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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

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).

Let’s talk about your favorite comics! Bring in a graphic novel and share your thoughts on why it’s great – or even why it’s terrible. Each month will feature a different reading challenge – you get to pick any comic that you think matches the theme! Celebrate comics with snacks, books, and maybe even the chance to make one yourself! This month’s theme, bring in your favorite comic and tell us why you love it. Snacks are provided. This program is for ages 9-12. For questions about Tween Book Group, please email Ellen: ekaluza@cambridgema.gov

Join clinical herbalist Mo Katz-Christy for a walk around the Alewife Reservation to learn about the medicine, botany and magic of medicinal herbs. We will discuss medicinal plants in Cambridge and their specific indications and properties. Bring a notebook as we delight in the bounty of our neighborhood! Registration is required. 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. It is a 6 minute walk from Alewife MBTA station, accessible by bus or by the Red Line. There is no parking available on-site. Parking is available at Alewife MBTA station, the Alewife Reservation lot on Acorn Drive or limited on-street parking on Cambridgepark Drive.

Due to the weather, this program will happen inside the Peabody School gym. Please enter the gym through Door 8 on Haskell St. Join us for a high energy comedy yo-yo show. 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.

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.

Celebrate reading with fellow new readers at the Valente Branch Library! We will explore a book from the Beginning Reader collection, spend time reading together, and do an activity! Copies of the book will be provided via the library; participants may check out a copy to take home after the program. This is open to students in kindergarten through second grade who are practicing reading independently; their grown-ups are welcome to join us. Registration is required. Contact the library at 617-349-4015 for more information.

Join guide Stefanie Haug while exploring our neighborhood nature and celebrating Elderhood. As a group we'll connect with nature and the neighborhood mindfully with a gentle walk and draw on contemplative practices. What to bring: layered clothing, comfortable shoes and water. Where to meet: Collins Branch entrance on Aberdeen Avenue.

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.