Literary Monsters: Spooky Stories! Shadow Puppets! Live Music! (O'Neill)
Join the Shadow, Sound, Spectacle ensemble for an evening of original live music, shadow puppetry, video projection, and gothic storytelling inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Washington Irving, Emily Dickinson, Bram Stoker, Anne Rice and more. This imaginative multimedia performance reimagines iconic gothic figures—Frankenstein’s creature, Poe’s raven, the Headless Horseman—as symbols of resistance, transformation, and queer identity.
Recommended for teens and adults.
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle: Literary Monsters is a collaborative performance project led by Northampton-based singer-songwriter Jess Martin (Tiny Desk Contest 2025 entrant), Boston puppeteer Amy West, and musician/visual artist Abby Hanna (Northampton-based).
World Portuguese Language Day – Free concert (Main)
World Portuguese Language Day is celebrated every year in May. It is a celebration shared by millions around the world, including among the vast and important Portuguese speaking communities in Massachusetts. Portuguese is a global language, spoken by millions in different continents, and it is one of the most spoken languages in Massachusetts.
Join us for an afternoon of celebration with the music of Portugal, Cape Verde, and Brazil, followed by light refreshments. Performers at the event include Mia Tomé, accompanied by Zé Manel Cavaco from Portugal; Vuca Pinheiro and Nhela Sax from Cape Verde; and the Trio Alma Brasileira from Brazil. The event is organized by the Consulates General of Portugal, Cape Verde, and Brazil, with the support of Camoes, Institute for Cooperation and Language, and in partnership with the Cambridge Public Library.
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.
Summer Reading: Hip Hop Xpression (Main)
Experience the joy of Hip Hop Xpression with Jarell Howard Rochelle in this fun, high-energy program for kids and teens. Participants will learn simple choreography, explore freestyle movement, and be introduced to authentic hip hop terminology and culture. This interactive class emphasizes connection, creativity, and self-expression, while celebrating the spirit of hip-hop.
No prior dance experience is needed — just come ready to move, laugh, and have fun together. Families and youth of all ages are welcome.
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.
Cambridge Ethics Ordinance
The City of Cambridge Ethics Ordinance (2.1118), enacted by the City Council in 1991, sets a minimum standard of ethical conduct for certain municipal officials and candidates for elective municipal office
Updates
The latest information relating to COVID-19 in the City of Cambridge
Kick Back and Color! (Central Square)
Drop by the Central Square Branch's Lewis Room to color and chat with your neighbors. Coloring supplies and snacks 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.
Coding and Web Development 101 (Main)
Would-be programmers with basic computer literacy are invited to join this workshop series. Over eight weeks, participants will learn programming fundamentals, build web pages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, use developer tools such as Git, and more. There will be time to work on projects and receive guidance from experienced developers, with optional homework materials made available for more in-depth learning. While you can join at any time, starting at the beginning of the course is encouraged for the best experience. Registration is required.
The eight sessions are as follows:
Session One (April 8, 2026)
Session Two (April 22, 2026)
Session Three (April 29, 2026)
Session Four (May 6, 2026)
Session Five (May 13, 2026)
Session Six (May 20, 2026)
Session Seven (May 27, 2026)
Session Eight (June 3, 2026)
Note: Patrons must register for each session they wish to attend; registration for each session opens two weeks before the listed dates.