Panel Discussion: The Practice of Wisdom (Main)
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Davíd Carrasco, the Neil L. Rudenstine Professor of the Study of Latin America at Harvard University, Arthur Kleinman, the Esther and Sidney Rabb Professor of Anthropology at Harvard, Stephanie Paulsell, Professor Emerita at Harvard Divinity School, and Michael Puett, the Walter C. Klein Professor of Chinese History and Anthropology at Harvard, for a discussion of their new book, The Practice of Wisdom: Five Quests. They will be joined in conversation by Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts—Minister in the Memorial Church and Plummer Professor of Christian Morals at Harvard University. Registration is required.
Cambridge Rolls Out Support for Building Owners as Emission Requirements Begin
After years of research, planning, and community engagement, the City of Cambridge is preparing for new greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements for large buildings to take effect beginning January 1. The Office of Sustainability is reaching out to property owners covered under the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) to help them understand and prepare for the new requirements.
Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission Members Sought
The Commission’s mission is to advocate for a culture of respect and to monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression. The Commission also promotes policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare and safety of LGBTQ+ persons who live, visit or work in the City of Cambridge.
CPL Presents: Alejandro Varela (Main/Virtual)
Join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by welcoming Alejandro Varela, the author of three books of fiction, including The Town of Babylon, which was nominated for a National Book Award, and Middle Spoon, published just this September. Middle Spoon, which Publisher's Weekly called a "refreshingly candid tale of modern love," follows a married middle-aged gay man as he struggles to move on from a break-up with his boyfriend. After reading from his work, Varela will sit in conversation with Ursula Villarreal-Moura, the author of Like Happiness. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow.
Registration is required.
Senior Discount Water/Sewer Application
Because of the impact the water and sewer rate increases may have on senior citizens, the City offers a Senior Discount Water/Sewer program. All residents 65 years of age or older who own and occupy their one, two, or three family home are eligible for a 15% discount on water/sewer charges, not to exceed $90 per year.
2025 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards Ceremony (Main)
Join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating the winners and honorees of the 2025 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards!
First presented in 1967, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards celebrate excellence in children’s and young adult literature. The 2025 winners and honorees “represent such a wide range of what books for young people can be and say,” writes Elissa Gershowitz, Editor in Chief of The Horn Book, Inc. “Especially at a time when creative voices are being threatened and silenced, we are proud to recognize children’s book creators whose work is so uniquely their own.”
A book signing will follow the Awards Ceremony. Books will be available for purchase on-site. Registration is required.
Live at the Library: Hip Hop Xpression (Valente)
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 Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Live at the Library: Hip Hop Xpression will be this week's Wednesdays of Wonder offering.
Apply for a Short Term / Special Event Sidewalk Business Use Permit
A temporary business use sidewalk obstruction permit is required if you are a plan to temporally obstruct a City of Cambridge sidewalk. Please apply for an Annual Sidewalk Obstruction Permit if you plan to use an “A” framed sign, sandwich board, display merchandise, temporary banner or use tables and chairs on a sidewalk in the public way.