Meet the Director
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
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Robert J. Sampson presents: Marked by Time: How Social Change Has Transformed Crime and the Life Trajectories of Young Americans (Main)
Monday, April 13 @ 6:00 PM
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Robert J. Sampson—Woodford L. and Ann A. Flowers University Professor at Harvard University, Affiliated Research Professor at the American Bar Foundation, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences—for a discussion of his new book Marked by Time: How Social Change Has Transformed Crime and the Life Trajectories of Young Americans. He will be joined in conversation by Robert D. Putnam—Malkin Research Professor of Public Policy, Emeritus at Harvard University and recipient of the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama. Registration is required.
Learn More
How to use MyChart, Spotify and many more apps (Main)
Tuesday, April 14 @ 11:00 AM
Learn how to use apps on your phone (iPhone or Android) for wellness and fun. You will learn how to use MyChart, Spotify and how to download apps on your phone. This class will be delivered by a DOORS program instructor. To learn more about the DOORS program please go to: https://www.digitalpsych.org/doors-program.html
To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Learn More
News
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Service Alert Patriots' Day Closure
Patriots' Day Closure -
Cambridge Public Library to Host Former Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith for National Poetry Month
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Tracy K. Smith -
Director's Update, April 5, 2026
Gardening for Biodiversity, Zen Meditation, Origami Bookmarks, and More! -
Cambridge Public Library to Host Award-Winning Author Jasmine Warga for the Curious George Lecture
Children and families are invited to meet Jasmine Warga and get a book signed!
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.
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Sing-Along and Story Time in Mandarin (Main)
We invite children and their caregivers to a 30-minute session of songs and stories in Mandarin Chinese with Mina (Yating) Fan, a local mother and educator. This fun and interactive session brings families together to enjoy lively songs and engaging stories in a warm, welcoming environment. 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. Funding for this program has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
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3D Printing 101 (Main)
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print using our Prusa 3D printers! Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing certification for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
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Climate Quest with Cambridge Public Library (Main)
Celebrate Earth Day and the natural world around us here in Cambridge with an afternoon of discussion and exploration of our urban environment! Join the hosts of Cambridge Public Library's two climate-focused book groups for a brief guided conversation followed by an interactive scavenger hunt that will explore the areas around the library. You'll make connections with neighbors, learn more about our area's changing climate, and see the efforts and actions people in Cambridge are taking to protect the planet. We will meet in the Rossi Room of the Main Library and then head outside to complete a scavenger hunt. Attendees are welcome to stay in Joan Lorentz Park or areas surrounding the library to complete the scavenger hunt or head to any other outdoor location!
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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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Puzzle Swap (Main)
Donate your gently used jigsaw puzzles and browse a collection of fun new puzzles to take home! Puzzles of all sizes for all ages are welcome. No more than 5 puzzles per donation when you drop off in advance. You may donate ONLY 1 puzzle at the swap itself. Donation policy: Make sure your puzzle has all the pieces Rubber band or tape the box so it won't fall open Drop off puzzles at the Main Library Q&A desk Monday April 6 - Friday April 10
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Artful Mechanisms with Playful Engineers (Valente)
Join us to celebrate Jasmine Warga's A Rover's Story, which tells the story of a rover's journey to Mars and the challenges it faces there. We will celebrate by building some artful mechanisms with Playful Engineers! Use simple machines to create mechanical automata and solve problems similar to those faced by rovers on Mars - using materials you could find around your own home. Registration is required. This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture (CGL) with Jasmine Warga, award-winning author of A Rover's Story, Other Words for Home, and many other popular children's books. Save the Date: the Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m. at the Main Library. Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
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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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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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Songs, Stories and Play (O'Neill)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes followed by open play. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4023 for more information.
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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.
-
Sing-Along and Story Time in Mandarin (Main)
We invite children and their caregivers to a 30-minute session of songs and stories in Mandarin Chinese with Mina (Yating) Fan, a local mother and educator. This fun and interactive session brings families together to enjoy lively songs and engaging stories in a warm, welcoming environment. 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. Funding for this program has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
-
3D Printing 101 (Main)
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print using our Prusa 3D printers! Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing certification for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
-
Climate Quest with Cambridge Public Library (Main)
Celebrate Earth Day and the natural world around us here in Cambridge with an afternoon of discussion and exploration of our urban environment! Join the hosts of Cambridge Public Library's two climate-focused book groups for a brief guided conversation followed by an interactive scavenger hunt that will explore the areas around the library. You'll make connections with neighbors, learn more about our area's changing climate, and see the efforts and actions people in Cambridge are taking to protect the planet. We will meet in the Rossi Room of the Main Library and then head outside to complete a scavenger hunt. Attendees are welcome to stay in Joan Lorentz Park or areas surrounding the library to complete the scavenger hunt or head to any other outdoor location!
-
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.
-
Puzzle Swap (Main)
Donate your gently used jigsaw puzzles and browse a collection of fun new puzzles to take home! Puzzles of all sizes for all ages are welcome. No more than 5 puzzles per donation when you drop off in advance. You may donate ONLY 1 puzzle at the swap itself. Donation policy: Make sure your puzzle has all the pieces Rubber band or tape the box so it won't fall open Drop off puzzles at the Main Library Q&A desk Monday April 6 - Friday April 10
-
Artful Mechanisms with Playful Engineers (Valente)
Join us to celebrate Jasmine Warga's A Rover's Story, which tells the story of a rover's journey to Mars and the challenges it faces there. We will celebrate by building some artful mechanisms with Playful Engineers! Use simple machines to create mechanical automata and solve problems similar to those faced by rovers on Mars - using materials you could find around your own home. Registration is required. This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture (CGL) with Jasmine Warga, award-winning author of A Rover's Story, Other Words for Home, and many other popular children's books. Save the Date: the Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m. at the Main Library. Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
-
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.
-
Sing-Along and Story Time in Mandarin (Main)
We invite children and their caregivers to a 30-minute session of songs and stories in Mandarin Chinese with Mina (Yating) Fan, a local mother and educator. This fun and interactive session brings families together to enjoy lively songs and engaging stories in a warm, welcoming environment. 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. Funding for this program has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
-
3D Printing 101 (Main)
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print using our Prusa 3D printers! Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing certification for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.