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
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.
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Panel Discussion: The Practice of Wisdom (Main)
Tuesday, October 27 @ 6:00 PM
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Davíd Carrasco, the Neil L. Rudenstine Professor of the Study of Latin America at Harvard University, Arthur Kleinman, the Esther and Sidney Rabb Professor of Anthropology at Harvard, Stephanie Paulsell, Professor Emerita at Harvard Divinity School, and Michael Puett, the Walter C. Klein Professor of Chinese History and Anthropology at Harvard, for a discussion of their new book, The Practice of Wisdom: Five Quests. They will be joined in conversation by Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts—Minister in the Memorial Church and Plummer Professor of Christian Morals at Harvard University. Registration is required.
Learn More
News
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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! -
Director's Update, October 11, 2026
Library Card Design Contest, Literary Monsters, Arabic Story Time, and More -
Director's Update, October 4, 2026
Opera Untapped, Bicycle Workshop, Young Architects, and More!
Coming Up
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Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Registration for this program has closed. Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu!
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Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
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Intermediate ESOL (Central Square)
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 Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Introduction to Managing Your Privacy (Main)
Learn simple ways to protect your privacy online. Discover how websites and apps track you, explore privacy settings on your devices, and get tips for managing passwords and online accounts. This class is a part of the AARP curriculum. To learn more about AARP please go to: www.oats.org To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
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Sing-Along (Valente)
Join us for songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. For children of all ages.
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Toddler Story Time (Main)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers. 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.
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Boudreau Branch Mystery Book Group (Boudreau/Virtual)
October Selection: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the Boudreau Branch. We will discuss current and classic mystery titles. Please register below if you would like to attend via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. How to get the book: Copies of the print book will be set aside at the Boudreau Branch (245 Concord Ave; current hours). Copies of the ebook and audiobook are available through Libby. For more information, call 617-349-4017 or email Liz Danner at edanner@cambridgema.gov.
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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. 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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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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Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Join us each Tuesday afternoon at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker. No equipment needed. This is an in-person program taking place in the Lewis Room at Central Square. Registration is required for each session.
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Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Drop-in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend,... Refreshments will be provided. 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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Advanced ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class. This class will be taught at an advanced level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Registration for this program has closed. Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu!
-
Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
-
Intermediate ESOL (Central Square)
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 Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
Introduction to Managing Your Privacy (Main)
Learn simple ways to protect your privacy online. Discover how websites and apps track you, explore privacy settings on your devices, and get tips for managing passwords and online accounts. This class is a part of the AARP curriculum. To learn more about AARP please go to: www.oats.org To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
-
Sing-Along (Valente)
Join us for songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. For children of all ages.
-
Toddler Story Time (Main)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers. 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.
-
Boudreau Branch Mystery Book Group (Boudreau/Virtual)
October Selection: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the Boudreau Branch. We will discuss current and classic mystery titles. Please register below if you would like to attend via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. How to get the book: Copies of the print book will be set aside at the Boudreau Branch (245 Concord Ave; current hours). Copies of the ebook and audiobook are available through Libby. For more information, call 617-349-4017 or email Liz Danner at edanner@cambridgema.gov.
-
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. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Registration for this program has closed. Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu!
-
Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
-
Intermediate ESOL (Central Square)
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 Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.