All Library locations will be closed on Monday, May 25, for Memorial 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
AAPI Voices Poetry Open Mic with Aparna Paul (Valente)
Saturday, May 16 @ 2:00 PM
Celebrate AAPI voices through a poetry open mic & feature! Poets of Asian American/Pacific Islander heritage are invited to share their work and/or recite a cover poem. All adults are welcome to attend.
Interested poets can sign up for a 3-5 minute timeslot in the open mic by filling out this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/dszDWm1h2R
Following the open mic, we will be featuring Cambridge-based poet Aparna Paul.
Aparna Paul (she/her) is a writer, chemical engineer, banana bread enthusiast, & amateur crossword constructor based in Cambridge, MA. Her poetry & prose has been recognized by Reckoning, DMQ Review, & Gaining Ground, among others. She edited the anthology Reflections of The Land (Literary Cleveland, 2022) and is a co-editor of GOOD SOUP, now on hiatus (@goodsoup.mag on insta!). She performs regularly, hosts occasionally, and slams sometimes at the Boston Poetry Slam at the Cantab Lounge. HOME FREE (Game Over Books, 2025) is her debut full-length poetry collection. Books will be available for purchase.
Coffee will be provided.
Learn More
Park Sounds: Matching Set (Main)
Saturday, May 16 @ 2:00 PM
Matching Set is a twin-led indie-folk band performing original songs with lush vocal harmonies and poetic lyrics.Their set features intimate compositions blending European and American influences.
PARK SOUNDS 2026 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, May 10, 2026
Warren Milteer, Jr., Park Sounds, AAPI Poetry Reading, and More! -
Cambridge Public Library to Welcome Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Yiyun Li
Yiyun Li will read from her 2026 Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Things in Nature Merely Grow -
Director's Update, May 3, 2026
Portuguese Language Day Concert, Fixit Clinic, Earthwise Aware Nature Walk, and More! -
Director's Update, April 26, 2026
Cambridge Cooks, Nature Club, Outdoor Story Time, and More!
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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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. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
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Gund Kwok Asian Women's Lion Dance Troupe (Main)
Gund Kwok is the first all Asian and all female lion dance troupe in the country. They will present an interactive story about the origins and significance of the lion dance, followed by a lion dance performance that will include the traditional "eating of the greens" and the unrolling of good luck banners. After the performance, the audience will be invited to try on the lion heads and take photos. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Bring the whole family for a unforgettable experience!
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Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
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AI Training for Job Seekers (Main)
The Cambridge Public Library, in partnership with the African Bridge Network (ABN), is offering an AI Literacy Training designed to empower job seekers with the knowledge and skills to leverage AI tools responsibly and effectively for career advancement. Participants will learn how to: harness Generative AI technologies to enhance job search strategies optimize resumes prepare for interviews overcome common barriers in the job market To learn more about this program, please go to: africanbn.org/ai-training/ This training is a four-part workshop series. Participants who complete all sessions will be eligible to receive a free refurbished laptop and wi-fi hotspot. Sessions will be held in-person at the Main Library on Saturdays on the following dates: May 16, May 23, May 30 and June 6, 2026. Each session will be held from 1pm to 4pm. There are limited spots and registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis until capacity is reached or the deadline passes. Please register by May 6, 2026. If you have any questions or need help filling out the application form, you can contact us at 857-235-9382 or CPLDigitalEquity@cambridgema.gov
-
AAPI Voices Poetry Open Mic with Aparna Paul (Valente)
Celebrate AAPI voices through a poetry open mic & feature! Poets of Asian American/Pacific Islander heritage are invited to share their work and/or recite a cover poem. All adults are welcome to attend. Interested poets can sign up for a 3-5 minute timeslot in the open mic by filling out this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/dszDWm1h2R Following the open mic, we will be featuring Cambridge-based poet Aparna Paul. Aparna Paul (she/her) is a writer, chemical engineer, banana bread enthusiast, & amateur crossword constructor based in Cambridge, MA. Her poetry & prose has been recognized by Reckoning, DMQ Review, & Gaining Ground, among others. She edited the anthology Reflections of The Land (Literary Cleveland, 2022) and is a co-editor of GOOD SOUP, now on hiatus (@goodsoup.mag on insta!). She performs regularly, hosts occasionally, and slams sometimes at the Boston Poetry Slam at the Cantab Lounge. HOME FREE (Game Over Books, 2025) is her debut full-length poetry collection. Books will be available for purchase. Coffee will be 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.
-
Park Sounds: Matching Set (Main)
Matching Set is a twin-led indie-folk band performing original songs with lush vocal harmonies and poetic lyrics.Their set features intimate compositions blending European and American influences. PARK SOUNDS 2026 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.
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Aging with Mindfulness (Virtual)
This program, led by Zeenat Potia, will introduce and utilize mindfulness techniques to help us examine and regulate everyday life changes with a focus on aging. Participants will learn and benefit from the development of a mindfulness practice to enable responding to getting older in a calm, clear and thoughtful manner. Presented in Partnership with Cambridge Insight Meditation Center (CIMC). Rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition,CIMC is a welcoming refuge and teaching Center for all who seek inner peace through the liberating practice of Insight Meditation (vipassana). As an urban center, and now as an online community, CIMC is dedicated to the integration of practice into every aspect of community and daily life. Visit the CIMC Website. Registration is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
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CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Amanda Garms! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Amanda will share her insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. The meeting location for this walk will be at the Fresh Pond Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway. Temporary parking passes can be provided on request. Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.
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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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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. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Gund Kwok Asian Women's Lion Dance Troupe (Main)
Gund Kwok is the first all Asian and all female lion dance troupe in the country. They will present an interactive story about the origins and significance of the lion dance, followed by a lion dance performance that will include the traditional "eating of the greens" and the unrolling of good luck banners. After the performance, the audience will be invited to try on the lion heads and take photos. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Bring the whole family for a unforgettable experience!
-
Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
AI Training for Job Seekers (Main)
The Cambridge Public Library, in partnership with the African Bridge Network (ABN), is offering an AI Literacy Training designed to empower job seekers with the knowledge and skills to leverage AI tools responsibly and effectively for career advancement. Participants will learn how to: harness Generative AI technologies to enhance job search strategies optimize resumes prepare for interviews overcome common barriers in the job market To learn more about this program, please go to: africanbn.org/ai-training/ This training is a four-part workshop series. Participants who complete all sessions will be eligible to receive a free refurbished laptop and wi-fi hotspot. Sessions will be held in-person at the Main Library on Saturdays on the following dates: May 16, May 23, May 30 and June 6, 2026. Each session will be held from 1pm to 4pm. There are limited spots and registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis until capacity is reached or the deadline passes. Please register by May 6, 2026. If you have any questions or need help filling out the application form, you can contact us at 857-235-9382 or CPLDigitalEquity@cambridgema.gov
-
AAPI Voices Poetry Open Mic with Aparna Paul (Valente)
Celebrate AAPI voices through a poetry open mic & feature! Poets of Asian American/Pacific Islander heritage are invited to share their work and/or recite a cover poem. All adults are welcome to attend. Interested poets can sign up for a 3-5 minute timeslot in the open mic by filling out this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/dszDWm1h2R Following the open mic, we will be featuring Cambridge-based poet Aparna Paul. Aparna Paul (she/her) is a writer, chemical engineer, banana bread enthusiast, & amateur crossword constructor based in Cambridge, MA. Her poetry & prose has been recognized by Reckoning, DMQ Review, & Gaining Ground, among others. She edited the anthology Reflections of The Land (Literary Cleveland, 2022) and is a co-editor of GOOD SOUP, now on hiatus (@goodsoup.mag on insta!). She performs regularly, hosts occasionally, and slams sometimes at the Boston Poetry Slam at the Cantab Lounge. HOME FREE (Game Over Books, 2025) is her debut full-length poetry collection. Books will be available for purchase. Coffee will be 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.
-
Park Sounds: Matching Set (Main)
Matching Set is a twin-led indie-folk band performing original songs with lush vocal harmonies and poetic lyrics.Their set features intimate compositions blending European and American influences. PARK SOUNDS 2026 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.
-
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. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Gund Kwok Asian Women's Lion Dance Troupe (Main)
Gund Kwok is the first all Asian and all female lion dance troupe in the country. They will present an interactive story about the origins and significance of the lion dance, followed by a lion dance performance that will include the traditional "eating of the greens" and the unrolling of good luck banners. After the performance, the audience will be invited to try on the lion heads and take photos. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Bring the whole family for a unforgettable experience!
-
Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.