The Art of Chigiri-e: An Introduction to Japanese Paper Collage (O'Connell)
Join us for a 90-minute workshop where you’ll learn the simple, meditative basics of Chigiri-e (“chee-gee-ree-eh”), a traditional Japanese art form where the name literally means "torn picture." Rather than using scissors for sharp, clean cuts, we carefully tear the paper to create soft, feathered edges that look almost like a watercolor painting.
Whether you’re a long-time crafter or haven't picked up an art project in years, come enjoy some quiet, analog crafting time making a handmade picture, led by instructor Chihiro Sato. You will bring home not just a unique piece, but also the know-how to continue enjoying Chigiri-e at home.
Space is limited. Registration is required.
Summer Fitness: Move Better As You Age: Strength, Balance & Confidence (Main)
This engaging and educational program is led by master fitness trainer, author, and motivational speaker Shaun Zetlin. Designed for teens and adults of all fitness levels, this session explores how to build strength, improve balance, and move with greater confidence in everyday life.
Through clear instruction and gentle, accessible demonstrations, participants will learn how simple movement patterns can enhance stability, coordination, and independence over time. Shaun also highlights the connection between physical confidence and emotional well-being, offering practical tools to help individuals feel more secure, capable, and empowered in their daily lives. All exercises are adaptable, with options performed seated or standing, making the program inclusive and approachable for a wide range of abilities.
Registration is preferred not required.
Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself?
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. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature.
No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting.
Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.
Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself?
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. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature.
No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting.
Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.
Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself?
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. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature.
No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting.
Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.
Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself?
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. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature.
No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting.
Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.
Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself?
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. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature.
No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting.
Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.
Artful Mechanisms with Playful Engineers (Valente)
Join us to celebrate Jasmine Warga's A Rover's Story, which tells the story of a rover's journey to Mars and the challenges it faces there. We will celebrate by building some artful mechanisms with Playful Engineers! Use simple machines to create mechanical automata and solve problems similar to those faced by rovers on Mars - using materials you could find around your own home. Registration is required.
This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture (CGL) with Jasmine Warga, award-winning author of A Rover's Story, Other Words for Home, and many other popular children's books. Save the Date: the Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m. at the Main Library.
Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Artful Mechanisms with Playful Engineers (Boudreau)
Join us to celebrate Jasmine Warga's A Rover's Story, which tells the story of a rover's journey to Mars and the challenges it faces there. We will celebrate by building some artful mechanisms with Playful Engineers! Use simple machines to create mechanical automata and solve problems similar to those faced by rovers on Mars - using materials you could find around your own home. Registration is required.
This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture (CGL) with Jasmine Warga, award-winning author of A Rover's Story, Other Words for Home, and many other popular children's books. Save the Date: the Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m. at the Main Library.
Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Signs for Inclusion: Fun & Practical ASL for Everyday Communication (Main)
Join us for this special summer reading edition of a fun, interactive, activity-based American Sign Language lesson, including:
Everyday communication signs (greetings, help, common phrases, fun "Plant a seed, read!" summer reading themed signs)
How to respectfully and effectively interact with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals
Basic expressive communication using facial expressions and body language
How to navigate simple real-life scenarios using ASL
Inclusive communication strategies that can be used immediately
The session also includes:
Silent communication challenges
Interactive group practice
Engaging sign language games
This program is recommended for participants ages 10 and up.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Artwork copyright iRead.