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Join us for a guided 60-minute tour of the Universal Design Playground, an inclusive play area featuring public artworks designed with accessibility and sensory engagement in mind: Paintings by Dominic Killiany, Sensory Hilltop by Mitch Ryerson, and Pipe Dreams by NuVu Studio. We will meet at the Universal Design Playground, 66 Field St. entrance. This event is part of our Time Out for Public Art series in collaboration with Cambridge Arts. In October, these will be 60-minute art tours where we visit multiple sites as a group. Registration is required.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Susan Choi—author of the National Book Award-winning novel Trust Exercise—for a discussion of her new book Flashlight, a novel tracing a father’s disappearance across time, nations, and memory. She will be joined in conversation by Gish Jen—acclaimed author of Thank You, Mr. Nixon and The Resisters. Registration is required.

Join instructor Ellen DeGenova, at the main branch park, to explore Tai Chi elements (without the complicated choreography). Tai Chi offers highly adaptable and accessible ways of moving for everyone. Being outdoors and learning together inspires a sense of well-being and community. A seated option is available. No experience necessary. In case of inclement weather, class will be held in the library’s Community Room.

Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or join every workshop in this 6-part series to explore the concept of "Shinrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”) which is the practice of being mindful and contemplative within nature, using all your senses. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature. No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting. Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.

Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or join every workshop in this 6-part series to explore the concept of "Shinrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”) which is the practice of being mindful and contemplative within nature, using all your senses. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature. No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting. Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.

Join us at Donnelly Field (behind the Valente Library) for a joyful celebration with musician and educator Otha Day! A Drum Circle is a highly interactive group of people who play drums and percussion instruments together to create in-the-moment music. Through the experience of rhythm and sound we experience what it means to beat as one heart: we become a vibrant community. This drum circle will include playful and accessible rhythm activities, games, traditional ensemble pieces, songs and most importantly, improvisation. No experience necessary; all ages can participate. No registration is required. In the event of rain, this program will move indoors to the Community Room of the Valente Branch. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or join every workshop in this 6-part series to explore the concept of "Shinrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”) which is the practice of being mindful and contemplative within nature, using all your senses. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature. No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting. Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.

Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or join every workshop in this 6-part series to explore the concept of "Shinrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”) which is the practice of being mindful and contemplative within nature, using all your senses. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature. No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting. Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.

Learn how to use Google Sheets (Google's version of Excel) to create a budget! You will learn how to use Google Sheets budgeting templates and enter data in a friendly learning environment. A Gmail account is required for this class - please remember your password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Join herbalist Mo Katz-Christy for a walk through Danehy Park to identify plants and their medicinal uses! We will explore weeds and cultivated plants, trees and shrubs, with plenty of time for questions and conversation. Bring a notebook if you like. Meet us at the parking lot on Sherman Street (if you’re late you should be able to find us – we won’t move too far too fast!). Registration is required.