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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 City of Cambridge offers free access to hundreds of datasets on its Open Data Portal, covering everything from crime and traffic to property and even dog names. Join us for a hands-on workshop at the Cambridge Public Library to explore what's available and learn how to analyze and visualize this data — including how to use AI tools for data exploration. No prior experience or expertise is required. Register online here.

Join us in a lively discussion once a month on books tailored to the 10-12 age range. This month we'll be reading World Famous Nine by Ben Guterson. Read the book and speak with the author directly! Snacks and food provided. Register online to ensure your spot. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

January selection: Sandwich by Catherine Newman. Join us in person or online to discuss a selection of fiction and nonfiction titles for adults. Please register below if you would like to attend via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Print copies are available to pick up during library hours. For more information, contact Jo Percell (they/them) at jpercell@cambridgema.gov

Want to learn more about the basic functions of an iPhone or iPad? Learn how to get online, identify common apps, and build your confidence in using your device safely. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

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.

The application period for Homeowners Rehab Inc. (HRI)’s 29-unit affordable development at 4 Mellen Street in Cambridge is now open. Click here to fill out the application online. Physical applications are available at the following locations: 810 Memorial Drive, #200, Cambridge, MA 02139 City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139 Multi-Service Center, 362 Green St, Cambridge, MA 02139 Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139 Completed applications can be returned to HRI as follows: Online: https://waitlistcheck.com/MA3398 By Email: FourMellen@Wingatecompanies.com By Mail: 810 Memorial Drive, #200, Cambridge, MA 02139 Applications are available from June 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026 at 5 p.m. with a lottery to be held August 13th, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. via Teams. Applicants are not required to attend the lottery. To learn more about the application and lottery process, please attend one of the upcoming information sessions: Online via Teams: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Teams Meeting link: https://shorturl.at/BxHwS For more information about this project, please visit https://linktr.ee/FourMellen. For information about eligibility or the application process, please contact HRI at (617) 693-0981or email FourMellen@wingatecompanies.com.

The Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line at 2-1-1 is now available in English and Spanish and will have translators available to support residents in approximately 100 additional languages. Please call 2-1-1 and follow prompts to reach The Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line. Individuals ages 75 and older will be able to speak to a representative live on the phone to assist them with an appointment through the state’s online system.

Public meeting of the Cambridge American Freedmen Commission's Research Subcommittee, held online on Thursday, July 14, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

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