City Calendar

STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)

Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that inspires high-potential, diverse young people to discover their passions, develop innovative mindsets and cultivate marketable skills to solve problems they care most about. Summer Studio teens are funded in part through the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. The Cambridge Public Library STEAM Academy is part of Cambridge STEAM Initiative's efforts to enhance and expand students’ access to quality STEAM learning experiences. Made possible by generous support from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund and Verizon.

Meet an Animal with Mass Audubon

Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139

Meet live wildlife as you compare their physical and behavioral adaptations and how these relate to their roles within an ecosystem. Learn where they live and how climate change may be affecting them. This program can focus on an animal group, habitat, energy flow, or seasonal adaptations. Registration for every child is required. 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.

Sewing 101 (Main)

Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

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.

LEGO Time (Main)

Main Library, Curious George Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children. For children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 30 builders. Children under age 7 must be attended by a caregiver. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. 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. 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.

Sewing 101 (Main)

Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

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.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.

STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)

Main Library, Community Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs starts with students' interest in building a better world and introduces them to the underlying science and math principles to bring their solutions to life. Youth in 7th and 8th grades are invted to join iFp on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence with 'Smart Cars AI: Driving Innovation for All.' This 13-week adventure invites you to dive into the world of self-driving cars, at the intersection of technology and innovation Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that inspires high-potential, diverse young people to discover their passions, develop innovative mindsets and cultivate marketable skills to solve problems they care most about. Summer Studio teens are funded in part through the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. The Cambridge Public Library STEAM Academy is part of Cambridge STEAM Initiative's efforts to enhance and expand students’ access to quality STEAM learning experiences. Made possible by generous support from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund and Verizon. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose.

Family STEAM Night (O'Neill)

O'Neill Branch, 70 Rindge Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140

Families with elementary school age children join us for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! This month we will be starting seeds!

CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)

Collins Branch, 64 Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138

Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design

Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Prusa 3D printers. Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

Hive Teen Hangout (Main)

Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio and more. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18. 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.

Nintendo Switch Party for Ages 7-9 (Main)

Main Library, Curious George Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

Join our Nintendo Switch party! We'll have two multiplayer games available to play on our library consoles. This program is for ages 7-9. This program can accommodate 16 gamers. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The gamer must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed spots will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

CPL Nature Club: Plant a Seed, Grow a Flower (Boudreau)

Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138

Spring is in full swing, so it’s time to plant seeds! Join us to plant your very own marigolds, learn about the lifecycle of a plant, and check out some books about gardening. You can even help plant some seeds in Boudreau’s big planter that will become flowers for all to enjoy throughout the summer! This event is open to children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. Registration is required for child participants - caregivers need not register.

Sewing Circle

Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND receive support as you work on your own sewing projects with our Library sewing community. Participants must register but may drop-in any time during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines.

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)

Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

Would you like to make your own vinyl signs, stickers, or images to transfer to T-shirts and other textiles? In this workshop, you can learn how to use our Roland Camm-1 GS-24 vinyl cutter. You can then design a sticker and cut it with our vinyl cutter! Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.