Meet the Director
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Learn More
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, April 6 @ 5:00 PM
Come join us at the Boudreau branch for a chess challenge. Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate.
Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community.
There's no need to register in advance - simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov
Learn More
Community Potluck (O'Neill)
Monday, April 6 @ 6:00 PM
The community potluck returns after being delayed due to the February blizzard.
Bring a savory dish to share as we celebrate spring and community. We'll provide a hot fudge sundae bar, popsicles, cups, plates, napkins, and cutlery.
Learn More
News
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Cambridge Public Library to Host Former Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith for National Poetry Month
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Tracy K. Smith -
Cambridge Public Library to Host Award-Winning Author Jasmine Warga for the Curious George Lecture
Children and families are invited to meet Jasmine Warga and get a book signed! -
Director's Update, March 29, 2026
Washington Remembered, Teen Advisory Board, Linocut Workshop, and More! -
Director's Update, March 22, 2026
Sacred Songs and Rituals, The Past is Now Panel, Turkish Music, and More!
Coming Up
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I Can Move Mountains: a Written and Spoken Word Poetry Workshop (Main)
You don't have to be a poet to have something to say. In this generative writing workshop, led by poet Anthony Febo, participants will explore a variety of ways to fill the blank page with poetry that is reflective of their own lived experience. Performance tools will be weaved throughout the workshop to give participants the confidence to share their work at the end. This event is reserved for teens. Advance registration is encouraged.
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LEGO Time (Main)
It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! For children ages 5 and up (children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver). 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. This program can accommodate 30 builders. . 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.
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STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-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 on the iFp website.
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STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
In Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs, students dive into the exciting world of social robots—machines designed to interact, learn, and connect. From brainstorming ideas to building prototypes, students explore how AI and robotics can foster fairer, more inclusive communities. They design robots that serve as friendly companions, offering support, connection, and solutions to real-world challenges. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Skills Learned: Human-Centered Design, Mechanics, Electronics, Computer Programming, AI, and more.
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Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Come join us at the Boudreau branch for a chess challenge. Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community. There's no need to register in advance - simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov
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Evening Family Story Time (Valente)
Join us for 20-25 minutes of stories, songs and rhymes. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
-
Beginning English Class (Valente)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class! This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. This class will be held at the Valente Branch Library, located at 826 Cambridge St.
-
Community Potluck (O'Neill)
The community potluck returns after being delayed due to the February blizzard. Bring a savory dish to share as we celebrate spring and community. We'll provide a hot fudge sundae bar, popsicles, cups, plates, napkins, and cutlery.
-
Intermediate ESOL (Valente)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu!
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Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes. 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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Intermediate ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
I Can Move Mountains: a Written and Spoken Word Poetry Workshop (Main)
You don't have to be a poet to have something to say. In this generative writing workshop, led by poet Anthony Febo, participants will explore a variety of ways to fill the blank page with poetry that is reflective of their own lived experience. Performance tools will be weaved throughout the workshop to give participants the confidence to share their work at the end. This event is reserved for teens. Advance registration is encouraged.
-
LEGO Time (Main)
It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! For children ages 5 and up (children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver). 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. This program can accommodate 30 builders. . 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.
-
STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-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 on the iFp website.
-
STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
In Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs, students dive into the exciting world of social robots—machines designed to interact, learn, and connect. From brainstorming ideas to building prototypes, students explore how AI and robotics can foster fairer, more inclusive communities. They design robots that serve as friendly companions, offering support, connection, and solutions to real-world challenges. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Skills Learned: Human-Centered Design, Mechanics, Electronics, Computer Programming, AI, and more.
-
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Come join us at the Boudreau branch for a chess challenge. Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community. There's no need to register in advance - simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov
-
Evening Family Story Time (Valente)
Join us for 20-25 minutes of stories, songs and rhymes. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
-
Beginning English Class (Valente)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class! This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. This class will be held at the Valente Branch Library, located at 826 Cambridge St.
-
Community Potluck (O'Neill)
The community potluck returns after being delayed due to the February blizzard. Bring a savory dish to share as we celebrate spring and community. We'll provide a hot fudge sundae bar, popsicles, cups, plates, napkins, and cutlery.
-
I Can Move Mountains: a Written and Spoken Word Poetry Workshop (Main)
You don't have to be a poet to have something to say. In this generative writing workshop, led by poet Anthony Febo, participants will explore a variety of ways to fill the blank page with poetry that is reflective of their own lived experience. Performance tools will be weaved throughout the workshop to give participants the confidence to share their work at the end. This event is reserved for teens. Advance registration is encouraged.
-
LEGO Time (Main)
It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! For children ages 5 and up (children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver). 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. This program can accommodate 30 builders. . 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.
-
STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-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 on the iFp website.