The Valente Branch is now open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. in July and August. The Main Library will be closed on Sundays until 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.
Learn More
American Sign Language: The Basics (Central Square)
Friday, July 17 @ 1:00 PM
Join us for a fun, interactive introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and inclusive communication. Participants will learn practical everyday signs, respectful ways to interact with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, expressive communication techniques, and simple real-life ASL scenarios. This activity-based workshop includes silent communication challenges, group participation, and engaging sign language games designed to build confidence and connection through communication. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Learn More
Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi (O'Connell)
Friday, July 17 @ 3:00 PM
Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Learn More
News
-
Director's Update, July 5, 2026
Art Reception, Edible Wild Plants Walk, Paint and Plant Celebration, and More! -
Director's Update, June 28, 2026
Nature Walk, Dr. Beronda Montgomery in conversation with Tracy K. Smith, Watercolor Workshop, and More! -
Director's Update, June 21, 2026
Summer Reading, Cambridge Cooks, AI Disinformation Workshop, and More! -
Director's Update, June 14, 2026
Summer Kickoff Party, Estate Planning for All, Nature Club, and More
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
-
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.
-
Puzzle Party (Main)
Join our librarians for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle. An hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon at the Cambridge Main Library.
-
Advanced ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class. This class will be taught at an advanced level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
Summer Craft: Button Making (Boudreau)
Stop by the Boudreau Branch in the afternoon and use two button makers to create your very own buttons. Draw a beautiful picture or print out an image from the computer (once per attendee) to use. This drop-in event is intended for school aged children and their families.
-
Afternoon Sing-Along (Main)
Join us to sing and move together. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. 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. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
-
Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Bring your project and come join other fiber crafters in your community! Crochet, sew, embroider, knit, cross stitch, spin, mend, and more at this informal drop-in fiber arts circle. All crafts are welcome!
-
Twilight Music and Movement (Central Square)
Join us to sing, play with musical props and move together. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4012 for more information.
-
Drop-in Spanish Conversation Group (O'Connell)
Practice your Spanish language skills in a friendly group setting! Please note, this is not a class, but rather an informal conversation group. This group is best for speakers with knowledge of basic vocabulary, comprehension skills, and the ability to form sentences. Speakers at an advanced beginner to intermediate level or higher are encouraged to join. All ages welcome. No registration required.
-
Beyond the Call: CARE Documentary Screening (Central Square)
Join us on Thursday July 16th at 6:30pm to celebrate the 2 year anniversary of the launch of the CARE (Community Assistance Response and Engagement)Team! We will be screening Beyond The Call, a powerful documentary highlighting how the City of Cambridge created and implemented the CARE Team, a community-centered alternative response program designed to support people experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises. This documentary will offer an inside look at the challenges, breakthroughs, and real-life impact of building a public safety model rooted in care instead of criminalization. There will be food, swag, and an opportunity to connect directly with those doing the work!
-
Filmmaking 101 (Main)
Learn how to use our Sony FX6 camera to film your own videos! In this session, you'll also practice lighting for film and editing a short video using provided footage. Registration is required. 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 completing this training, you will be able to reserve out Multimedia Studio during Open Shop Hours.
-
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.
-
Puzzle Party (Main)
Join our librarians for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle. An hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon at the Cambridge Main Library.
-
Advanced ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class. This class will be taught at an advanced level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
Summer Craft: Button Making (Boudreau)
Stop by the Boudreau Branch in the afternoon and use two button makers to create your very own buttons. Draw a beautiful picture or print out an image from the computer (once per attendee) to use. This drop-in event is intended for school aged children and their families.
-
Afternoon Sing-Along (Main)
Join us to sing and move together. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. 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. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
-
Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Bring your project and come join other fiber crafters in your community! Crochet, sew, embroider, knit, cross stitch, spin, mend, and more at this informal drop-in fiber arts circle. All crafts are welcome!
-
Twilight Music and Movement (Central Square)
Join us to sing, play with musical props and move together. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4012 for more information.
-
Drop-in Spanish Conversation Group (O'Connell)
Practice your Spanish language skills in a friendly group setting! Please note, this is not a class, but rather an informal conversation group. This group is best for speakers with knowledge of basic vocabulary, comprehension skills, and the ability to form sentences. Speakers at an advanced beginner to intermediate level or higher are encouraged to join. All ages welcome. No registration required.
-
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.
-
Puzzle Party (Main)
Join our librarians for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle. An hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon at the Cambridge Main Library.
-
Advanced ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class. This class will be taught at an advanced level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.