All Library locations will be closed Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, for Christmas.
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, December 15 @ 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
Google Photos Basics (Main)
Tuesday, December 16 @ 11:00 AM
Learn how to use Google Photos to organize and save your photos and videos!
In the class, you will learn how to:
Store photos and videos
Organize and understand features of Google Photos
Share photos with friends and family
You will need a Google (Gmail) account for this class - please bring your login info! A laptop will be available for use during class.
To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Registration to attend this class is strongly encouraged but not required.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, December 14, 2025
Festive Fanfare with the BFO, Holiday Cards, Homemade Gifts and More! -
Director's Update, December 7, 2025
AI and Us Town Hall, Community Supper, Shop for Free with The Spot and More! -
Director's Update, November 30, 2025
Our Path Forward Lecture with Rachel Slade, Know Your Rights, Cards for the Community, and More! -
Director's Update, November 16, 2025
Winter Weirding Workshop, Trans Tea Time, Empowerment in Your Later Years, and More!
Read the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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Making Holiday Cards and Wrapping Paper (O'Neill)
Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to create hand-made cards and wrapping paper using print-making techniques! Snacks provided. No registration necessary.
-
Homemade Gifts: Tissue Paper Flowers (Collins)
Join us to craft homemade gifts this holiday season. Learn to create flowers made from tissue paper. Build a bouquet to take home for yourself or share with someone special. Recommended for children ages 6-12 with a caregiver. Tuesday, December 9: Paper Bead Jewelry Monday, December 15: Tissue Paper Flowers Please note: latecomers arriving after 4:30 p.m. may not have time to complete this project.
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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.
-
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
-
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.
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O'Neill Branch Book Group (O'Neill)
December Selection: In the midst of winter by Isabel Allende A book discussion group for adults at the O'Neill Branch Library, reading a mixture of fiction and nonfiction. Past titles include Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. Print copies are available for pickup at the O'Neill Branch Library. This month's book selection is also available as a digital audiobook through Libby/OverDrive.
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Sustaining Community: A Climate Change Book Group (Main)
The climate is changing, and we're all here on the planet together. Join us for a monthly community gathering and discussion of a variety of books about climate change. We will share thoughts, resources, and occasionally host special guests in a welcoming small-group environment. For our December meeting, we will discuss This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate by Naomi Klein. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Q&A Desk. E-book copies of the book are available to borrow on the Libby app and audiobook copies are available immediately on the Hoopla app. Registration is required. Please contact alengel@cambridgema.gov with questions.
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Drop In Tech Help (Valente)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to support navigating online job applications? Want information on low cost internet? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 10a.m. and 12p.m. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact kmcquown@cambridgema.gov 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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Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for 20-25 minutes of music, movement and stories. For children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required.
-
Google Photos Basics (Main)
Learn how to use Google Photos to organize and save your photos and videos! In the class, you will learn how to: Store photos and videos Organize and understand features of Google Photos Share photos with friends and family You will need a Google (Gmail) account for this class - please bring your login info! A laptop will be available for use during class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration to attend this class is strongly encouraged but not required.
-
Making Holiday Cards and Wrapping Paper (O'Neill)
Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to create hand-made cards and wrapping paper using print-making techniques! Snacks provided. No registration necessary.
-
Homemade Gifts: Tissue Paper Flowers (Collins)
Join us to craft homemade gifts this holiday season. Learn to create flowers made from tissue paper. Build a bouquet to take home for yourself or share with someone special. Recommended for children ages 6-12 with a caregiver. Tuesday, December 9: Paper Bead Jewelry Monday, December 15: Tissue Paper Flowers Please note: latecomers arriving after 4:30 p.m. may not have time to complete this project.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
O'Neill Branch Book Group (O'Neill)
December Selection: In the midst of winter by Isabel Allende A book discussion group for adults at the O'Neill Branch Library, reading a mixture of fiction and nonfiction. Past titles include Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. Print copies are available for pickup at the O'Neill Branch Library. This month's book selection is also available as a digital audiobook through Libby/OverDrive.
-
Sustaining Community: A Climate Change Book Group (Main)
The climate is changing, and we're all here on the planet together. Join us for a monthly community gathering and discussion of a variety of books about climate change. We will share thoughts, resources, and occasionally host special guests in a welcoming small-group environment. For our December meeting, we will discuss This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate by Naomi Klein. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Q&A Desk. E-book copies of the book are available to borrow on the Libby app and audiobook copies are available immediately on the Hoopla app. Registration is required. Please contact alengel@cambridgema.gov with questions.
-
Making Holiday Cards and Wrapping Paper (O'Neill)
Kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can come to the Library to create hand-made cards and wrapping paper using print-making techniques! Snacks provided. No registration necessary.
-
Homemade Gifts: Tissue Paper Flowers (Collins)
Join us to craft homemade gifts this holiday season. Learn to create flowers made from tissue paper. Build a bouquet to take home for yourself or share with someone special. Recommended for children ages 6-12 with a caregiver. Tuesday, December 9: Paper Bead Jewelry Monday, December 15: Tissue Paper Flowers Please note: latecomers arriving after 4:30 p.m. may not have time to complete this project.
-
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.