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Let’s take a look at the events of the 1630s when speculators drove up the prices of tulip bulbs to dizzying heights. The development of Dutch flower painting and the phenomenon known as “tulipmania” share the same root causes in 17th century Netherlands; that is, an interest in objects of great appeal and rarity, whether just for their beauty or their scientific notoriety. But what was really happening and has it been overblown in history? We will discover where the practice of flower painting began for the Dutch, in response to the value of live flowers; a practice of painting beautiful still lives that continues today.

Children and families can join us for an outdoor story time and short walk at Alewife Brook Reservation to look for plant and animal life. 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 canceled and the listing will be updated on the website. Please call 617-349-4023 with any questions, including day-of weather cancellations.

All ages are welcome to join us as we observe birds at Fresh Pond. We will look for birds migrating to or through our area as well as year-round resident birds. As we walk we will discuss general birdwatching tips and learn more about the birds we share our outdoor spaces with. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. Registration is required for this event. The walk will meet outside the ranger station/water department building at Fresh Pond: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G1bJGhMG17mAaFgL9 In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled. For more information, contact the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.

Children and families can join us for an outdoor story time and short walk at Alewife Brook Reservation to look for plant and animal life. 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 canceled and the listing will be updated on the website. Please call 617-349-4023 with any questions, including day-of weather cancellations.

Join us for an evening of board games. We have: Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Azul, Splendor, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages. Registration helpful.

UPDATE: Due to the impacts of this week's winter storm, this walk has been canceled. There will be another walk on Wednesday, February 25th. Register for that walk at this link. Join us for a morning walk at one of the most renowned bird watching spots in Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. The walk will meet at the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am. We will walk to Mt. Auburn Cemetery together (about a five minute walk). Please try to be on time as we will leave shortly after 10:15! Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.

Human Acts by Han Kang

Join the Cambridge Public Library in welcoming Elaine Castillo, author of How to Read Now and America Is Not the Heart, in celebrating the release of her newest novel, Moderation, published in August 2025. The recipient of starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist—which called Moderation "a slyly brilliant narrative ... cleverly interrogating interactions, communication, and relationships"—the novel follows Girlie Delmundo, a social media content moderator falling in love with her boss while her career veers into an increasingly virtual realm, raising pertinent questions about the future of love. After reading from Moderation, Elaine with sit in conversation with writer and editor Meagan Masterman for a wide-ranging conversation followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. This is a hybrid event and registration is required.

Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Join us in this eleven-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. This is an in-person event at the Valente Branch. To enter the lottery, please register for the waitlist below. This waitlist will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Registration will open Wednesday, March 4 at 9AM and close Wednesday, April 1 at 5PM. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, April 3. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation

Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Join us in this eleven-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. This is an in-person event at the Valente Branch. To enter the lottery, please register for the waitlist below. This waitlist will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Registration will open Wednesday, March 4 at 9AM and close Wednesday, April 1 at 5PM. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, April 3. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation