parking is available at Alewife MBTA station or limited on-street parking on Cambridgepark Drive. No registration is required. In case of bad weather, this event will be cancelled and the listing will be updated on the website. Please call 617-349-4023 with any questions, including day-of weather cancellations.

Children and families can join us for an outdoor story time and short walk at Alewife Brook Reservation. We will meet at the seating area on the bike path near the Alewife Brook Pathway and DCR Wetland Boardwalk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CC32nJqG1Xk3b5zDA. There is no parking available on-site. Parking is available at Alewife MBTA station or limited on-street parking on Cambridgepark Drive. No registration is required. In case of bad weather, this event will be cancelled and the listing will be updated on the website. Please call 617-349-4023 with any questions, including day-of weather cancellations.

Children and families can join us for an outdoor story time and short walk at Alewife Brook Reservation. We will meet at the seating area on the bike path near the Alewife Brook Pathway and DCR Wetland Boardwalk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CC32nJqG1Xk3b5zDA. There is no parking available on-site. Parking is available at Alewife MBTA station or limited on-street parking on Cambridgepark Drive. No registration is required. In case of bad weather, this event will be postponed to June 4 and the listing will be updated on the website. Please call 617-349-4023 with any questions, including day-of weather cancellations.

Join us to celebrate Jasmine Warga's A Rover's Story, which tells the story of a rover's journey to Mars and the challenges it faces there. We will celebrate by building some artful mechanisms with Playful Engineers! Use simple machines to create mechanical automata and solve problems similar to those faced by rovers on Mars - using materials you could find around your own home. Registration is required. This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture (CGL) with Jasmine Warga, award-winning author of A Rover's Story, Other Words for Home, and many other popular children's books. Save the Date: the Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m. at the Main Library. Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Students will learn how to approach a human portrait drawing from start to finish.