Check out the Monthly Newsletter
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
Design the Cambridge Public Library's next library card!
Submit your original design that answers the prompt "Adventure Awaits... at the Library!" by November 15 to be featured on new, limited-edition library cards to come in 2027.
Learn More
Young Architects (O'Connell)
Friday, November 13 @ 3:30 PM
Learn how to design buildings with architect Neha Garg in this hands-on STEAM workshop for ages 8-12!
Registration is recommended. Call 617-349-4019 for details.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update November 8 2026
Cambridge Cooks, The Optics of Aging, Navigating Today’s Job Market, and More! -
Director's Update November 1 2026
Indigenous Weaving, Career Exploration Workshop, Crafting Your Story, and More! -
Directors Update October 25 2026
America Unfinished Talk, Trick or Treat, Halloween Parties, and More! -
Director's Update, October 18, 2026
Library Card Design Contest, Understanding Deaf Culture, Crafternoon, and More!
Coming Up
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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. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link]. 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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Beginner ESOL (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.
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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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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 11a.m. and 1p.m. for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required.
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Toddler Story Time (O'Connell)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.
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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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Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Join instructor Darren Hairston for Zumba Gold – the fun and energizing dance fitness class tailored for active older adults and beginners! Set to vibrant, upbeat music, Zumba Gold features low-impact, easy-to-follow dance moves that make staying fit enjoyable and accessible for all fitness levels. Improve your balance, flexibility, and cardio health while having a great time in a supportive and friendly environment. No dance experience needed—just bring your smile and a willingness to move! Registration is required every week and will open at 11:30AM the Monday before each class. Waitlisted participants should remain outside the room until 11:35. Registered participants should arrive before 11:35, after which remaining spots will go to the waitlist.
-
Beginner ESOL (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 is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm Beginner (Valente)
Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Join us in this 10-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. This is an in-person event in the Program Room at the Valente Branch. Finalized dates will be announced closer to the program to accommodate early voting. To enter the lottery, please register for the waitlist below. This waitlist will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Registration will open Wednesday, July 22 at 9 am and close Wednesday, August 12 at 5PM. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, August 14. Priority will be given to those who were not selected for the spring program. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation
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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.
-
Young Architects (O'Connell)
Learn how to design buildings with architect Neha Garg in this hands-on STEAM workshop for ages 8-12! Registration is recommended. Call 617-349-4019 for details.
-
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. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link]. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Beginner ESOL (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.
-
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.
-
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 11a.m. and 1p.m. for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required.
-
Toddler Story Time (O'Connell)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.
-
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.
-
Wellness for Older Adults: Zumba Gold (Main)
Join instructor Darren Hairston for Zumba Gold – the fun and energizing dance fitness class tailored for active older adults and beginners! Set to vibrant, upbeat music, Zumba Gold features low-impact, easy-to-follow dance moves that make staying fit enjoyable and accessible for all fitness levels. Improve your balance, flexibility, and cardio health while having a great time in a supportive and friendly environment. No dance experience needed—just bring your smile and a willingness to move! Registration is required every week and will open at 11:30AM the Monday before each class. Waitlisted participants should remain outside the room until 11:35. Registered participants should arrive before 11:35, after which remaining spots will go to the waitlist.
-
Beginner ESOL (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 is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
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. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link]. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Beginner ESOL (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.
-
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.