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Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 3:30pm-5:30pm for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov 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: The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century, by Kirk Wallace Johnson Audience: Adults who are true crime fans. 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 and digital audiobook through the Libby app. How to register: Click the registration link below to register. We'll meet in the Rossi Room on the first floor of the Main Library. For more information, contact Amie at alemire@cambridgema.gov.

The Cambridge Life Magazine is published twice annually and features City programs, services and initiatives that benefit Cambridge residents.

Let’s take a look at the events of the 1630s when speculators drove up the prices of tulip bulbs to dizzying heights. The development of Dutch flower painting and the phenomenon known as “tulipmania” share the same root causes in 17th century Netherlands; that is, an interest in objects of great appeal and rarity, whether just for their beauty or their scientific notoriety. But what was really happening and has it been overblown in history? We will discover where the practice of flower painting began for the Dutch, in response to the value of live flowers; a practice of painting beautiful still lives that continues today.

Harvard Book Store, the Harvard University Division of Science, the Harvard Library, and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Shahir S. Rizk—Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Indiana University South Bend and the Indiana University School of Medicine—and Maggie M. Fink—Adjunct Professor at Indiana University South Bend and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Notre Dame—for a discussion of their new book The Color of North: The Molecular Language of Proteins and the Future of Life. Registration is required.

Harvard Book Store, the Harvard University Division of Science, the Harvard Library, and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Felice Frankel—award-winning science photographer and research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the department of Chemical Engineering—for a discussion of her first book for young adults, Phenomenal Moments: Revealing the Hidden Science Around Us. She will be joined in conversation by Melissa Franklin—the Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics and Director of Graduate Studies at Harvard University. Registration is required.

A three-part webinar series designed to invest in your health, wellness, and longevity. Longevity is not magic - this session will cover powerful techniques and honest advice about maintaining your independence including habits that make it possible to live at home longer. Join the conversation - let’s stay well together. This event will be held online. A Zoom link will be sent to registrants one hour before the session begins.

Please note that only certified copies of records are issued by the City Clerk's Office, regardless of intended use. BIRTH CERTIFICATE ORDERED ONLINE WILL BE MAILED WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS

As the holiday season and shopping begins, potential criminals will look to perpetrate scams against shoppers and donors. The scams involve online shopping, charity, cryptocurrency investment, gift cards and social media. Online shopping schemes include fraudulent websites or ads offering goods at unrealistic discounts, items purchased through third-party marketplaces using stolen credit cards or accounts and puppy scams involving fake advertisements for pets. People should be on the lookout for fake charities soliciting donations through phone calls, emails, crowdfunding platforms, and social media. Also, copycat organizations create seemingly legitimate charities to steal funds. Gift card scams involve requests for gift card purchases for alleged emergencies, work-related functions, or as payment, or tampered cards with compromised security stickers or altered barcodes. Social media scams include posts offering fake gift cards or event tickets designed to steal personal information, or fraudsters duplicating ticket barcodes for resale.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is adding textiles and mattresses to materials banned from trash disposal. Textiles include clothes, linens, towels, shoes, and accessories, like hats, gloves, socks, underwear, belts, and handbags. Residents can schedule a free mattress and textiles pickup online, or drop-off textiles at 12 locations.