Summer Reading: Ed Popielarczyk's Comedy Magic (O'Connell)
Ed Popielarczyk is a professional magician, balloon twister and entertainer who has been entertaining children and family audiences for over 40 years. His magic show is a comedy show that uses a lot of audience participation. The kids are the stars of the show. This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
CPL Nature Club: Moth Ball Mask Making (Collins)
Celebrate National Moth Week in style!
Step 1: Drop by the Collins Branch to make a moth mask with guidance and costume advice from Cambridge Wildlife Arts.
Step 2: Debut your mask on the red carpet at the second annual Cambridge Moth Ball on Wednesday, July 23 from 7:30-10 p.m at the Fresh Pond Reservation's Kingsley Park. Learn all about moths and their role in the ecosystem, participate in "mothing," and take photographs of moths. Costumes encouraged for children & adults!
Summer Reading: Arthropod Petting Zoo (O'Connell)
The Arthropod Petting Zoo is a hands-on, show-and-tell introduction to entomology featuring real live insects and arthropods! While having fun and interacting with genuine crawling critters, kids learn about biology, taxonomy, adaptations, and scientific thinking that real scientists use in the field. Recommended for ages 3-12 and their families.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Summer Reading: Arthropod Petting Zoo (Valente)
The Arthropod Petting Zoo is a hands-on, show-and-tell introduction to entomology featuring real live insects and arthropods! While having fun and interacting with genuine crawling critters, kids learn about biology, taxonomy, adaptations, and scientific thinking that real scientists use in the field. Recommended for ages 3-12 and their families.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Summer Reading: Arthropod Petting Zoo (Boudreau)
The Arthropod Petting Zoo is a hands-on, show-and-tell introduction to entomology featuring real live insects and arthropods! While having fun and interacting with genuine crawling critters, kids learn about biology, taxonomy, adaptations, and scientific thinking that real scientists use in the field. Recommended for ages 3-12 and their families.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Maple Sugaring with Land's Sake Farm (Valente)
Learn about the local tradition of turning maple sap into maple syrup with Land's Sake Farm! Enjoy a maple sugaring themed story time, touch and explore the tools we use to make maple syrup, and try using hand drills to tap a demonstration log.
This program is recommended for children ages 4 and up. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration is required - please register only the children who will be attending the program.
Central Square Book Group (Central Square)
Join the Central Square Book Group!
This month, we're reading A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman in honor of Meet Your Neighbor month. Meet Your Neighbor Month is organized by the Cambridge Peace Commission every year. The 2026 theme, Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect, is inspired by Welcoming America's Welcoming Week, reminds us that meaningful connections often begin by listening to and learning from one another.
Copies will be available for pickup at the Branch.
Questions? Contact Theresa (tmitchell@cambridgema.gov).
Parent/Child (Ages 7-10) Book Group (Main)
Join us for a lively discussion of a great book in person at the Main Library! Pizza will be provided. For ages 7-10 and a parent or caregiver.
This month's book is Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. Two is a crowd when Peter and his little brother, Fudge, are in the same room. Grown-ups think Fudge is absolutely adorable, but Peter and his pet turtle, Dribble, know the truth. From throwing temper tantrums to smearing mashed potatoes on the wall, Fudge causes mischief wherever he goes!
Both caregiver and child should read the book before the discussion to participate. Registration is required — only one registration is needed per family. For a copy of the book, stop by the Children’s Room after you've registered.
For questions about parent/child book group, please email Meagan: malbright@cambridgema.gov
Summer Reading: Storytelling with Tony Toledo (Main)
Tales from Toledo, Storyteller Tony Toledo that is.
Once upon a time...THE END. You won’t believe what happens in the middle! From "What's in that House?" to "Give me back my Diamond Button!" the middle will be full of fun. Join us for a lively storytelling program for children and their caregivers.
Tony Toledo has been telling stories to pay his rent since the end of the 20th Century. Tony has visited many libraries, told many stories, and passed out many riddle bookmarks. Tony grew up in Ohio, served in the Army, bicycled from Oregon to Virginia, sampled Law School, hosts his annual Corn Party In Beverly and loves peach pie more than chocolate cake.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.