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Children and families are invited to meet Jerry Craft, award-winning and best-selling graphic novelist of the "New Kid" series. Craft will talk about his work, answer questions from the audience and sign books. Porter Square Books will have books available for sale. This event takes place in the Lecture Hall (L2) with limited overflow seating in the Community Room. Recommended for ages 8 and up. About the Lecture The annual lecture is an initiative sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library, the Curious George Fund and the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. The series aims to bring the community together to celebrate outstanding and engaging books for young readers. About the Author Jerry Craft is The New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020), the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). Jerry was born in Harlem and grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City, and now travels the world telling kids and their families about the importance of reading.

Celebrate pride month by planting seeds with a bloom kit we provide! Choose from a mix of zinnia, tomato, basil, coleus, and poppy seeds. No registration required, available until supplies run out. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

The Arthropod Petting Zoo is a hands-on, show-and-tell introduction to entomology featuring real live insects and arthropods! While having fun and interacting with genuine crawling critters, kids learn about biology, taxonomy, adaptations and scientific thinking that real scientists use in the field. Recommended for children ages 3-12 and their caregivers. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Create your very own one-page tabletop role playing game. In this two-session class, you will learn how to design your own game from scratch. We will cover themes, mechanics, and get started on making your idea a reality. No prior experience needed, all materials provided. Ages 10-14, registration required! (Registering for the first session includes the second session.) The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

This month's book: Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj Reading Interests: The group concentrates on fiction and narrative nonfiction. Some past selections include: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell, Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters, and Beautiful Country: A Memoir by Qian Julie Wang. How to get the print book: Copies of the print book are set aside at the Main Library. Visit the Main Library Q&A Desk at 449 Broadway during service hours and a staff member can help you check out a copy. How to get the e-book or digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as an e-book through OverDrive or the Libby app. The digital audiobook is available through Hoopla. How to register: Click the registration link below to register. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, contact Susannah (sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov).

This month's book: Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpe Reading Interests: The group concentrates on fiction and narrative nonfiction. Some past selections include: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell, Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters, and Beautiful Country: A Memoir by Qian Julie Wang. How to get the print book: Copies of the print book are set aside at the Main Library. Visit the Main Library Q&A Desk at 449 Broadway during service hours and a staff member can help you check out a copy. How to get the e-book or digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as an e-book through OverDrive or the Libby app. The digital audiobook is available through Hoopla. How to register: Click the registration link below to register. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, contact Brita (bzitin@cambridgema.gov).

Music, movement and stories! Join local storyteller and community member ashley herring for 20 minutes of fun! For children of all ages and their grown-ups. ashley herring (she series) has enjoyed being in her imagination for countless years and promised she would never stop playing. With her ancestors, she dreamed up blackyard, a local grass roots organization, which lifts up and centers the love for Black children in Cambridge and surrounding greater area. ashley is excited to share songs and stories with you today.

Children and families can join us for an outdoor story time and short walk at Alewife Brook Reservation to look for plant and animal life. We will meet at the seating area on the bike path near the Alewife Brook Pathway and DCR Wetland Boardwalk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CC32nJqG1Xk3b5zDA. There is no parking available on-site. Parking is available at Alewife MBTA station or limited on-street parking on Cambridgepark Drive. No registration is required. In case of bad weather, this event will be canceled and the listing will be updated on the website. Please call 617-349-4023 with any questions, including day-of weather cancellations.

Children and families can join us for an outdoor story time and short walk at Alewife Brook Reservation to look for plant and animal life. We will meet at the seating area on the bike path near the Alewife Brook Pathway and DCR Wetland Boardwalk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CC32nJqG1Xk3b5zDA. There is no parking available on-site. Parking is available at Alewife MBTA station or limited on-street parking on Cambridgepark Drive. No registration is required. In case of bad weather, this event will be canceled and the listing will be updated on the website. Please call 617-349-4023 with any questions, including day-of weather cancellations.

What's hot & cold & read all over? The O'Neill Branch Library's new HVAC system! Bring a hot or cold dish to share as we celebrate community and our new heating and cooling system. We'll provide a hot fudge sundae bar, plates, napkins, and cutlery. Library staff will also be on hand to ask how we can be the best library for you. Tell us how you use our collections, technology, programs, services, and spaces. Share what library services have the biggest impact on you. Your feedback will help us improve services and set priorities for the coming years.