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Join guide Stefanie Haug while exploring our neighborhood nature and history. As a group we'll connect with and explore the neighborhood mindfully with a gentle walk and draw on contemplative practices. What to bring: layered clothing, comfortable shoes and water. Where to meet: At the Boudreau Branch entrance. Registration is requested but not required.

Co-sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library and the Cambridge Public Library Foundation, the Boston Globe columnist, Barbara Wallraff will speak about her career and column on language, “May I have a word?”. She has had a long career in journalism, primarily as a copy editor, starting at Boston Phoenix then at the Atlantic and today as a columnist at the Globe.

Join local artist Mary C. Sullivan and learn how to draw the bird of your choice! Participants of any skill level are welcome and will leave the program with their own finished bird drawing. If you don't think you can draw a bird, that's okay - this event will show you that you can! All drawing and reference materials will be provided. Registration is required for this program. This program is suggested for participants ages 8 and up.

It's time for a wild rumpus! Join in a game of musical charades featuring quirky 17th century chamber music mimicking members of the animal kingdom and other zaniness. Sandra Boynton's simple yet poignant counting book Hippos Go Berserk and Maurice Sendak's timeless classic Where the Wild Things Are may leave you hungry for a bedtime snack! Music of Heinrich Biber and Nicola Matteis performed on violin and theorbo/baroque guitar. No registration required. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. This program will replace Valente's weekly Sing-Along on Tuesday, June 9.

Celebrate reading with fellow new readers at the Valente Branch Library! We will explore a book from the Beginning Reader collection, spend time reading together, and do an activity! Copies of the book will be provided via the library; participants may check out a copy to take home after the program. This is open to students in kindergarten through second grade who are practicing reading independently; their grown-ups are welcome to join us. Registration is required. Contact the library at 617-349-4015 for more information.

This program will happen outdoors at Donnelly Field. In case of inclement weather, it will occur in the gym at King Open School. Put on your dancing shoes for an unforgettable workshop of hula hoop magic with Kat Suwalski! You will learn basic hooping moves while increasing hand-eye coordination, strength, balance, and agility. No prior hooping experience is required. Hoops are provided. Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. 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.

In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. At the start of this class, participants will complete Hive Safety Training.

Let’s talk about your favorite comics! Bring in a graphic novel and share your thoughts on why it’s great – or even why it’s terrible. Each month will feature a different reading challenge – you get to pick any comic that you think matches the theme! Celebrate comics with snacks, books, and maybe even the chance to make one yourself! This month’s theme, we're celebrating women artists! Bring in your favorite graphic novel or manga from a female creator and share it. Snacks are provided. This program is for ages 9-12. For questions about Tween Book Group, please email Ellen: ekaluza@cambridgema.gov

Exchange your surplus paint, fabric, fiber, and other supplies with fellow crafters and artists in the community! Donations accepted at the Main Library Q&A desk starting January 5, 2026. Make & Mend Somerville has generously offered to accept leftover supplies, so please make sure your donations follow their guidelines: https://makeandmendshop.com/pages/donate.