Sunday hours will resume at the Main Library on Sunday, September 13, 1-5 p.m. The Valente Branch Library will no longer be open on Sundays starting in September.
Meet the Director
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
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Craft & Art Supply Swap (Main)
Thursday, September 17 @ 6:00 PM
Exchange your surplus paint, fabric, fiber, and other supplies with fellow crafters and artists in the community!
Donations accepted at the Main Library Q&A desk starting September 8, 2026.
Make & Mend Somerville has generously offered to accept leftover supplies, so please make sure your donations follow their guidelines: https://makeandmendshop.com/pages/donate.
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Teens: Felt Crafts for Hispanic Heritage Month (Valente Branch)
Friday, September 18 @ 3:30 PM
Ages 12-18. Craft a felt food, flag, or something else that is special to Hispanic Heritage! Felt, paper and pencil, needle and thread, and wet glue and hot glue will be provided. No registration needed, drop-in.
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.
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News
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Director's Update, September 6, 2026
Library Card Sign-Up Month, Bicycle Maintenance, Tai Chi, and More! -
Director's Update, August 30, 2026
Brewery Book Club, Linocut Printmaking, Junk Journaling for Tweens, and More! -
Director's Update, August 23, 2026
Birdwatching, Haitian Creole Conversation Class, Tai Chi Under the Tree, and More! -
Library Garage is Reopen
The Main Library garage is back open to the public
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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3D Printing 101 (Main)
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print 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 certification 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. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
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After School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. For more information, call 617-349-4010. This program is recommended for ages 5-10.
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Chapter Book Craft Club (O'Connell)
Come talk about a different series each week, and get crafty with it! Make a button or bookmark, or draw your favorite characters. Recommended for ages 5-8. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Our September series is Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott.
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Evening Family Story Time (Collins)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the evening! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
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Evening Family Story Time (O'Connell)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the evening! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.
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Family Board Game Night (Valente)
Join us for an evening of board games at the Valente Branch. Challenge neighbors, family, friends and strangers to prove your gaming might. The library will provide all materials. Bring your family, friends, or your favorite game! This program is recommended for children ages 4+ and their parents.
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Open Shop (Main)
During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able! New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training! Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.
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Citizenship Preparation Classes (Central Square)
Come join this free 10-week class, in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program. This series of classes prepares students for all parts of the Citizenship interview and includes the new 128 civics question list. This class is offered as a 10-week series. Attendance at all sessions is expected. Requirements: Intermediate-level English Legal Permanent Resident card for 4 years and 9 months (2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen) Class Meeting Dates: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Wednesday, September 23, 2026 Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Wednesday, October 28, 2026 Wednesday, November 4, 2026 Registration is required. Click Here to Register For more information about registering or classes contact St. Marks at stmarkesol@gmail.com or 617-288-8515.
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English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This conversation group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Group (Main)
This Month's Read: The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury Reading Interests: The group concentrates on science fiction and fantasy. An advanced reading schedule is published each summer. Example selections include: Neuromancer by William Gibson and The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. Requirements: A love of speculative fiction and a desire to talk about books. The group is friendly and informal. How to get the print book: Copies of the print book are set aside at the Main Library Question and Answer desk on the ground floor. Visit the Main Library at 449 Broadway during service hours and a staff member can help you check out a copy. E-books and digital audiobooks are available on Libby or Hoopla. We'll meet in the Rossi Room on the ground floor of the Main Library. For more information, contact Carrie at csauder@cambridgema.gov.
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Central Square Book Group (Central Square)
Join the Central Square Book Group! This month, we're reading A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman in honor of Meet Your Neighbor month. Meet Your Neighbor Month is organized by the Cambridge Peace Commission every year. The 2026 theme, Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect, is inspired by Welcoming America's Welcoming Week, reminds us that meaningful connections often begin by listening to and learning from one another. Copies will be available for pickup at the Branch. Questions? Contact Theresa (tmitchell@cambridgema.gov).
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3D Printing 101 (Main)
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print 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 certification 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. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
After School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. For more information, call 617-349-4010. This program is recommended for ages 5-10.
-
Chapter Book Craft Club (O'Connell)
Come talk about a different series each week, and get crafty with it! Make a button or bookmark, or draw your favorite characters. Recommended for ages 5-8. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Our September series is Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott.
-
Evening Family Story Time (Collins)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the evening! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
-
Evening Family Story Time (O'Connell)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the evening! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.
-
Family Board Game Night (Valente)
Join us for an evening of board games at the Valente Branch. Challenge neighbors, family, friends and strangers to prove your gaming might. The library will provide all materials. Bring your family, friends, or your favorite game! This program is recommended for children ages 4+ and their parents.
-
Open Shop (Main)
During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able! New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training! Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.
-
Citizenship Preparation Classes (Central Square)
Come join this free 10-week class, in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program. This series of classes prepares students for all parts of the Citizenship interview and includes the new 128 civics question list. This class is offered as a 10-week series. Attendance at all sessions is expected. Requirements: Intermediate-level English Legal Permanent Resident card for 4 years and 9 months (2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen) Class Meeting Dates: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Wednesday, September 23, 2026 Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Wednesday, October 28, 2026 Wednesday, November 4, 2026 Registration is required. Click Here to Register For more information about registering or classes contact St. Marks at stmarkesol@gmail.com or 617-288-8515.
-
3D Printing 101 (Main)
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print 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 certification 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. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
After School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. For more information, call 617-349-4010. This program is recommended for ages 5-10.
-
Chapter Book Craft Club (O'Connell)
Come talk about a different series each week, and get crafty with it! Make a button or bookmark, or draw your favorite characters. Recommended for ages 5-8. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Our September series is Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott.