U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

City Seal of Cambridge

Director's Update

Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
Learn More

Cambridge Cooks: All Things Salsa with Hiram Falfan

Thursday, September 19 @ 6:00 PM
We kick off the return of Cambridge Cooks with a lesson in all things salsa from local chef Hiram Falfan! Cambridge Cooks invites local chefs for a free cooking demonstration, followed by a tasting and Q&A with the chef. About the chef: Growing up in Tijuana, Baja California, México, Hiram Falfan's father would take him for tacos often- even after they moved to San Diego, CA, his family would cross the border frequently just to enjoy birria.Hiram started Taquisimo in March 2022 as a pop-up at Nibble Kitchen in Bow Market. After a successful internship at Nibble Kitchen, Hiram decided to open his very own space at Bow Market to continue to share this experience with his community and introduce people to the flavors of Baja California street tacos.
Learn More

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

News

Coming Up

  • Baby Lapsit (Main)

    Just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0 to 12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. 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.

  • Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Intermediate (Main)

    Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. This is an in-person event. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Registration opens Wednesday, August 7 at 9AM through Wednesday, August 21 at 5PM to enter. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, August 23. Each patron that is interested in participating is placed on the waitlist. Those names will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation

  • Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)

    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. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

  • Story Time (Central Square)

    Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. 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.

  • Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)

    Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters Drop-in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch and more. All crafts are welcome!

  • 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.

  • Valente Branch Book Group (Valente)

    Join the Valente Branch for their new book group! This group will meet monthly to discuss a mix of fiction and nonfiction books. The September selection will be The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras. How to get the print book: Copies of the book are available at the Valente Branch Library. How to get the e-book or digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as a digital audio and e-book through https://minuteman.overdrive.com/. No registration is required.

  • 3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)

    Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out 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 badge 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.

  • 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.

  • Resume and Job Application Support (Central Square)

    Looking for assistance creating a resume or looking for jobs? Join us at the Central Square Branch Library (45 Pearl St.) for assistance with resumes, job hunting, and online applications. Support will be available from 1-3 p.m. No registration is required. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

  • Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)

    Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required. This week we will be making paper fortune tellers.

  • Teen Zone: Spirographs & Doodles (Valente)

    Teens and tweens, come play with our spirograph kits and enjoy some snacks! Spirograph is a geometric drawing tool that creates fun repeating patterns. Coloring pages and other doodle-related activities will be available in addition to the spirograph sets. All materials will be provided by the library. No registration is required for this drop-in event. Recommended for ages 12-18.

  • Baby Lapsit (Main)

    Just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0 to 12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. 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.

  • Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Intermediate (Main)

    Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. This is an in-person event. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Registration opens Wednesday, August 7 at 9AM through Wednesday, August 21 at 5PM to enter. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, August 23. Each patron that is interested in participating is placed on the waitlist. Those names will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation

  • Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)

    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. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

  • Story Time (Central Square)

    Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. 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.

  • Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)

    Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters Drop-in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch and more. All crafts are welcome!

  • 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.

  • Valente Branch Book Group (Valente)

    Join the Valente Branch for their new book group! This group will meet monthly to discuss a mix of fiction and nonfiction books. The September selection will be The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras. How to get the print book: Copies of the book are available at the Valente Branch Library. How to get the e-book or digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as a digital audio and e-book through https://minuteman.overdrive.com/. No registration is required.

  • 3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)

    Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out 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 badge 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.

  • Baby Lapsit (Main)

    Just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0 to 12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. 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.

  • Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Intermediate (Main)

    Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. This is an in-person event. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Registration opens Wednesday, August 7 at 9AM through Wednesday, August 21 at 5PM to enter. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, August 23. Each patron that is interested in participating is placed on the waitlist. Those names will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation

  • Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)

    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. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

Booklists

 

 

Contact Us

How can we help?

Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry:

As a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper.

Read our complete privacy statement


Service Requests

Enter a service request via SeeClickFix for things like missed trash pickups, potholes, etc., click here