Summer Reading: Live Animal Program with Mass Audubon (Main)
What better way to learn about wildlife than by observing them in person? Meet local wildlife ambassadors and discover the amazing adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Ask questions and learn what you can do to protect the wildlife of Cambridge. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
Summer Art Nights: Explore with Botanical Collage (Main)
Back by popular demand!
Explore the art of botanical collage. In this workshop, participants work with a variety of plant-inspired imagery—think leaves, flowers, stems, and natural textures—to create their own unique composition. Whether you prefer something delicate and minimal or bold and layered, this is a chance to experiment, play, and let your creativity unfold. No prior experience is needed—this workshop is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners. A selection of materials will be provided, so you can simply show up and start creating. That said, students are more than welcome to bring your own papers, clippings, pressed plants, or anything else that inspires you.
Registration is required.
[CANCELED] Welcome Back Community Potluck (O'Neill)
What's hot & cold & read all over? The O'Neill Branch Library's new HVAC system!
Bring a hot or cold dish to share as we celebrate community and our new heating and cooling system. We'll provide a hot fudge sundae bar, plates, napkins, and cutlery.
Library staff will also be on hand to ask how we can be the best library for you. Tell us how you use our collections, technology, programs, services, and spaces. Share what library services have the biggest impact on you. Your feedback will help us improve services and set priorities for the coming years.
Wait, Is That Real?: Exploring Truth, Trust and Safety in the AI Era (Main)
Think you can spot what’s real and what’s made by Generative AI? Put your sleuthing skills to the test in this interactive workshop presented by Joint Family and the Cambridge Public Library.
Through hands-on activities, we'll see how easy it is to create AI-generated images, voices, and videos and how hard it's becoming to tell the difference. Together we'll explore emerging trends in deepfakes and AI-generated content, real-world case studies of scams and misinformation, and practical strategies for protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities. No prior experience with Generative AI necessary. Open to ages 13 and up. Bring someone you trust - a friend, a grandparent, a neighbor!
Free Family Concert: Radius Ensemble presents Peter and the Wolf (Main)
Join us for a relaxed Saturday morning concert with Radius Ensemble! The concert, geared toward preschool children but appropriate for all ages, features a delightful abridged version of Prokofiev's Peter & the Wolf (at the end of which the wolf, instead of meeting his demise, is taken to the zoo), plus also other silly songs about animals, as well as a show-and-tell of the instruments of the woodwind family. For the final piece of this 45-minute program, children are invited to play along on hand percussion instruments such as tambourines and claves, and each child receives a free colorful shaker to take home.
Recommended for children ages 3 to 5 years with caregiver. This program can accommodate 130 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Live at the Library: Music Class with Music at the Blissful (Collins)
This school vacation week, join musician Evan Haller of Music at the Blissful for an interactive music class. Through singing, movement and playful engagement, every child is invited to participate at their own level.
Music at the Blissful presents music classes that not only entertain young minds but support early childhood development to grow mentally, physically and emotionally.
Recommended for children ages birth-7 with their caregivers.
Twilight Music and Movement (Central Square)
If you're looking to shake your sillies out before bed, join us for thirty minutes of music and movement! This evening dance party will be full of maracas and tambourines, colorful scarves, and lots of movement and dance.
Recommended for ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
For more information, please call the Central Square Branch Children's Room at 617-349-4012.
Twilight Music and Movement (Central Square)
If you're looking to shake your sillies out before bed, join us for thirty minutes of music and movement! This evening dance party will be full of maracas and tambourines, colorful scarves, and lots of movement and dance.
Recommended for ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
For more information, please call the Central Square Branch Children's Room at 617-349-4012.