Community Update from City Manager Huang
It has been a month since the last community update on the City’s response to the shooting and death of Arif Sayed Faisal by a Cambridge Police Officer. Over the last four weeks, the City and Police Department have continued to work hard on a path forward and City Manager Huang is providing the community with an update on the City’s progress.
Community Safety Department Development Underway
The City is committed to ensuring the Cambridge community has access to non police responses to crisis situations and creating a sense of safety for all who live, work, play and pray here. The development of the new Community Safety Department is guided by an understanding that a compassionate response to a mental health crisis is optimal for healing and de-escalation.
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.
Scam Notification: Toy Poodles for Sale
The scammers have reportedly been placing flyers on vehicles throughout the region, including earlier this week in Cambridge, indicating that eight-week toy poodle puppies – fully vaccinated and registered with all documents – were listed for sale for $1,000. It has been determined that dogs are not being sold through the listed phone number and that this is an attempt to extort people.
Safety Guidance for Halloween and COVID-19
The City of Cambridge urges residents planning to celebrate Halloween to follow the guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to engage in only lower or moderate risk activities to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Halloween activities are subject to the current state gathering size limits as well as applicable any sector-specific workplace safety standards. Halloween activities are subject to the current state gathering size limits.
Romance Book Group (Main)
This month's book: Reforged by Seth Haddon
Audience: Teens and Adults. If you read romance (or want to start), this group is for you!
Reading Interests: This group will explore the burgeoning genre of contemporary romance. Example selections include: Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola and Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner.
How to get the print book: Copies of the print book are set aside at the Main Library Q&A Desk on the ground floor. Visit the Main Library 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 Hoopla.
We'll meet in the Teen Room on the first floor of the Main Library.
For more information, contact Susannah at sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov.
Citizenship Preparation Classes
Come join this free 10-week class, in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program. This series of classes prepares students for all parts of the Citizenship interview. This class is offered as a 10-week series. Attendance at all sessions is expected.
Requirements:
Intermediate-level English
Legal Permanent Resident card for 4 years and 9 months (2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen)
Class Meeting Dates:
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
NO MEETING Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Registration is required.
Click Here to Register
For more information about registering or classes contact St. Marks at stmarkesol@gmail.com or 617-288-8515.
Citizenship Preparation Classes
Come join this free 10-week class, in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program. This series of classes prepares students for all parts of the Citizenship interview. This class is offered as a 10-week series. Attendance at all sessions is expected.
Requirements:
Intermediate-level English
Legal Permanent Resident card for 4 years and 9 months (2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen)
Class Meeting Dates:
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
NO MEETING Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Registration is required.
Click Here to Register
For more information about registering or classes contact St. Marks at stmarkesol@gmail.com or 617-288-8515.
Contemporary Book Group (Main)
This month's book: Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj
Reading Interests: The group concentrates on fiction and narrative nonfiction. Some past selections include: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell, Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters, and Beautiful Country: A Memoir by Qian Julie Wang.
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 through OverDrive or the Libby app. The digital audiobook is available through Hoopla.
How to register: Click the registration link below to register. Registration is encouraged but not required.
For more information, contact Susannah (sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov).
Contemporary Book Group (Main)
This month's book: Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpe
Reading Interests: The group concentrates on fiction and narrative nonfiction. Some past selections include: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell, Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters, and Beautiful Country: A Memoir by Qian Julie Wang.
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 through OverDrive or the Libby app. The digital audiobook is available through Hoopla.
How to register: Click the registration link below to register. Registration is encouraged but not required.
For more information, contact Brita (bzitin@cambridgema.gov).