Summer Reading: Tiny Gardens Everywhere (Main)
Uncover the radical roots of urban gardening with Kate Brown, author of Tiny Gardens Everywhere (2026).
The history of gardening in European and North American cities in the 20th century is a story about ordinary people working with each other—and with plants and microbes—to cultivate life in the unlikeliest of places. Using the deluge of nutrients that flow into cities, working class gardeners regenerated wasteland, built the first garden city communities, and engaged in the most productive agriculture in recorded human history. Following the plants and microbes, urban gardeners also built mutual aid societies that advocated for equity, social welfare, and rights—rights not to liberty and the pursuit of happiness (who can eat that?) but to food, fuel, and shelter; to well-being for all.
Kate Brown is the Thomas M. Siebel Distinguished Professor in the History of Science at MIT. Her prize-winning books include Manual for Survival: A Chernobyl Guide to the Future (2019), Plutopia: Nuclear Families in Atomic Cities and the Great Soviet and American Plutonium Disasters (2013), and A Biography of No Place: From Ethnic Borderland to Soviet Heartland (2004).
Presented in partnership with City of Cambridge Community Garden Program.
Gel Pen Doodles and Notes (Collins)
Drop in for an after school activity. Have you ever tried drawing or writing with gel pens? These vivid and luminous colored inks add pizzazz to doodles, notes and more. See how they pop on contrasting dark papers. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.
Homemade Gifts: Tissue Paper Flowers (Collins)
Join us to craft homemade gifts this holiday season.
Learn to create flowers made from tissue paper. Build a bouquet to take home for yourself or share with someone special. Recommended for children ages 6-12 with a caregiver.
Tuesday, December 9: Paper Bead Jewelry
Monday, December 15: Tissue Paper Flowers
Please note: latecomers arriving after 4:30 p.m. may not have time to complete this project.
Grab and Go Boredom-Buster Activity Packs (Collins)
Are you looking for fun stuff to do when boredom strikes? Take home a packet of simple activities such as mazes, word searches and drawing prompts. Find ideas for fun requiring only a few things and lots of imagination.
Each packet contains a few pages sourced from Anorak Magazine, the ‘happy mag for kids’ designed to inspire and encourage children to tap into their natural creativity and learn while having fun.
Recommended for children ages 6-12, available while supplies last.
CANCELLED- Open Shop (Main)
During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able!
New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training!
Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.
Martial Arts Demonstration for Kids (Valente)
Challenge your balance and willpower, build strength and confidence! Join us for a fun intro to martial arts! We will introduce basic kicks and self-defense. Recommended for kids aged 5 to 11, along with their caregivers (kids at heart). Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required.
This week we will be making "bad art"- our own silly versions of famous artwork.
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required.
This week we will be exploring readers' theater and other ways of playing pretend.