Search

In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link]. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.

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 now for this free, one-hour course. Sign up for the Cambridge open data newsletter to be informed about future open data courses.

To mark the 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, a coalition of local non-profits and government agencies will present Washington in American Memory, a seven-part speaker series. Explore the 19th century origins of preservation at Mount Vernon, current conservation work, and the estate’s future, featuring: Doug Bradburn, President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon and co-founder and editor of the book series, Early American Histories Andrea Sahin, Vice Regent for Massachusetts to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

Fall season is in the air, here at the Library! This art class will be a hybrid of indoor and outdoor time. Allowing you to get up close with the trees and leaves to take artistic observations of your surroundings. All supplies will be provided but please bring any protective gear (long sleeves and sweaters) in the event of slightly cold weather. Registration is required.

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. No prior experience or expertise is required. Register here.

In stressful times, collage can be a powerful practice for well-being and resilience. Join local artist Elena Stone to create collages in a relaxing, fun, and reflective community setting. We will use simple materials and a lightly structured process to promote creativity and connection. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own collage papers (e.g. old magazines, calendars, wrapping paper, etc.) to share. Registration is encouraged but not required.

PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE from Joan Lorentz Park to CPL Rindge Room. Swap extra seeds, plants or harvested items from your garden at the Library! Learn informally about Cambridge's pollinator biodiversity and why it's so important to grow and share food, strengthen and grow our local food economy, and most of all...to get our hands dirty while we get to know our neighbors, our community and our place in the world around us. Kids can make a pollinator finger puppet or take home a kit to make one.

Join us to celebrate National Bike to Work Day. Mechanics from Urban AdvenTours will provide tips and assistance with basic bike repair. Be sure to bring your wheels! Registration is not required.

Members of the Kids' Zine Collective and Cambridge Young Authors' Squad are invited to a party to celebrate their work from this year! Kids can bring zines to swap and/or writing to share. Food provided! No registration is necessary.

Handsewing For Mending will focus on hand sewing techniques that can be used to repair seams, hems, tears, and more. Participants will learn about tools and materials for hand sewing, a variety of stitches, and when to apply them to restore garments back to wearability. Registration is required.