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In Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs, students dive into the exciting world of social robots—machines designed to interact, learn, and connect. From brainstorming ideas to building prototypes, students explore how AI and robotics can foster fairer, more inclusive communities. They design robots that serve as friendly companions, offering support, connection, and solutions to real-world challenges. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Skills Learned: Human-Centered Design, Mechanics, Electronics, Computer Programming, AI, and more. Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that inspires high-potential, diverse young people to discover their passions, develop innovative mindsets and cultivate marketable skills to solve problems they care most about. Summer Studio teens are funded in part through the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. The Cambridge Public Library STEAM Academy is part of Cambridge STEAM Initiative's efforts to enhance and expand students’ access to quality STEAM learning experiences. Made possible by generous support from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund and Verizon.

Ready to Level Up Your Business? Join Our 4-Week Workshop! Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, this workshop is for you! Over four weeks, we'll give you the practical skills to make your business run even better. We'll focus on what you need to learn to succeed. This isn't just theory – it's the stuff you need to know to build a strong business. Think of this as your essential business toolkit. If you're new to the business world, we'll give you the confidence and know-how to get started and grow. Workshop 1: Foundation and Idea Validation - Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Key Principles of Entrepreneurship: Discussing business ownership, risk, and mindset Developing and Validating Your Idea: Identifying problems, solutions, and testing the market Understanding the Fundamentals of Customer Service: Core concepts for enhancing customer experiences Introductory Ideas in Marketing and E-commerce: Brief overview of digital presence and sales channels. Please register here. If you have any questions or issues with registration, contact Tyrone Fells at 617-349-7223 or tfells@cambridgema.gov.

Join Earthwise Aware for a thought-provoking workshop examining how land use and climate change influence the design, function, and future of urban green spaces. Starting at the library’s front lawn, we will explore how conventional designs can undermine biodiversity and tree health. What makes a space truly nature-friendly? Can a lawn, sidewalk, or plaza be transformed into habitat? We will compare low-functioning green spaces with examples of micro-forests, native plantings, and meadows. Along the way, we will observe seasonal changes in plants and wildlife through the lens of phenology, the study of nature’s calendar. We will also introduce simple participatory science tools that help monitor habitat quality, foster community engagement, and inform better decisions. Even a modest native plant patch can be a pocket of resilience. Come learn how to spot, support, and reimagine urban nature that works with the ecosystem, not just mimics it. The program will start with a workshop in the Rossi Room, then move outside to Joan Lorentz Park. Registration required.

Join us for this special summer reading edition of a fun, interactive, activity-based American Sign Language lesson, including: Everyday communication signs (greetings, help, common phrases, fun "Plant a seed, read!" summer reading themed signs) How to respectfully and effectively interact with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals Basic expressive communication using facial expressions and body language How to navigate simple real-life scenarios using ASL Inclusive communication strategies that can be used immediately The session also includes: Silent communication challenges Interactive group practice Engaging sign language games This program is recommended for participants ages 10 and up. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Artwork copyright iRead.

Are you a Cambridge business owner who has limited parking? Do you want to make it easy for employees and patrons to leave their cars at home?

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is in order of importance. It is better to reduce than reuse; better to reuse than recycle. Reducing and reusing prevent the environmental impact of making new items. All disposal has financial costs to the city. Recycling and composting cost the City less than trash. Still, preventing waste in the first place is best for Cambridge and the environment. It is one of the key recommendations in the Cambridge Zero Waste Master Plan.

CALEA, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, awarded the Cambridge Police Department Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation in 2025. The department is now committed to the ongoing, multi-year process required to maintain this accreditation, which is considered the gold standard in law enforcement and aligns with our mission of procedurally just policing. CALEA’s primary focus is on improving how public safety services are provided, with a goal of strengthening crime prevention, maintaining fair and non-discriminatory hiring practices, and increasing interagency cooperation -- all to serve in increasing community and staff confidence in the department. As part of the process, Cambridge Police invites the public to comment directly to CALEA.The purpose of this public portal is to receive comments regarding an agency's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the participating agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence. Click Here to Read More or Access the Comment Portal.

This program has been canceled. Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Drop in tech help at Valente can assist you with signing up for low-cost home internet, setting up your computer or mobile device, making an email account, navigating websites or databases, and other basic technology assistance. If you would like assistance with a device, please bring the device, all cords, and any account information. Library staff cannot be held responsible for damage to patron-owned equipment. If you have questions, please send them to: kmcquown@cambridgema.gov

This month's selection: How I Won a Nobel Prize by Julius Taranto. While Collins is closed for construction, this book group will meet virtually and in person at the Boudreau Branch. 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. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Print copies are available at the Boudreau Branch during library hours. For more information, contact Jo Percell (they/them) at jpercell@cambridgema.gov

August selection: Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers. 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). Copies of the audiobook are available through Libby and the ebook is available through Hoopla. For more information, call 617-349-4017 or email Liz Danner at edanner@cambridgema.gov.