Signs for Inclusion: Fun & Practical ASL for Everyday Communication (Main)
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.
Little Free Libraries for Children
Little free libraries are beautiful, functional works of art that help build community. They develop literacy skills and encourage a love of reading by making it easy for families to exchange books in an informal, neighborhood setting.
Living Wage Cost of Living Adjustment 2026
The Living Wage Ordinance (2.121) provides, at 2.121.030 (b), that the wage shall be upwardly adjusted each year no later than March 1st in proportion to the increase in the Annual Average Consumer Price Index for the prior calendar year for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the Boston area, as published by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. For calendar year 2025, the CPI-U increased by 3.13%. Therefore, the new Living Wage as of March 1, 2026 is $20.32. This amount should be communicated to vendors subject to the Living Wage Ordinance and will be used to adjust pay for appropriate city employees. The adjustment does not affect any existing contractual agreements unless the terms of those agreements so require. Questions concerning applicability and enforcement of the ordinance should be directed to the City of Cambridge Law Department at 617-349- 4121 or the Purchasing Department at 617-349-4310
2024 Resident Parking Permit Photo Contest
Submit your images depicting City buildings, landmarks, and the beauty of Cambridge to the 2024 Cambridge Resident Parking Permit contest. The winning photo will be featured in the 2024 Resident Parking Permit sticker.
Preschool Programs
The Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) provides access to free school-day, school-year preschool for all Cambridge 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds. CPP, managed by the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood, is a mixed-delivery system that allows families to choose preschool programs that best fir their family's needs. DHSP Preschools are a partner provider of CPP.
New Programming Now Available For Older Adults
The Cambridge Council on Aging and Public Health Department (CPHD) have offered engaging programs to support the well-being of older adults, including monthly music jams and cooking workshops. The music sessions, led by Bobby Tynes and Friends, provided a lively space for community connection, creativity, and movement, while CPHD’s collaboration with East End House introduced hands-on cooking classes focused on nutritious, accessible recipes. Both initiatives received enthusiastic feedback, highlighting their positive impact on social engagement, mood, and overall wellness.
Finance
The Finance Department is responsible for the City's operating and capital finances, and fort processing payments for real estate and personal property taxes, municipal lien certificates, motor vehicle excise tax, and water bills.