The O’Neill Branch Library is closed for a routine update of the HVAC system and is expected to reopen in early February.
All Library locations will be closed Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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
51st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture (Hybrid)
Wednesday, January 14 @ 6:00 PM
Join the Cambridge Public Library for the 51st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture with Dr. Brandon M. Terry.
Dr. Terry is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University and Co-director of the Institute on Policing, Incarceration, and Public Safety at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. He is the author of Shattered Dreams, Infinite Hope: A Tragic Vision of the Civil Rights Movement and is coeditor, with Tommie Shelby, of To Shape a New World: Essays on the Political Philosophy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and editor of Fifty Years Since MLK. Registration is required.
Learn More
Mend & Make Meetup (Valente)
Wednesday, January 21 @ 6:00 PM
Have clothes to mend or craft projects to work on? Join us for our new monthly meetup! Bring what you are working on and we will provide basic mending supplies.
Registration is required.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, January 4, 2026
Watercolor Workshop, Cardboard Loom Weaving, Brewery Book Club, and More! -
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!
Read the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio and more. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18.
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Read to a Dog (Valente)
Read to Dante, our local cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required and begins on Wednesday, January 7 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015). 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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After School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. For more information, call 617-349-4010. This program is recommended for ages 5-10.
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One-on-One Tech Help (Boudreau)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the Boudreau branch for our drop-in hours! Drop-in sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. We can help you with: accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices e-mail and searching the web smartphone and mobile app questions We are not able to help you with: installing advanced software programs completing online transactions for you computer hardware and technical maintenance To view all available timeslots and dates, use the following link: One-on-One Tech Help schedule. Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact Ivan David Pachon by email at ipachon@cambridgema.gov
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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.
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Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
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Evening Family Story Time (Collins)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes. For children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required.
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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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Wiggle Party (O'Connell)
Join us for a dance party to get your wiggles out! Play a freeze dance game, shake some shakers, and learn the steps to a new dance! For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4019.
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51st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture (Hybrid)
Join the Cambridge Public Library for the 51st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture with Dr. Brandon M. Terry. Dr. Terry is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University and Co-director of the Institute on Policing, Incarceration, and Public Safety at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. He is the author of Shattered Dreams, Infinite Hope: A Tragic Vision of the Civil Rights Movement and is coeditor, with Tommie Shelby, of To Shape a New World: Essays on the Political Philosophy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and editor of Fifty Years Since MLK. Registration is required.
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Cookbook Club (Collins)
January Selections: Love Japan : recipes from our Japanese American kitchen by Sawako Okochi & Aaron Israel with Gabriella Gershenson and The gaijin cookbook : Japanese recipes from a chef, father, eater, and lifelong outsider by Ivan Orkin and Chris Ying. Join friends and neighbors for a potluck! Try a recipe and bring your results or thoughts to share and discuss with other cooks. All experience levels welcome. No need to bring a dish to join. Books will be available for pick up at the Boudreau and Collins Branches during library hours. This event will take place indoors at the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) For more information contact Liz at edanner@cambridgema.gov or call the Collins Branch at 617-349-4021.
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Short Story Reading Group [Central Square]
Every month we will read and discuss a short story as a group. This month we will read "Popular Mechanics" by Raymond Carver. No preparation needed! Copies of the story will be available for pick up at the Central Square Branch. Registration is helpful but not required!
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Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio and more. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18.
-
Read to a Dog (Valente)
Read to Dante, our local cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required and begins on Wednesday, January 7 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015). 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
-
After School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. For more information, call 617-349-4010. This program is recommended for ages 5-10.
-
One-on-One Tech Help (Boudreau)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the Boudreau branch for our drop-in hours! Drop-in sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. We can help you with: accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices e-mail and searching the web smartphone and mobile app questions We are not able to help you with: installing advanced software programs completing online transactions for you computer hardware and technical maintenance To view all available timeslots and dates, use the following link: One-on-One Tech Help schedule. Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact Ivan David Pachon by email at ipachon@cambridgema.gov
-
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.
-
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
-
Evening Family Story Time (Collins)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes. For children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not 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.
-
Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio and more. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18.
-
Read to a Dog (Valente)
Read to Dante, our local cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required and begins on Wednesday, January 7 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015). 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
-
After School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. For more information, call 617-349-4010. This program is recommended for ages 5-10.