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Love Fresh Pond Reservation? Give back to our urban oasis: volunteer! The beauty and ecological health of our Reservation requires constant care! Invasive weeds, which threaten wildlife habitat and Fresh Pond’s forests, meadows and wetlands, are a top concern. Volunteer weeding events are ongoing throughout the fall. Beginners are welcome. Learn about local botany and ecology while helping the Reservation! Long sleeves and pants are recommended to prevent contact with poison ivy. Tecnu will be available. Temporary parking permits will be available for free for volunteers coming from out of town. Wednesday evening weeding sessions occur through September, meeting at the trailer in the Cambridge Water Department parking lot at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway.

The climate is changing, and we're all here on the planet together. Join us for a monthly community gathering and discussion of a variety of books about climate change. We will share thoughts, resources, and occasionally host special guests in a welcoming small-group environment. For our February meeting, we will discuss The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Attendees are invited to choose between reading the original text, the illustrated edition, the graphic adaptation, or watching the film version of this book! This work is available in many different formats. Copies of the print book, the illustrated edition, the graphic adaptation, and the DVD are available at the Main Library Q&A Desk. E-book and e-audiobook copies are available to borrow on the Libby app and immediately on the Hoopla app. Registration is required. Please contact alengel@cambridgema.gov with questions.

Harvard Book Store, the Harvard University Division of Science, the Harvard Library, and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Dr. Anjana Khatwa—award-winning earth scientist, TV presenter, and advocate for diversity in the geosciences and nature—for a discussion of her book The Whispers of Rock: The Stories That Stone Tells About Our World and Our Lives, a 2025 New Scientist Best Book of the Year. Registration is required.

July is Disability Pride Month. In honor of Disability Pride Month, Rachel Tanenhaus, ADA Coordinator for the City of Cambridge and Executive Director of the Cambridge Commission for People with Disabilities, reflects on what disability pride means to her.

September selection: What We Remember Will Be Saved: a story of refugees and the things they carry by Stephanie Saldaña Join us at the Collins Branch every second Thursday to discuss a selection of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults. Print copies are available to pick up during library hours. For more information, contact Jo Percell (they/them) at jpercell@cambridgema.gov

This summer, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Cambridge Task Force, in partnership with the City of Cambridge, launched a new Summer Empowerment Program for Cambridge youth. This program, which supported 50 young people in an interactive summer experience, was funded through $63,000 in City funds, $25,000 donated by Cambridge Savings Bank, and $25,000 donated by DivcoWest.

Turn the Clocks Back and Check your Smoke and CO Alarms

The City of Cambridge Department of Veterans Services will host a Veterans Day Observance event on Saturday, November 11, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., at Cambridge Common. A Veterans Appreciation Week will be held November 13-17, at the Veterans' Life and Recreation Center, 51 Inman Street, 2nd floor, Cambridge. events will provide an opportunity for veterans and their loved ones to gather and participate in health, wellness, and other fun and interactive activities. Free food and refreshments will also be available each day from 12-4 p.m.

The City of Cambridge Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, June 9, at 5:30 p.m. to receive project requests for FY22 funding. Each year, the CPA Committee recommends funding for affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and recreation initiatives throughout the city. Recommendations can be submitted at the June 9 meeting or online from June 9 through July 14, 2021.

People of all ages who enjoy children's books can read and discuss together. Food will be provided. This month we will read and discuss Chris Makes a Friend by Alex Gino. Copies are available at the O'Neill Branch. This book group will meet in person at the O'Neill Branch Library. Please register below.