Story Time, Activities, and Songs in French (Main)
Join the Cambridge Public Library and the International School of Boston as they collaborate to host a French story time and a music-and-movement session where children will sing, move, enjoy a classic book read aloud in French, and create a small craft to take home. Parents will walk away with simple, effective tips to support interactive reading at home. No prior French experience is needed; this program is designed to spark curiosity, build cultural awareness, and make language learning joyful for all! Recommended for youth ages 3 to 6 years with their caregiver.
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, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
CPL Nature Club: Rethinking Urban Nature Workshop with Earthwise Aware (Main) (RESCHEDULED)
Join Earthwise Aware for a thought-provoking workshop examining how land use and climate change influence the design, function, and future of urban green spaces. Starting at the library’s front lawn, we will explore how conventional designs can undermine biodiversity and tree health. What makes a space truly nature-friendly? Can a lawn, sidewalk, or plaza be transformed into habitat?
We will compare low-functioning green spaces with examples of micro-forests, native plantings, and meadows. Along the way, we will observe seasonal changes in plants and wildlife through the lens of phenology, the study of nature’s calendar. We will also introduce simple participatory science tools that help monitor habitat quality, foster community engagement, and inform better decisions.
Even a modest native plant patch can be a pocket of resilience. Come learn how to spot, support, and reimagine urban nature that works with the ecosystem, not just mimics it.
The program will start with a workshop in the Rossi Room, then move outside to Joan Lorentz Park. Registration required.
CPL Nature Club: Rethinking Urban Green Spaces: Nature Walk with Earthwise Aware (Main)
Join Earthwise Aware (EwA) for an interactive walk to observe, document, and take part in shaping urban spaces that work with nature. Together, we will explore how design choices and climate pressures shape the ecological value of our everyday green spaces, and document habitat conditions using simple citizen science tools.
Starting at the library lawn, we will examine spaces that appear green but often function poorly. Manicured lawns and sparse tree plantings may look inviting, yet they frequently support little biodiversity and can limit soil health and resilience. What makes a space truly nature-friendly? We will record what is present, what is missing, and what that tells us about ecological function.
During the walk, we will:
Observe and document plant communities and habitat quality
Identify signs of low and high ecological function
Compare conventional landscapes with more resilient plantings such as native beds or meadow patches
Contribute real data that supports local ecological understanding and decision making
This is participatory science in practice. Your observations will feed into broader efforts to track urban biodiversity and inform better land use choices.
The program will meet outside the library in Joan Lorentz Park. Registration required.
Rain date: Wednesday May 6
Public Bathroom
This proposal will build a third standalone outdoor public toilet that is accessible 24 hours per day.
Play in the Public Realm
A summary of the many ways that parks and open space can be activated through programming and design.
Public Toilet for Park Upgrade
Improve park accessibility and hygiene with a durable, eco-friendly, public restroom. Previously PB funded Portland Loos are being designed for Flagg Street, and Cambridge Common. This PB proposal would fund an additional location.