All Library locations will be closed on Monday, April 20, for Patriots' 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
Bystander Know Your Rights Training (Main)
Tuesday, April 14 @ 6:00 PM
Join the LUCE Immigration Justice Network of Massachusetts to learn how to respond to immigration enforcement in your community. LUCE volunteers will cover bystanders’ rights when witnessing immigration enforcement, as well as how to identify potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and how to safely engage. You will also learn more about LUCE and how their statewide hotline works. This is a hybrid event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered online participants 1 hour before the event. Interpretation services are available to online attendees by request in a number of languages. To request interpretation, please indicate your language needs on the registration form by Tuesday, March 31st. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Learn More
Lunch at the Library & Uno Tournament for Teens (O'Connell)
Wednesday, April 15 @ 1:00 PM
Take a break from your studies and join us for lunch and Uno! Free pizza will be provided while supplies last. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 11-18. No registration 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!
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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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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Graphics Are Great! Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our monthly "Graphics Are Great!" book group is for kids aged 8-12. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our April book is Outsider Kids by Betty Tang. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the O'Connell Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the "Graphics Are Great!" Book Club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
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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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Open Data Workshop
The City of Cambridge offers free access to hundreds of datasets on its Open Data Portal, covering everything from crime and traffic to property and even dog names. Join us for a hands-on workshop at the Cambridge Public Library to explore what's available and learn how to analyze and visualize this data — including how to use AI tools for data exploration. No prior experience or expertise is required. Register now for this free, one-hour course. Sign up for the Cambridge open data newsletter to be informed about future open data courses.
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Bystander Know Your Rights Training (Main)
Join the LUCE Immigration Justice Network of Massachusetts to learn how to respond to immigration enforcement in your community. LUCE volunteers will cover bystanders’ rights when witnessing immigration enforcement, as well as how to identify potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and how to safely engage. You will also learn more about LUCE and how their statewide hotline works. This is a hybrid event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered online participants 1 hour before the event. Interpretation services are available to online attendees by request in a number of languages. To request interpretation, please indicate your language needs on the registration form by Tuesday, March 31st. Registration is encouraged but not required.
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Drop-in English Conversation Practice (Central Square)
Practice English conversation skills with native English speakers. All levels welcome. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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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 Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Mary Lennox is a sickly and spoiled 10-year-old girl sent to live with her reclusive uncle after the death of her parents. When she arrives at his rural estate she meets a cast of characters including a friendly housekeeper and a mysterious cousin who she hears crying at night. When Mary discovers a hidden garden that has been growing wild for years, she decides to restore it in secret. Choose either the original or one of our graphic novel adaptations and come ready to compare and contrast! 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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Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Before taking in-person workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
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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.
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Romance Book Group (Main)
This month's book: Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon Audience: Teens and Adults. If you read romance (or want to start), this group is for you! Reading Interests: This group will explore the burgeoning genre of contemporary romance. Example selections include: Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola and Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner. How to get the print book: Copies of the print book are set aside at the Main Library Q&A Desk on the ground floor. Visit the Main Library at 449 Broadway during service hours and a staff member can help you check out a copy. How to get the e-book or digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as an e-book and digital audiobook through Libby. We'll meet in the Teen Room on the first floor of the Main Library. For more information, contact Susannah at sbtkacz@cambridgema.gov.
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CANCELLED- Digital Embroidery (Main)
Want to learn how to create custom clothing and other fiber projects with embroidered text? In this workshop, you’ll use a digital embroidery machine to stitch personalized designs and take home a unique piece. This class is for those with prior sewing machine experience. If you're new to sewing, we recommend taking our Sewing 101 workshop first as we will not spend time reviewing the basic mechanics of sewing.
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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.
-
Graphics Are Great! Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our monthly "Graphics Are Great!" book group is for kids aged 8-12. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our April book is Outsider Kids by Betty Tang. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the O'Connell Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the "Graphics Are Great!" Book Club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
-
Baby Lapsit (Central Square)
Bounces and rhymes for our youngest library patrons. Recommended for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers.
-
Open Data Workshop
The City of Cambridge offers free access to hundreds of datasets on its Open Data Portal, covering everything from crime and traffic to property and even dog names. Join us for a hands-on workshop at the Cambridge Public Library to explore what's available and learn how to analyze and visualize this data — including how to use AI tools for data exploration. No prior experience or expertise is required. Register now for this free, one-hour course. Sign up for the Cambridge open data newsletter to be informed about future open data courses.
-
Bystander Know Your Rights Training (Main)
Join the LUCE Immigration Justice Network of Massachusetts to learn how to respond to immigration enforcement in your community. LUCE volunteers will cover bystanders’ rights when witnessing immigration enforcement, as well as how to identify potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and how to safely engage. You will also learn more about LUCE and how their statewide hotline works. This is a hybrid event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered online participants 1 hour before the event. Interpretation services are available to online attendees by request in a number of languages. To request interpretation, please indicate your language needs on the registration form by Tuesday, March 31st. Registration is encouraged but not required.
-
Drop-in English Conversation Practice (Central Square)
Practice English conversation skills with native English speakers. All levels welcome. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
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 Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Mary Lennox is a sickly and spoiled 10-year-old girl sent to live with her reclusive uncle after the death of her parents. When she arrives at his rural estate she meets a cast of characters including a friendly housekeeper and a mysterious cousin who she hears crying at night. When Mary discovers a hidden garden that has been growing wild for years, she decides to restore it in secret. Choose either the original or one of our graphic novel adaptations and come ready to compare and contrast! 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
-
Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Before taking in-person workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
-
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.
-
Graphics Are Great! Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our monthly "Graphics Are Great!" book group is for kids aged 8-12. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our April book is Outsider Kids by Betty Tang. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the O'Connell Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the "Graphics Are Great!" Book Club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
-
Baby Lapsit (Central Square)
Bounces and rhymes for our youngest library patrons. Recommended for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers.