Director's Update
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
Read the Monthly Newsletter
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Join or Die Screening at the CPL (Main)
Saturday, September 21 @ 1:30 PM
Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary "Bowling Alone" research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.
A special appearance by Professor Putnam will precede the film. After the screening, the Cambridge Public Library will host a panel discussion with community partners focusing on civic engagement, volunteering, and community building within Cambridge.
Presented in partnership with Cambridge Neighbors and Cambridge Volunteers.
Cambridge Neighbors is a membership-driven organization dedicated to helping adults aged 60 and over stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love by providing the opportunities and support necessary to remain integral parts of their communities. Cambridge Volunteers strengthens civic life by championing local volunteer engagement and supporting an effective and inclusive volunteer corps.
Learn More
CPL and Harvard Book Store Present: Clara Bingham (Main)
Monday, September 23 @ 6:00 PM
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Clara Bingham—award-winning journalist and the author of Witness to the Revolution, Women on the Hill—for a discussion of her new book The Movement: How Women's Liberation Transformed America 1963-1973. She will be in conversation with Judy Norsigian, Joan Ditzion, Jane Pincus, and Norma Swenson—co-authors of the groundbreaking book Our Bodies, Ourselves.
Registration is required.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, September 15, 2024
CPL Nature Club, Sarah Lewis, Cambridge Cooks, Writing Group, and Much More! -
Director's Update, September 8, 2024
Urban Cycling Workshop, Drawn to Nature, Open Archives, and More! -
Director's Update, September 1, 2024
Elder Walk, Celeste Ng, Kintsugi, and More! -
Director's Update, August 25, 2024
Reflecting on Our 2024 Goals
Coming Up
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Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.
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CPL: Summer Dance in the Park
Want to add some new dance steps to your routine? Spend your mornings at Cambridge Public Library and learn new dances! In partnership with The Dance Complex, all are welcomed to this free outdoor dance class series. The class will take place in the park area in front of the library or in the Community room in chances of rain. Saturday, September 21: Commercial Dance with Pat Planet This class will help you gain technique, a strong stage presence, and a dancer’s body. The warm up consists of various stretches, push-ups, crunches, and club moves – overall building up your cardiovascular stamina. You will learn how to do chest, pelvis, and body rolls, grooves, isolations, partnering, and work on lighting up your inner fire! No registration is required.
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Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is certified to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
-
Join or Die Screening at the CPL (Main)
Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary "Bowling Alone" research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. A special appearance by Professor Putnam will precede the film. After the screening, the Cambridge Public Library will host a panel discussion with community partners focusing on civic engagement, volunteering, and community building within Cambridge. Presented in partnership with Cambridge Neighbors and Cambridge Volunteers. Cambridge Neighbors is a membership-driven organization dedicated to helping adults aged 60 and over stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love by providing the opportunities and support necessary to remain integral parts of their communities. Cambridge Volunteers strengthens civic life by championing local volunteer engagement and supporting an effective and inclusive volunteer corps.
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Chess Hour (O'Neill)
Join us for a game of chess at the O'Neill Branch! Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is a space for individuals to play and test their skills against other members of the community. This is not an instructional class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via email: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov
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STEAM Rises (Main)
The STEAM Rises listening gallery offers an immersive exploration into the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in Cambridge. This gallery showcases curated audio samples from our STEAM Habits of Mind research study and the STEAM Rises podcast series, designed to inspire and inform.
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Take Your Stance on Personal Genetics (Main)
Explore ideas about history, policy, technology and identity in the genomic age by playing Take Your Stance. Participants will explore current and emerging issues in science and biotechnology and the ethical and social implications of new developments in our world. Learn about hot topics in genetics like gene editing, de-extinction, and ancestry testing, and share your opinions on the topics with a partner. Add your voice to the community conversation!
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High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high beginner level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Sing-Along (O'Neill)
Sing and dance to your favorite songs! For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.
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Morning Sing-Along (Main)
It's a Library dance party! All ages. 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. 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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Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Put on your dancing shoes to improve flexibility and balance, strengthen muscles and have fun! Certified Zumba Gold instructor Emily B. will lead you through 45 minutes of low-impact and easy-to-follow choreography in your own home through Zoom. Join us! Registration for each session is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
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Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.
-
CPL: Summer Dance in the Park
Want to add some new dance steps to your routine? Spend your mornings at Cambridge Public Library and learn new dances! In partnership with The Dance Complex, all are welcomed to this free outdoor dance class series. The class will take place in the park area in front of the library or in the Community room in chances of rain. Saturday, September 21: Commercial Dance with Pat Planet This class will help you gain technique, a strong stage presence, and a dancer’s body. The warm up consists of various stretches, push-ups, crunches, and club moves – overall building up your cardiovascular stamina. You will learn how to do chest, pelvis, and body rolls, grooves, isolations, partnering, and work on lighting up your inner fire! No registration is required.
-
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is certified to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
-
Join or Die Screening at the CPL (Main)
Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary "Bowling Alone" research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. A special appearance by Professor Putnam will precede the film. After the screening, the Cambridge Public Library will host a panel discussion with community partners focusing on civic engagement, volunteering, and community building within Cambridge. Presented in partnership with Cambridge Neighbors and Cambridge Volunteers. Cambridge Neighbors is a membership-driven organization dedicated to helping adults aged 60 and over stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love by providing the opportunities and support necessary to remain integral parts of their communities. Cambridge Volunteers strengthens civic life by championing local volunteer engagement and supporting an effective and inclusive volunteer corps.
-
Chess Hour (O'Neill)
Join us for a game of chess at the O'Neill Branch! Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is a space for individuals to play and test their skills against other members of the community. This is not an instructional class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via email: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov
-
STEAM Rises (Main)
The STEAM Rises listening gallery offers an immersive exploration into the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in Cambridge. This gallery showcases curated audio samples from our STEAM Habits of Mind research study and the STEAM Rises podcast series, designed to inspire and inform.
-
Take Your Stance on Personal Genetics (Main)
Explore ideas about history, policy, technology and identity in the genomic age by playing Take Your Stance. Participants will explore current and emerging issues in science and biotechnology and the ethical and social implications of new developments in our world. Learn about hot topics in genetics like gene editing, de-extinction, and ancestry testing, and share your opinions on the topics with a partner. Add your voice to the community conversation!
-
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.
-
CPL: Summer Dance in the Park
Want to add some new dance steps to your routine? Spend your mornings at Cambridge Public Library and learn new dances! In partnership with The Dance Complex, all are welcomed to this free outdoor dance class series. The class will take place in the park area in front of the library or in the Community room in chances of rain. Saturday, September 21: Commercial Dance with Pat Planet This class will help you gain technique, a strong stage presence, and a dancer’s body. The warm up consists of various stretches, push-ups, crunches, and club moves – overall building up your cardiovascular stamina. You will learn how to do chest, pelvis, and body rolls, grooves, isolations, partnering, and work on lighting up your inner fire! No registration is required.
-
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is certified to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.