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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. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.

Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. This month we will be joined by guest author, Gwendolyn Wallace, a local award-winning picture book author. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful, but not 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.

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 June meeting, we will discuss Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. This work is available in many different formats. Copies of the print book are available at the Main Library Q&A Desk. E-book and e-audiobook copies are available to borrow on the Libby app and immediately on the Hoopla app. This is a hybrid event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Registration is required. Please contact alengel@cambridgema.gov with questions.

Join us to celebrate the beginning of summer and get ready for Summer Reading! We will have small seed planting kits for you to decorate & use, a few assorted crafts, and refreshments. All ages welcome.

Join us to celebrate Jasmine Warga's A Rover's Story, which tells the story of a rover's journey to Mars and the challenges it faces there. We will celebrate by building some artful mechanisms with Playful Engineers! Use simple machines to create mechanical automata and solve problems similar to those faced by rovers on Mars - using materials you could find around your own home. Registration is required. This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture (CGL) with Jasmine Warga, award-winning author of A Rover's Story, Other Words for Home, and many other popular children's books. Save the Date: the Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m. at the Main Library. Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Bounces and rhymes for caregivers and babies to learn, play and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.

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.

Art on a nice Summer night? Nothing sounds better than that! Come to the Library and enjoy an art filled evening learning the techniques of printmaking. In partnership with artist Brooke Lambert, a professional printmaker and painter, she will take you through this guided art class. The library will provide all materials. Registration is required.

Join Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui to celebrate the winners of the 2026 Cambridge City Nature Art Challenge and view their art on display. We will have food and nature art activities for all ages. This event is presented as a part of the Cambridge Public Library Nature Club.