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Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Hetty Lui McKinnon—James Beard Award-winning food writer and cook—for a discussion of her new cookbook Linger: Salads, Sweets and Stories to Savor. She will be joined in conversation by Irene Li—founder of Mei Mei Dumpling Company in South Boston and author of the cookbook Perfectly Good Food. Registration is required.

The past year featured the launch of several strategic initiatives, the unveiling of critical new resources, and the achievement of many critical milestones across the City. In this newsletter, we look back at some of the highlights and milestones that may have gone under-the-radar in 2024. Highlights include the launch of a new alternative 9-11 response team, a new outreach van for individuals who are unhoused, new programming for older adults and expanded offerings for families, the most checked out library books over the past year, and much more. Finally, meet some of the people behind the scenes leading this important work.

Join us for an insightful conversation about community, bookselling, and publishing moderated by Perpetua Cannistraro, Publicist at Beacon Press, and Boston Publishing Chair of the National Women's Book Association. Panelists include Christina Pascucci-Ciampa, the owner of All She Wrote Books; Franchesca Viaud, the store Manager at JustBook-ish; Kayla Januchowski, the General Manager at Lovestruck Books; and Caroline Brink, the Director of Operations at Beacon Hill Books. Registration is required. Cosponsored by Cambridge Public Library.

Please join the Cambridge Public Library in welcoming Cristanne Miller, the co-editor of The Letters of Emily Dickinson, for a reading and conversation moderated by the Library's Program and Events Coordinator, Zachary Bond. Named one of the Top 10 "Books We Love" by Fresh Air. In her review, Maureen Corrigan called this edition, a major expansion on previous editions, "probably the closest thing we’ll ever have to an intimate autobiography of Emily Dickinson."

Using 30 languages represented in Cambridge, the new Welcome poster states, “You are welcome here,” and was woven together in a quilt-like design to represent the City’s rich cultural diversity. It also contains text to remind community members of their right to receive services and information in their preferred language, regardless of their immigration status. We encourage you to display this poster in a public-facing area of your department, like a reception desk. The poster is intended to convey solidarity with our immigrant community members visually. It can also be used as a tool for visitors to indicate the language they prefer to communicate in, which will help City staff coordinate appropriate interpretation or translation follow up.

The Boston Festival Orchestra returns to the Cambridge Public Library for the second year of its AAPI Heritage Concert, celebrating the extraordinary breadth of musical voices from Asian American and Pacific Islander composers. This program brings together works that reflect personal history, cultural inheritance, and bold contemporary expression — offering a powerful snapshot of the many ways identity and artistry intersect. Join BFO Artistic Director Alyssa Wang, BFO musicians, and guest artists for an intimate chamber music experience that pairs performance with conversation, inviting audiences to engage with the cultural, historical, and human stories behind the music. This concert continues the BFO’s commitment to amplifying AAPI voices and creating space for meaningful artistic exchange. For registration: https://patron.bforchestra.org/ticketing/bfo/AAPImonth This concert is cosponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.

CPD's Secret Santa for Seniors Gift Drive is Back for Its 19th Year. This program relies solely on generous donations from Cambridge businesses, residents, community members, and CPD employees. Gift bags are organized and distributed to seniors throughout the city on the days leading up to Christmas to remind them that they are not forgotten. The program is a great way to support Local Businesses and Seniors This Holiday Season. Gifts can be dropped off 24/7 at drop boxes in the first-floor main lobby of the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility at 125 Sixth Street in Cambridge through Monday, December 19th. For more information, please contact Kessen Green at (617) 349-6009 or email kgreen@cambridgepolice.org.

Join Angela Tate, the Chief Curator at Boston's historic Museum of African American History, for a presentation about the Black Voices of the Revolution: Liberty, Emancipation, and the Struggle for Independence, an exhibition currently on display at the MAAH. Registration is required.

This month's book: The Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson Audience: Adults who enjoy reading true crime. How to get the print book: Copies of the print book are set aside at the Main Library. Visit the Main Library Q&A Desk at 449 Broadway during service hours and a staff member can help you check out a copy. How to get the e-book or digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as an e-book and digital audiobook through the Libby app. How to register: Click the registration link below to register. We'll meet in the Rossi Room on the first floor of the Main Library. For more information, contact Amie at alemire@cambridgema.gov.

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.