[CANCELLED] CPL Nature Club: Nature Story Time at Alewife Brook Reservation (O'Neill)
Update 6/18/25: Due to rain in the forecast, this story time has been cancelled.
Children and families can join us for an outdoor story time and short walk at Alewife Brook Reservation. We will meet at the seating area on the bike path near the Alewife Brook Pathway and DCR Wetland Boardwalk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CC32nJqG1Xk3b5zDA. There is no parking available on-site. Parking is available at Alewife MBTA station or limited on-street parking on Cambridgepark Drive.
No registration is required.
In case of bad weather, this event will be cancelled and the listing will be updated on the website. Please call 617-349-4023 with any questions, including day-of weather cancellations.
Create Your Own Terrarium! (Main)
In honor of Earth Day, spend your afternoon at the Library creating your own terrarium. In partnership with Emerald City Plant Shop, you will have the opportunity to learn more about different kind of plants and plant care. This event will be conducted in the front park area of the Library. In the case of rain, the class will be moved to the Rossi room. The Library will provide all needed supplies.
There will be 2 timed sessions. Please make sure to choose the time that works best for you.
Create Your Own Terrarium! (Main)
In honor of Earth Day, spend your afternoon at the Library creating your own terrarium. In partnership with Emerald City Plant Shop, you will have the opportunity to learn more about different kind of plants and plant care. This event will be conducted in the front park area of the Library. In the case of rain, the class will be moved to the community room. The Library will provide needed supplies.
There will be 2 timed sessions. Please make sure to choose the time that works best for you.
Bitter Cold Weather is Coming. Information on Shelters, Winter Warming Center, Places to Stay Warm, and Extreme Cold Safety Tips
In anticipation of the extremely cold weather this weekend, the City of Cambridge is expanding capacity at shelters and offering important safety tips. The Winter Warming Center, located in the basement of 806 Massachusetts Ave. will be open on Saturday, Feb. 4. Libraries will also be open for regular hours over the weekend. Limit outdoor time for the whole family, including pets. If you go outside, dress in layers and cover exposed skin. Wear a hat and mittens (not gloves). Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. When outside, stay active to maintain body heat and take frequent breaks from the cold.
Cambridge Resident Bikes Program
The Cambridge Community Development Department is inviting income eligible Cambridge residents are to apply for the Resident Bike Lottery Program from March 10 – March 30, 2025. Residents can apply for a voucher to buy a new bicycle from a participating bike shop. Applicants can apply for a voucher for a pedal bike (up to $800), e-bike (up to $2,000), or an e-cargo bike (up to $3,000). Residents with a chronic disability can apply for a customized adaptive bicycle or electric wheelchair attachment (up to $3,000).
CHANGE OF VENUE: Park Sounds: Joyce the Singer (Main)
Due to rain, this event has been moved to the Lecture Hall on L2.
Joyce the Singer is a versatile artist, musician, and producer from Detroit, MI. With a deep passion for her craft, her sound draws from a beautiful blend of R&B, Neo-Soul, and Jazz influences. Through her artistry, she strives to inspire others with music that reflects real-life experiences in hopes of connecting with vast audiences.
PARK SOUNDS 2026 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.
An Introduction to "Forest Bathing" for Elders (Central)
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and how to experience it indoors?
Then join us for a calming and restorative indoor introduction to the practice of Forest Bathing, specially designed for people 55 and over.
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.
Stefanie Haug, LICSW (she/her) guides people on journeys of self-awareness and relationship with nature as a local psychotherapist, certified Mindful Outdoor Guide (Kripalu), and coach. Her career has spanned the nonprofit and corporate world with a focus on the wellbeing of humans and the more-than-human world.
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!
AAPI Voices Poetry Open Mic with Aparna Paul (Valente)
Celebrate AAPI voices through a poetry open mic & feature! Poets of Asian American/Pacific Islander heritage are invited to share their work and/or recite a cover poem. All adults are welcome to attend.
Interested poets can sign up for a 3-5 minute timeslot in the open mic by filling out this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/dszDWm1h2R
Following the open mic, we will be featuring Cambridge-based poet Aparna Paul.
Aparna Paul (she/her) is a writer, chemical engineer, banana bread enthusiast, & amateur crossword constructor based in Cambridge, MA. Her poetry & prose has been recognized by Reckoning, DMQ Review, & Gaining Ground, among others. She edited the anthology Reflections of The Land (Literary Cleveland, 2022) and is a co-editor of GOOD SOUP, now on hiatus (@goodsoup.mag on insta!). She performs regularly, hosts occasionally, and slams sometimes at the Boston Poetry Slam at the Cantab Lounge. HOME FREE (Game Over Books, 2025) is her debut full-length poetry collection. Books will be available for purchase.
Coffee will be provided.
Central Square Project Launch
The City of Cambridge is seeking community feedback on the Central Square Safety Improvement Project, including separated bike lanes, pedestrian safety improvements, and changes to Mass Ave. Learn more and share your input.