Search

Cambridge is home to over 80 species of edible wild plants, some of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. These include native species like Fox Grape and Shagbark Hickory; non-native weeds like Chicory and Burdock; and invasive species like Japanese Knotweed and Autumn Olive. Join expert forager Russ Cohen on a 2.5 hour ramble around Fresh Pond to learn about over two dozen species of edible wild plants. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with info on edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods, as well as guidelines for safe, ethical and environmentally-responsible foraging. NOTE that this is an educational walk only: no actual foraging will take place, as that activity is prohibited with in the Fresh Pond Reservation. We will meet at Fresh Pond, in the main parking lot by the ranger station and water department. Russ Cohen is a naturalist and wild foods enthusiast from Weston, Mass., currently in his 52nd year of leading walks and talks about wild edibles. He has led talks for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the New England Forestry Foundation, and The Trustees of Reservations. Russ' foraging book, Wild Plants I Have Known...and Eaten, is now in its ninth printing. Russ has taken on the role of Johnny Appleseed for edible native species, collaborating with land trusts, cities and towns, and other groups (including one in Cambridge) to plant plants from his nursery in appropriate places on their properties.

On May 1, 2023, the City Manager submitted the proposed Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), as well as the proposed FY24-FY28 Operating and Capital Plans. The Operating Budget of $881,757,885 represents an increase of $80,306,015 or 10% over the FY23 Adopted Budget. The proposed Capital Budget is $185,206,905. The public is encouraged to review the budget document, which includes Consolidated Spending information across departments on key priority areas; City Council Goals; Key Initiatives for FY24 (Section I); narratives for each Department (Section V); and FY24 Capital projects (Section VI). There will be public hearings on the FY24 Budget at the City Council Finance Committee on Tuesday, May 9 at 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. (School Department), and Tuesday, May 16 at 10 a.m.

Join us for a fascinating trip to the Titanic: The Exhibition in Boston! Step back in time with real artifacts, recreated ship interiors, and personal stories of passengers.

Learn to fix your broken household items, such as electronics, appliances, clothing, and toys etc. at the Fixit Clinic. Volunteer Fixit coaches will review, take apart, and assist in repair attempts. Gain the confidence and knowledge to make repairs and teach others to do the same. This event takes place in The Hive, located on L1 of the Main Library. Open to all ages, registration is required. This event is brought to you by the Cambridge Public Library, The Cambridge Department of Public Works, and Fixit Clinic. Register to participate: bit.ly/itemcheckin Volunteer to be a coach: bit.ly/inpersoncoachsignup

Learn to fix your broken household items, such as electronics, appliances, clothing, and toys etc. at the Fixit Clinic. Volunteer Fixit coaches will review, take apart, and assist in repair attempts. Gain the confidence and knowledge to make repairs and teach others to do the same. This event takes place in The Hive, located on L1 of the Main Library. Open to all ages, registration is required. This event is brought to you by the Cambridge Public Library, The Cambridge Department of Public Works, and Fixit Clinic. Register to participate: bit.ly/itemcheckin Volunteer to be a coach: bit.ly/inpersoncoachsignup

Learn how AI can help and harm, different types of disinformation and, different tips to detect deepfakes and evaluate online information. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link.

Are you curious about the hype around artificial intelligence (AI)? Are you concerned about the environmental impact of AI and wondering what can be done about it? Join Dr. Noman Bashir as he discusses his work and answers your questions about the environmental implications of generative AI. Dr. Bashir is currently a Computing & Climate Impact Fellow at MIT's Climate & Sustainability Consortium (MCSC) as well as a postdoctoral researcher at the MIT Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). Noman Bashir holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on designing, prototyping, and analyzing experimental computer systems that enable decarbonizing societal-scale systems, such as computing systems, electric grids, buildings, and transportation.

Join the Cambridge Senior Center on a trip to the Historic Isle of Shoals in Portsmouth, NH.

Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.

Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Drop-in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend,... Refreshments will be provided. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.