Park Sounds: riah (Main)
riah is a Cape Verdean-American artist from Boston with a musical style that blends alt/pop, R&B, and neo-soul. After amassing over two million combined streams with her first widely successful hit “Too Fast,” riah released her first EP “Head/Space” in 2024. Her debut album "Garden" deals with themes of self-love amidst anxiety and uncertainty, and is streaming everywhere.
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.
Living Wage Cost of Living Adjustment 2026
The Living Wage Ordinance (2.121) provides, at 2.121.030 (b), that the wage shall be upwardly adjusted each year no later than March 1st in proportion to the increase in the Annual Average Consumer Price Index for the prior calendar year for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Boston area, as published by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. For calendar year 2025, the CPI-U increased by 3.13%. Therefore, the new Living Wage as of March 1, 2026 is $20.32. This amount should be communicated to vendors subject to the Living Wage Ordinance and will be used to adjust pay for appropriate city employees. The adjustment does not affect any existing contractual agreements unless the terms of those agreements so require. Questions concerning applicability and enforcement of the ordinance should be directed to the City of Cambridge Law Department at 617-349- 4121 or the Purchasing Department at 617-349-4310
Collins Branch Book Group (Collins)
September selection: Trust by Hernán Díaz.
Join us to discuss a selection of fiction and nonfiction titles for adults. Print copies are available to pick up at Collins Branch during library hours.
Brewery Book Club (Lamplighter)
You’re invited to our September Brewery Book Club, where Lamplighter and the Cambridge Public Library team up to highlight contemporary works from marginalized voices while having a beer. We meet at Lamplighter Brewing Co., 284 Broadway, in the back taproom.
This month we’ll read The Reformatory by Tananarive Due.
Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Q&A Desk. The e-book and digital audiobook can be borrowed through the Libby app.
We’ll gather in the Lamplighter back taproom to discuss the book, what we learned from it, what we found ourselves touched by, and all other thoughts.
Register here.
Collins Branch Book Club (Collins)
September selection: What We Remember Will Be Saved: a story of refugees and the things they carry by Stephanie Saldaña
Join us at the Collins Branch every second Thursday to discuss a selection of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults. Print copies are available to pick up during library hours.
For more information, contact Jo Percell (they/them) at jpercell@cambridgema.gov
Boudreau Branch Mystery Book Group (Boudreau/Virtual)
May Selection: The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie.
This book group will meet virtually and in person at the Boudreau Branch. We will discuss current and classic mystery titles. Please register below if you would like to attend via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event.
How to get the book: Copies of the print book will be set aside at the Boudreau Branch (245 Concord Ave; current hours).
For more information, call 617-349-4017 or email Liz Danner at edanner@cambridgema.gov.
Family Cookbook Book Group (Valente)
Children and their grown-ups are invited to this special kid-centered cookbook club!
This month, we're celebrating flatbreads of all varieties (pizzas included!) Bring a dish to share, or just come to talk about your experience with a chosen cookbook. No need to bring a dish to join. Visit Valente for a themed selection of cookbooks that are ready to check out.
Registration is required; sign-ups available in-person at Valente or through calling at 617-349-4015. This book group is for children of all ages and their caregivers and families. For more information contact Maggie at mfrench@cambridgema.gov.
Brewery Book Club (Lamplighter)
You’re invited to our July Brewery Book Club, where Lamplighter and the Cambridge Public Library team up to highlight contemporary works from marginalized voices while having a beer. We meet at Lamplighter Brewing Co., 284 Broadway, in the back taproom.
This month we’ll read Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor.
Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Q&A Desk. The e-book and digital audiobook can be borrowed through the Libby app.
We’ll gather in the Lamplighter back taproom to discuss the book, what we learned from it, what we found ourselves touched by, and all other thoughts.
No registration required. More information from Lamplighter here.
Brewery Book Club (Lamplighter)
You’re invited to our May Brewery Book Club, where Lamplighter and the Cambridge Public Library team up to highlight contemporary works from marginalized voices while having a beer. We meet at Lamplighter Brewing Co., 284 Broadway, in the back taproom.
This month we’ll read Women's Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery.
Copies of the book are available at the Main Library in Cambridge, at 449 Broadway. The e-book and digital audiobook can be borrowed through the Libby app.
We’ll gather in the Lamplighter back taproom to discuss the book, what we learned from it, what we found ourselves touched by, and all other thoughts.
REGISTER HERE
Brewery Book Club (Lamplighter)
You’re invited to our May Brewery Book Club, where Lamplighter and the Cambridge Public Library team up to highlight contemporary works from marginalized voices while having a beer. We meet at Lamplighter Brewing Co., 284 Broadway, in the back taproom.
This month we’ll read The Librarians by Sherry Thomas.
Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Q&A Desk. The e-book and digital audiobook can be borrowed through the Libby app.
We’ll gather in the Lamplighter back taproom to discuss the book, what we learned from it, what we found ourselves touched by, and all other thoughts.
Registration encouraged but not required. Register here.