All Library locations will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, for Independence 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
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, June 29 @ 5:00 PM
Come join us at the Boudreau branch for a chess challenge. Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate.
Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community.
There's no need to register in advance - simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov
Learn More
Watercolor Workshop (Collins)
Tuesday, June 30 @ 5:30 PM
Join local artist Brooke Lambert for an introduction to painting with watercolor. Learn at your own pace to paint still life in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This class will introduce techniques in color mixing, observational painting and composition. You will come away from this class with beautiful watercolor paintings and a greater understanding and appreciation for the medium of watercolor.
This class is for adults with all levels of experiences and will cover wet on wet and wet on dry techniques, masking, pressing, shading and light techniques, ink washes and pattern making.
Registration is required.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, June 21, 2026
Summer Reading, Cambridge Cooks, AI Disinformation Workshop, and More! -
Director's Update, June 14, 2026
Summer Kickoff Party, Estate Planning for All, Nature Club, and More -
Director's Update, June 7, 2026
Summer Art Night, Playing with Poetry, You, Me, and AI, and More! -
Cambridge Public Library Launches 2026 Summer Reading Bingo
Plant a Seed, Read!
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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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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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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Baby Lapsit (Boudreau)
Bounces and rhymes for caregivers and babies to learn, play and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4017 for more information.
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Morning Sing-Along (Main)
Join us to sing and move together. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. 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. 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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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.
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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 a beginner level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. No registration is needed. Bring a notebook and pen.
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English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed. For more information call the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.
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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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High Beginner ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class. This class will be taught at a high beginner level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Summer Reading: Chalk Art (O'Connell)
Let's decorate the O'Connell Reading Garden with colorful chalk art! We’ll provide the chalk, you bring the creativity! For children of all ages and their caregivers.
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CANCELED Teen Hangout (Valente)
Hangout with other teens in the Valente Branch Community Room after school to socialize, unwind, and participate in a rotating activity. No registration required, drop-in between 3:30-4:30pm. 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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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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Baby Lapsit (Boudreau)
Bounces and rhymes for caregivers and babies to learn, play and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4017 for more information.
-
Morning Sing-Along (Main)
Join us to sing and move together. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. 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. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
-
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.
-
Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. No registration is needed. Bring a notebook and pen.
-
English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed. For more information call the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.