Sustainable Development
Cambridge has adopted policies to encourage and require energy efficient and sustainable buildings as a strategy to achieve Cambridge’s goal to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.
Prevention Strategies
We view all attempts to educate, promote healing, and support the economic stability of individuals and communities as prevention strategies. To that end, we support organizations who already do this work to incorporate conversations about DGBV and skill building around healthy conflict and communication. We promote strategies that will not cause further harm to communities in their attempt to help.
Common Victualler Licenses
A Common Victualler License is issued by the Cambridge License Commission and governed by Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 140, Sec. 2-9. Every food service establishment in the City of Cambridge with capabilities for cooking, preparing, and serving food is required to have a Common Victualler License.
Live at the Library: LibraryBEATS Drum Circle with Otha Day (Valente)
Join us at Donnelly Field (behind the Valente Library) for a joyful celebration with musician and educator Otha Day!
A Drum Circle is a highly interactive group of people who play drums and percussion instruments together to create in-the-moment music. Through the experience of rhythm and sound we experience what it means to beat as one heart: we become a vibrant community. This drum circle will include playful and accessible rhythm activities, games, traditional ensemble pieces, songs and most importantly, improvisation.
No experience necessary; all ages can participate. No registration is required.
In the event of rain, this program will move indoors to the Community Room of the Valente Branch.
Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Parent/Child (Ages 7-9) Book Group (Main)
Join us for a lively discussion of a great book in person at the Main Library! Snacks will be provided. For ages 7-9 and a parent or caregiver.
This month's book is The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman. Four very different students are stuck sitting together at the “D” table, but form an unlikely alliance when one of them creates a machine that can do their homework for them at the press of a button. Soon, though, tensions form and even when they try to put it behind them the machine takes on a life of its own.
Copies of this month's book are available at the Children's Desk.
Both caregiver and child should read the book before the discussion to participate. Registration is required — only one registration is needed per family.
For questions about parent/child book group, please email Rachel: rbeaton@cambridgema.gov
Cambridge Life - Spring 2026
Our latest issue of Cambridge Life explores what are among our most valuable assets: the City’s parks and open spaces. They are essential to our community well being, environmental resilience, and the overall quality of urban life. From neighborhood tot lots to major destination parks, our valued green spaces provide residents with opportunities for recreation, relaxation, ecological learning, and connection with one another across all ages and backgrounds.
Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class.
You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link].
Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class.
You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link].
Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.