If “Stranger Danger” is a Myth, Then What? (Main)
Most sexual violence is done by people we know. What can parents, teens, and community members do about it?
Meg Stone, author of The Cost of Fear, will offer practical, gender-inclusive strategies for learning safety skills important for resisting coercion, intimidation, and violence. Avoiding violence is about developing skills, not following rules. Women receive advice like "don't wear a ponytail" or "don't shop alone." These tips lack evidence and come from male authorities who avoid questions.
We will cover:
Demonstration: Learn practical safety gender-inclusive skills.
Resist Coercion: Skills to resist friends, those we know, or authority.
Empowerment: Feel powerful in stressful situations.
Community impact: Personal safety leads to social change.
Registration is required.
Live at the Library: Hip Hop Xpression (Valente)
Experience the joy of Hip Hop Xpression with Jarell Howard Rochelle in this fun, high-energy program for kids and teens. Participants will learn simple choreography, explore freestyle movement, and be introduced to authentic hip hop terminology and culture. This interactive class emphasizes connection, creativity, and self-expression, while celebrating the spirit of hip-hop.
No prior dance experience is needed — just come ready to move, laugh, and have fun together. Families and youth of all ages are welcome.
Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Live at the Library: Hip Hop Xpression will be this week's Wednesdays of Wonder offering.
Sustaining Community: A Climate Change Book Group (Main)
The climate is changing, and we're all here on the planet together. Join us for a monthly community gathering and discussion of a variety of books about climate change. We will share thoughts, resources, and occasionally host special guests in a welcoming small-group environment.
For our March meeting, we will discuss Human Nature: nine ways to feel about our changing planet by Kate Marvel (this book was originally our January read, but the discussion was cancelled due to weather).
Copies of the print book are available at the Main Library Q&A Desk. The e-book and e-audiobook are available immediately on the Hoopla app.
Registration is required. Please contact alengel@cambridgema.gov with questions.
Soak Up the Solar Power
Free, clean, renewable energy! Let’s add solar panels to the Russell Youth Center to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on energy.
[CANCELLED] Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
This weeks class (12/2) has been cancelled.
Join us each Tuesday afternoon at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker. No equipment needed.
This is an in-person program taking place in the Lewis Room at Central Square. Registration is required for each session.
Information on the Federal Economic Relief Package
On Friday, March 27, President Donald Trump signed into law a $2 trillion economic stimulus package known as the CARES Act to provide relief to residents and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Below, please find a frequently asked questions resource that aims to provide clarity on how you or your business may benefit from this bill.
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.
Planning and Programs
Current programs include electric vehicle charging, bicycle and bike share, pedestrian, transit and bus shelters and Cambridge in Motion.