Search

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is in order of importance. It is better to reduce than reuse; better to reuse than recycle. Reducing and reusing prevent the environmental impact of making new items. All disposal has financial costs to the city. Recycling and composting cost the City less than trash. Still, preventing waste in the first place is best for Cambridge and the environment. It is one of the key recommendations in the Cambridge Zero Waste Master Plan.

Join the Cambridge Public Library in celebrating the winners and honorees of the 2025 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards! First presented in 1967, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards celebrate excellence in children’s and young adult literature. The 2025 winners and honorees “represent such a wide range of what books for young people can be and say,” writes Elissa Gershowitz, Editor in Chief of The Horn Book, Inc. “Especially at a time when creative voices are being threatened and silenced, we are proud to recognize children’s book creators whose work is so uniquely their own.” A book signing will follow the Awards Ceremony. Books will be available for purchase on-site. Registration is required.

Join us for a demonstration of capoeira, a unique Afro-Brazilian art form combining martial arts, dance, music and acrobatics. Following the performance, children will have the opportunity to learn basic capoeira movements. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Back by popular demand: Join us on the Lorentz Park Lawn, at the Main Library for an hour of electrifying, hip-whining, and upbeat African and Caribbean fusion dance fitness class with founder and instructor Sylver! In case of inclement weather, 'Froca Fitness will be held in the Community Room on L2. Registration is required!

Serving on a board or commission can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to the quality of life of the community in which you live or work. Are you ready to play a critical role in shaping Cambridge’s civic landscape? Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/Apply.

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.

Public Hearing to consider the removal of public trees. Any objections to their removal must be submitted in writing to the City Arborist prior to or during the hearing

This event has been canceled. Check with the Valente Branch next week to see if it will be rescheduled. Learn about poetry forms from Asia and the Pacific Islands, and write some yourself! No registration required, drop-in between 3:30-4:30pm. 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.

January Selection: Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jónasson. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the Boudreau Branch. We will discuss current and classic mystery titles. 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. How to get the book: Copies of the print book will be set aside at the Boudreau Branch (245 Concord Ave; current hours). Copies of the ebook are available through Libby. For more information, call 617-349-4017 or email Liz Danner at edanner@cambridgema.gov.

Film: El Canto del Colibri A heartfelt film about Latino immigrant fathers grappling with their children’s LGBTQ identities. Through honest conversations, the families journey toward acceptance.