Drop-in Maker Studio (O'Neill)
Come to the Library to create something special! Use your own supplies or try out our equipment! You can use our 1-inch button maker, 2.5 inch button maker, 3-D Doodle pens, or Janome sewing machines. The Library will provide basic supplies. *This month you are invited to join in a community sewing circle to help create a Moth Banner. Learn more here: https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/16984382
This drop-in program is for people who feel comfortable using these machines on their own. The Library will not provide instruction. Anyone wishing to use the sewing machines must have completed a Sewing 101 training through the Library. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
2026 Sticker Contest
With more than 80 participants submitting 115 photos and pieces of artwork, City staff selected an image of the Charles River at sunset for the 2026 Resident Parking Permit sticker.
Initiatives
Initiatives of the Department of Public Works
Cambridge Offers Various Summer Opportunities for Youth
Each Summer, the City of Cambridge is committed to ensuring a wide variety of programming for young people to enhance well-being, create more community connections and reduce incidents of violence. Building on many years of commitment to providing comprehensive programming for young people, the Department of Human Service Programs, Community Safety Department, Cambridge Police Department, and the Cambridge Public Health Department work collaboratively to offer various opportunities for youth engagement throughout the summer.
Apply for/Renew a Dog License
Cambridge residents can apply for or renew their dog’s license online or download the paper application and renew via mail or in person, following instructions on the respective form.
Summer Reading: Crafternoon with Pop Up Art School (Main)
Learn about the centuries-old art of reverse glass painting and create your own reverse painting! Choose from three images and paint it using acrylic paint on clear acetate.
This program can accommodate 30 youth ages 11 to 18 years old. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
Park Sounds: Juneteenth Celebration with Tim Hall (Main)
Join us for a special Park Sounds in celebration of Juneteenth with saxophonist Tim Hall, an award-winning musician, performance poet, and producer from Detroit, MI, now based in Boston. His poetry draws inspiration from his lived experiences - charting the nuances of blackness, masculinity, and the beauties of life. Tim's music is used to underscore his vivid storytelling with warm neo soul, jazz, and hip hop influences.
PARK SOUNDS 2026 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.
Parent/Child (Ages 7-9) Book Group (Main)
Join us for a lively discussion of a great book in person at the Main Library! Snacks will be provided. For ages 7-9 and a parent or caregiver.
This month's book is Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn. When a valuable necklace is stolen from Simon's new apartment complex, it's up to him and a quirky neighbor to solve the mystery before he and his family have to move again. Copies of this month's book are available at the Children's Desk.
Both caregiver and child should read the book before the discussion to participate. Registration is required — only one registration is needed per family.
For questions about parent/child book group, please email Rachel: rbeaton@cambridgema.gov
GROUP FULL: MCBA Book Group (Central Square)
Did you know you can vote for a winner in the Massachusetts Children's Book Award each year? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month as we read and discuss some of the MCBA nominated books. Cast your vote for your favorite nominated title, right here at the library. This program is for kids in 4th, 5th and 6th grade (or equivalent ages). Registration is required. For more information, please contact jpittel@cambridgema.gov.
This month we're reading Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival by Trina Rathgeber (Orca, 2024).
Limited copies of the book will be available at the Central Square Library.
Pizza will be provided!
This group is currently full.