Summer Reading: Live Animal Program with Mass Audubon (O'Neill)
What better way to learn about wildlife than by observing them in person? Meet local wildlife ambassadors and discover the amazing adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Ask questions and learn what you can do to protect the wildlife of Cambridge. For children of all ages 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.
CPL Adult Summer Camp: Plant Identification Nature Walk
Join us for one, two, or all CPL Adult Summer Camp activities to meet new people and have nostalgic fun outside in Cambridge!
Meet at Lechmere Station to admire and identify Cambridge trees, plants, and more using iNaturalist with your neighbors!
We will Walk through the Common at Cambridge Crossing into North Point Park.
In case of rain/high heat, this event will be postponed.
Registration Recommended.
NEW LOCATION: Board Game Night for Adults (O'Connell)
Join us for an evening of board games. We have: Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Azul, Splendor, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Bananagrams, and more!
Feel free to bring a board game to play with others.
We will provide pizza and beverages.
Registration helpful.
Park Sounds: Juneteenth Celebration with Tim Hall (Main)
Join us for a special Park Sounds in celebration of Juneteenth with saxophonist Tim Hall, an award-winning musician, performance poet, and producer from Detroit, MI, now based in Boston. His poetry draws inspiration from his lived experiences - charting the nuances of blackness, masculinity, and the beauties of life. Tim's music is used to underscore his vivid storytelling with warm neo soul, jazz, and hip hop influences.
PARK SOUNDS 2026 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.
[CANCELED] Summer Reading: BioDesign with the Rhode Island Computer Museum (Main)
This event is canceled. We have rescheduled the program for Saturday, August 15 (link).
Delve into the wonders of the natural world. Attendees will learn about different types of animal homes and use them to inspire their own creation. Recommended for ages 8-13. This program can accommodate 12 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
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.
Summer Reading: An Evening with Lola the Plant Lady (Main)
In this 60-minute workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of houseplant care, including how to choose the right plants for their space, understand light and watering needs, and troubleshoot common issues. The session also introduces the concept of “plantuition”—a more intuitive approach to plant care that encourages observation and confidence. This workshop is especially suited for renters, beginners, and anyone working with limited space or budget.