Meet the Director
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
Read the Monthly Newsletter
Learn More
Winter Art Tour: Gallery 344 at Cambridge City Hall Annex
Monday, January 27 @ 5:30 PM
Join Cambridge Arts and the Cambridge Public Library for a guided tour of the Gallery 344 exhibition The Community Grafting Project and Town Green, Mike Glier's mural site in the City Hall Annex. More information about the gallery and the Cambridge Arts Council can be found here: https://www.cambridgema.gov/arts/publicart/gallery344
We will meet at the Cambridge City Hall Annex building at 344 Broadway in Cambridge.
Learn More
CPL Presents: Nina MacLaughlin, Joan Wickersham, and Lucy Ives (Main/Virtual)
Wednesday, January 29 @ 6:00 PM
Join the Cambridge Public Library in welcoming three award-winning authors—Nina MacLaughlin, Joan Wickersham, and Lucy Ives—for readings from their latest books.
Nina MacLaughlin—a recent winner of a Massachusetts Book Award—will read from Winter Solstice.
Joan Wickersham—whose memoir The Suicide Index was a finalist for the National Book Award—will read from No Ship Sets Out to Be a Shipwreck.
Lucy Ives—a poet, novelist, and essayist—will read from An Image of My Name Enters America.
After the reading, there will be a short audience Q&A and book signing.
Registration is required for in-person and virtual attendance.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, January 12, 2025
50th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture, Tween Hangout, Paper Snowflakes and More! -
Director's Update, December 29, 2024
Noon” Year’s Eve, Fiber Arts Circle, Cambridge Young Authors’ Squad, and More! -
Director's Update, January 5, 2025
Collaging, Brewery Book Club, MLK Jr. Day Celebration, and More! -
Director's Update, December 22, 2024
Nintendo Switch Party, Family Movie, Boredom Busters, and More!
Coming Up
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High 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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Sing-Along (O'Neill)
Sing and dance to your favorite songs! For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.
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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.
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Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)
This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! Registration for each session is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Class will not be available at the Valente Branch on January 27th or February 3rd.
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iPhone and iPad Essentials for Better Tech Habits (O'Neill)
Want to learn more about the basic functions of an iPhone or iPad? Learn how to get online, identify common apps, and build your confidence in using your device safely. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
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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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Hive Safety Training (Main)
Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to utilize the resources we offer and how to keep safe in The Hive. Find out what you need to get started as a maker in The Hive here. Completion of Hive Safety Training is the entry point to making, innovating, and collaborating in this space. Makers must also sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
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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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STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-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 and submit an application .
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Central Square Shares the Love: Community Mosaic (Central Square)
Contribute to the Central Square Library Branch's Community Mosaic and share what you love about Central Square and the Central Square Branch Library. In February, we'll display our community contributions on our On the Wall gallery. Throughout the month of January, we're inviting patrons of all ages into the Library to contribute through our community art sessions. For this session, we'll have supplies to collage on individual paper mosaic pieces. All supplies provided.
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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! 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. For children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 30 builders. Children under age 7 must be attended by a caregiver. 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. 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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STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
In Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs, students dive into the exciting world of social robots—machines designed to interact, learn, and connect. From brainstorming ideas to building prototypes, students explore how AI and robotics can foster fairer, more inclusive communities. They design robots that serve as friendly companions, offering support, connection, and solutions to real-world challenges. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Skills Learned: Human-Centered Design, Mechanics, Electronics, Computer Programming, AI, and more. Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that inspires high-potential, diverse young people to discover their passions, develop innovative mindsets and cultivate marketable skills to solve problems they care most about. Summer Studio teens are funded in part through the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. The Cambridge Public Library STEAM Academy is part of Cambridge STEAM Initiative's efforts to enhance and expand students’ access to quality STEAM learning experiences. Made possible by generous support from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund and Verizon.
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High 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.
-
Sing-Along (O'Neill)
Sing and dance to your favorite songs! For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.
-
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.
-
Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)
This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! Registration for each session is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Class will not be available at the Valente Branch on January 27th or February 3rd.
-
iPhone and iPad Essentials for Better Tech Habits (O'Neill)
Want to learn more about the basic functions of an iPhone or iPad? Learn how to get online, identify common apps, and build your confidence in using your device safely. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
-
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.
-
Hive Safety Training (Main)
Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to utilize the resources we offer and how to keep safe in The Hive. Find out what you need to get started as a maker in The Hive here. Completion of Hive Safety Training is the entry point to making, innovating, and collaborating in this space. Makers must also sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
-
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.
-
High 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.
-
Sing-Along (O'Neill)
Sing and dance to your favorite songs! For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.
-
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.