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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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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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 2p.m. and 3:30p.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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Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
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,... Refreshments will be provided. 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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Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 3:30pm-5:30pm for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact library@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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Paint by Sticker (Collins)
Choose a "Paint by Sticker" design and match the numbered stickers to the numbered spaces, then watch your artwork come alive. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.
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Preschool Story Time (Main)
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 45 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. 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.
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Teen Design Your Own Graphic Novel Session 1/3 (Valente)
Learn how to visually capture your own memoir or fictional creation in a short graphic novel through story planning, character development, and techniques for capturing emotions, motion, and time. Materials provided and no prior art or author experience needed! Registration is required, and registering for this session includes the following two Tuesdays 1/20, and 1/27. This program is for ages 10-18. 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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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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Baby Lapsit (Central Square)
Bounces and rhymes for our youngest library patrons. Recommended for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers.
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Parent/Child (Ages 7-9) Book Group (Main)
Join us for a lively discussion of a great book in person at the Main Library! Snacks will be provided. For ages 7-9 and a parent or caregiver. This month's book is The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman. Four very different students are stuck sitting together at the “D” table, but form an unlikely alliance when one of them creates a machine that can do their homework for them at the press of a button. Soon, though, tensions form and even when they try to put it behind them the machine takes on a life of its own. Copies of this month's book are available at the Children's Desk. Both caregiver and child should read the book before the discussion to participate. Registration is required — only one registration is needed per family. For questions about parent/child book group, please email Rachel: rbeaton@cambridgema.gov
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Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
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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.
-
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 2p.m. and 3:30p.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.
-
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
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,... Refreshments will be provided. 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.
-
Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 3:30pm-5:30pm for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact library@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.
-
Paint by Sticker (Collins)
Choose a "Paint by Sticker" design and match the numbered stickers to the numbered spaces, then watch your artwork come alive. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.
-
Preschool Story Time (Main)
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 45 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. 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.
-
Teen Design Your Own Graphic Novel Session 1/3 (Valente)
Learn how to visually capture your own memoir or fictional creation in a short graphic novel through story planning, character development, and techniques for capturing emotions, motion, and time. Materials provided and no prior art or author experience needed! Registration is required, and registering for this session includes the following two Tuesdays 1/20, and 1/27. This program is for ages 10-18. 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.
-
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.
-
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 2p.m. and 3:30p.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.
-
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
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,... Refreshments will be provided. 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.