Join the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library
This is a volunteer-driven community membership organization open to all library-loving individuals and families who wish to participate in the ongoing celebration and support of the Cambridge Public Library and its six neighborhood branches.
COA Expanded Programming
In response to community feedback and participation, the Cambridge Council on Aging will continue to offer programming for Cambridge adults age 60 and older at the Russell Youth and Community Center, 680 Huron Ave. Older adults are also invited to enjoy the Center’s Common Area on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
CPL Nature Club: Rethinking Urban Green Spaces: Nature Walk with Earthwise Aware (Main)
Join Earthwise Aware (EwA) for an interactive walk to observe, document, and take part in shaping urban spaces that work with nature. Together, we will explore how design choices and climate pressures shape the ecological value of our everyday green spaces, and document habitat conditions using simple citizen science tools.
Starting at the library lawn, we will examine spaces that appear green but often function poorly. Manicured lawns and sparse tree plantings may look inviting, yet they frequently support little biodiversity and can limit soil health and resilience. What makes a space truly nature-friendly? We will record what is present, what is missing, and what that tells us about ecological function.
During the walk, we will:
Observe and document plant communities and habitat quality
Identify signs of low and high ecological function
Compare conventional landscapes with more resilient plantings such as native beds or meadow patches
Contribute real data that supports local ecological understanding and decision making
This is participatory science in practice. Your observations will feed into broader efforts to track urban biodiversity and inform better land use choices.
The program will meet outside the library in Joan Lorentz Park. Registration required.
Rain date: Wednesday May 6
Mount Auburn Street Corridor Study
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), in conjunction with Cambridge and Watertown, has been conducting a Mount Auburn Corridor Planning Study to develop a range of implementable short- and long-term plans for the improvement of Mount Auburn Street, from the Watertown line to Fresh Pond Parkway, and parts of Fresh Pond Parkway.
Join the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library
This is a volunteer-driven community membership organization open to all library-loving individuals and families who wish to participate in the ongoing celebration and support of the Cambridge Public Library and its six neighborhood branches.
The Art of Chigiri-e: An Introduction to Japanese Paper Collage (O'Connell)
Join us for a 90-minute workshop where you’ll learn the simple, meditative basics of Chigiri-e (“chee-gee-ree-eh”), a traditional Japanese art form where the name literally means "torn picture." Rather than using scissors for sharp, clean cuts, we carefully tear the paper to create soft, feathered edges that look almost like a watercolor painting.
Whether you’re a long-time crafter or haven't picked up an art project in years, come enjoy some quiet, analog crafting time making a handmade picture, led by instructor Chihiro Sato. You will bring home not just a unique piece, but also the know-how to continue enjoying Chigiri-e at home.
Space is limited. Registration is required.