The O’Neill Branch Library is closed for a routine update of the HVAC system and is expected to reopen in early February.
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
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, January 12 @ 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
Budgeting with Google Sheets (Main)
Tuesday, January 13 @ 11:00 AM
Learn how to use Google Sheets (Google's version of Excel) to create a budget! You will learn how to use Google Sheets budgeting templates and enter data in a friendly learning environment. A Gmail account is required for this class - please remember your password!
To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, December 28, 2025
Make your own vision board, "Noon Year's" Eve Party, CPL Nature Club and More! -
Director's Update, December 21, 2025
Teen Cookie Decorating, Movie Night, Drop-In Maker Studio, and More! -
Director's Update, December 14, 2025
Festive Fanfare with the BFO, Holiday Cards, Homemade Gifts and More! -
Strategic Framework Accomplishments
Cambridge Public Library releases Strategic Framework Accomplishments Report
Read the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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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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Baby Lapsit (Collins)
Enjoy time together with other caregivers and babies to learn, play and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for children from birth to 18 months with their caregivers.
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Drop-in Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 11a.m. and 1p.m. for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required.
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Toddler Story Time (O'Connell)
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 15-20 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for details.
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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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The Spot: Shop for Free (Central Square)
Come Shop for Free with Spot at the Central Square Branch Library. Gear up with fall and winter clothes, accessories, supplies, and more -- all for free! First come, first serve. For more information: spotcambridge@karayallc.com
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CANCELLED - Middle Grade Mystery Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our monthly Middle Grade Mystery book group is for kids aged 10-14. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our January book is The Sherlock Society by James Ponti. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the O'Connell Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Middle Grade Mystery Book Group, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
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Kids' Zine Collective (Collins)
This event will take place at the Collins Branch during the O'Neill Branch closure. Please contact sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov with any questions. What's a zine? And how do I make one? Come find out! Kids are invited to explore making, copying, sharing, and swapping zines. Making zines will include activities like writing, drawing, and using a photocopier. For kids ages 7 and up. Snacks are provided!
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Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
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.
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All Love and Safety to Our Neighbors: Storytelling and Art Making (Main)
Join social justice project Wee The People for a free, immersive, intergenerational event of storytelling and art-making to celebrate belonging, safety, and immigrant communities. This program can accommodate 45 people and is recommended for youth ages 6 and up and their caregivers.
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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. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
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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.
-
Baby Lapsit (Collins)
Enjoy time together with other caregivers and babies to learn, play and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for children from birth to 18 months with their caregivers.
-
Drop-in Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 11a.m. and 1p.m. for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required.
-
Toddler Story Time (O'Connell)
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 15-20 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for details.
-
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.
-
The Spot: Shop for Free (Central Square)
Come Shop for Free with Spot at the Central Square Branch Library. Gear up with fall and winter clothes, accessories, supplies, and more -- all for free! First come, first serve. For more information: spotcambridge@karayallc.com
-
CANCELLED - Middle Grade Mystery Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our monthly Middle Grade Mystery book group is for kids aged 10-14. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our January book is The Sherlock Society by James Ponti. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the O'Connell Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Middle Grade Mystery Book Group, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
-
Kids' Zine Collective (Collins)
This event will take place at the Collins Branch during the O'Neill Branch closure. Please contact sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov with any questions. What's a zine? And how do I make one? Come find out! Kids are invited to explore making, copying, sharing, and swapping zines. Making zines will include activities like writing, drawing, and using a photocopier. For kids ages 7 and up. Snacks are provided!
-
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.
-
Baby Lapsit (Collins)
Enjoy time together with other caregivers and babies to learn, play and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for children from birth to 18 months with their caregivers.
-
Drop-in Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 11a.m. and 1p.m. for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required.