Meet the Director
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
Read the Monthly Newsletter
Learn More
Online Security Basics - how to recognize and avoid online scams (Main)
Tuesday, December 9 @ 11:00 AM
Learn how to be safer online with accounts and passwords. We will provide an overview of frauds and scams to watch out for.
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
AI and Us Town Hall: Your Voice Belongs in the Future of AI (Main)
Thursday, December 11 @ 5:00 PM
AI is the most transformative technology of our time, yet decisions about its future are being shaped by a small group of people. As AI becomes embedded in our daily lives, the voices of young people, families, educators, and community members matter more than ever. Join us for an inclusive, intergenerational gathering where we explore what is at stake, what is possible, how we can collectively shape a more humane and equitable future in the age of AI.
AI and Us Showcase — Discover how young people, researchers, and community organizations are shaping AI for humanity.
Town Hall Conversations — Hear from thought leaders and youth voices on why our participation in AI’s future is not optional.
Community Commitment Wall — Add your hope or promise for a future where everyone belongs in the story of AI.
AI is still young. Its future is not yet written. Let’s shape it together. Registration is required to participate in this event.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, November 30, 2025
Our Path Forward Lecture with Rachel Slade, Know Your Rights, Cards for the Community, and More! -
Director's Update, November 16, 2025
Winter Weirding Workshop, Trans Tea Time, Empowerment in Your Later Years, and More! -
Director's Update, November 9. 2025
Morgan Talty, Know Your Rights, The Nutcracker, and More! - Upcoming Library Programs and Events -
Director's Update, November 2, 2025
Horn Book Awards, Maria Lawton, Lift Every Voice, and More!
Coming Up
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Cookie Decorating and Exchange Party
Come join us for decorating party and a cookie exchange! Bring some cookies to swap with other patrons & we’ll provide cookies and supplies for decorating! 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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Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS (O'Neill)
Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful, but not required.
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Magic Tree House Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our Magic Tree House book group for kids ages 5-10 meets the first Friday of the month. Pick up a copy of the book beforehand. Our December book is Magic Tree House #4, "Pirates Past Noon." This event is onsite at O'Connell, with the option to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Magic Tree House book club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
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Merlin Missions Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our Merlin Missions book group is for Magic Tree House fans ages 5-10 who are ready for these longer adventures about Jack and Annie! Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our December book is Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #16: A Ghost Tale For Christmas Time. 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 Magic Tree House Book Club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
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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.
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Hive Safety Training (Main)
Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to utilize the resources we offer and how to keep safe in The Hive. Find out what you need to get started as a maker in The Hive here. Completion of Hive Safety Training is the entry point to making, innovating, and collaborating in this space. Makers must also sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
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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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Choosing Kindness: Wonder, the Movie (Main)
Please join the Cambridge Public Library and the American Repertory Theater for an afternoon of Wonder! To celebrate the much-anticipated new A.R.T. musical "Wonder," we'll be watching the 2017 movie adaptation of R.J. Palacio's book. Enjoy the movie on the big screen in our Lecture Hall, then browse our display of related books. All attendees will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for four free tickets to a performance of "Wonder" at the A.R.T.
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Chess Hour (O'Neill)
Join us for a game of chess at the O'Neill Branch! Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is a space for individuals to play and test their skills against other members of the community. This is not an instructional class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov
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Songs & Stories (Valente)
Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes. For children of all ages and their grown-ups.
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Cookie Decorating and Exchange Party
Come join us for decorating party and a cookie exchange! Bring some cookies to swap with other patrons & we’ll provide cookies and supplies for decorating! 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.
-
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS (O'Neill)
Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful, but not required.
-
Magic Tree House Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our Magic Tree House book group for kids ages 5-10 meets the first Friday of the month. Pick up a copy of the book beforehand. Our December book is Magic Tree House #4, "Pirates Past Noon." This event is onsite at O'Connell, with the option to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Magic Tree House book club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
-
Merlin Missions Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our Merlin Missions book group is for Magic Tree House fans ages 5-10 who are ready for these longer adventures about Jack and Annie! Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our December book is Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #16: A Ghost Tale For Christmas Time. 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 Magic Tree House Book Club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
-
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.
-
Hive Safety Training (Main)
Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to utilize the resources we offer and how to keep safe in The Hive. Find out what you need to get started as a maker in The Hive here. Completion of Hive Safety Training is the entry point to making, innovating, and collaborating in this space. Makers must also sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
-
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.
-
Choosing Kindness: Wonder, the Movie (Main)
Please join the Cambridge Public Library and the American Repertory Theater for an afternoon of Wonder! To celebrate the much-anticipated new A.R.T. musical "Wonder," we'll be watching the 2017 movie adaptation of R.J. Palacio's book. Enjoy the movie on the big screen in our Lecture Hall, then browse our display of related books. All attendees will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for four free tickets to a performance of "Wonder" at the A.R.T.
-
Cookie Decorating and Exchange Party
Come join us for decorating party and a cookie exchange! Bring some cookies to swap with other patrons & we’ll provide cookies and supplies for decorating! 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.
-
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad - CYAS (O'Neill)
Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful, but not required.
-
Magic Tree House Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our Magic Tree House book group for kids ages 5-10 meets the first Friday of the month. Pick up a copy of the book beforehand. Our December book is Magic Tree House #4, "Pirates Past Noon." This event is onsite at O'Connell, with the option to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Magic Tree House book club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.