Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
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.
Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
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.
Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
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.
139 Bishop Allen Drive (1-15 Vail Court)
139 Bishop Allen Drive, familiarly known as Vail Court, is a 28,201 square foot lot located in Mid-Cambridge that was acquired by the City of Cambridge through eminent domain in 2016. In June 2017, the City Council voted to transfer the property to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (CAHT) for redevelopment as affordable housing. In July 2017, the City and CAHT held an initial community meeting to discuss the site and next steps, but the process was paused due to the onset of litigation. That litigation has now been resolved and the CAHT is restarting the process of planning for an affordable housing development for the site.
The CAHT plans to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to seek and select a development team to create new affordable housing at the 139 Bishop Allen site. It is expected that the site will be developed under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). Once an affordable housing developer has been selected, a community process will be conducted to review redevelopment plans for the site.
Internet Basics (O'Connell)
Learn how to navigate internet browsers, search engines and websites. We will provide online search tips and tricks.
To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Grand Reopening Party! (Collins)
Join us to celebrate the reopening of the Collins Branch! Come reconnect with Collins staff and neighbors and meet the new Branch Manager. Enjoy refreshments, crafts, and games in your neighborhood.
Weather permitting, the party will take place in the back yard.
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.
Climate Quest with Cambridge Public Library (Main)
Celebrate Earth Day and the natural world around us here in Cambridge with an afternoon of discussion and exploration of our urban environment! Join the hosts of Cambridge Public Library's two climate-focused book groups for a brief guided conversation followed by an interactive scavenger hunt that will explore the areas around the library. You'll make connections with neighbors, learn more about our area's changing climate, and see the efforts and actions people in Cambridge are taking to protect the planet.
We will meet in the Rossi Room of the Main Library and then head outside to complete a scavenger hunt. Attendees are welcome to stay in Joan Lorentz Park or areas surrounding the library to complete the scavenger hunt or head to any other outdoor location!
Mental Health First Aid (Main)
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. The program is designed to build mental health literacy, providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge. This workshop will cover:
Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges
How to interact with a person in crisis
How to connect a person with help
Expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care
Registration is required.
CANCELLED: Barry Schneier Presents: The Song is Still Being Written (Main)
Internationally renowned photographer Barry Schneier captures Boston's unique and impacting folk music scene in his new book The Song is Still Being Written, released in September 2024. The book is a collection of photos and narratives capturing stories of singer-songwriters, past, present, and future who have made the Boston/Cambridge area their home for artistic development and specifically from those who have graced one of the most heralded performance spaces in folk history, Harvard Square's Passim (originally Club 47). The program includes a performance by Kemp Harris, one of the artists profiled in the book. Schneier will be in conversation with James Sullivan, arts and culture correspondent for the Boston Globe.
Barry Schneier is an internationally recognized photographer who has been immersed in the music scene since the mid-1970s. His work has been exhibited in multiple shows and is in the permanent collection of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music, the Folk Americana-Roots Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.