All library locations will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 24 due to snow.
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
Communicating via emails and text messages (Virtual)
Wednesday, February 25 @ 6:00 PM
Learn how to use smartphones (iPhone or Android) to communicate with others. You will learn about text messages, emails and how to send attachments. This class will be delivered by a DOORS program instructor. To learn more about the DOORS program please go to: https://www.digitalpsych.org/doors-program.html
To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Learn More
CPL Presents: Shakespeare of Harlem: Exploring the Life and Legacy of Langston Hughes (Main)
Thursday, February 26 @ 6:00 PM
In honor of Black History Month, join Opera on Tap Boston for Shakespeare of Harlem, a concert celebrating the life, work, and enduring influence of Langston Hughes. The program weaves Hughes’ poetry and prose with art songs by composers such as Margaret Bonds and Florence Price, alongside the voices of his contemporaries, including Georgia Douglas Johnson and Countee Cullen.
An ensemble of celebrated local actor-singers brings the text and music to life, illuminating the ideas, experiences, and cultural moments that shaped Hughes as a writer. The performance will be followed by a talkback, offering audiences a chance to discuss with the artists and the material in conversation.
Featuring:
Morgan Beckford, Soprano
Melynda Davis, Soprano
Todd McNeel, Baritone
Fred C. VanNess Jr., Tenor
Producers:
Nina Evelyn and Kathryn McKellar
Registration is not required but preferred.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, February 15, 2026
Gospel Concert, Power of Poetry, Live at the Library, and More! -
Director's Update, February 8, 2026
Perler Bead Valentines, Community Chats, Board Game Afternoon, and More! -
Director's Update, February 1, 2025
Community Survey, Johnisha M. Levi, Fire Cider Class, and More! -
Black History Month at the Library
Library unveils programs and events to celebrate Black History Month
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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Baby Lapsit (Main)
Just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for children from birth to 12 months with their caregivers.
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One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (O'Neill)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the O'Neill Branch Library for a tech help appointment! Sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. We can help you with: accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices e-mail and searching the web smartphone and mobile app questions We are not able to help you with: installing advanced software programs completing online transactions for you computer hardware and technical maintenance Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact 617-349-4023
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[CANCELED] CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
UPDATE: Due to the impacts of this week's winter storm, this walk has been canceled. There will be another walk on Wednesday, February 25th. Register for that walk at this link. Join us for a morning walk at one of the most renowned bird watching spots in Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. The walk will meet at the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am. We will walk to Mt. Auburn Cemetery together (about a five minute walk). Please try to be on time as we will leave shortly after 10:15! 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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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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Documentary Photography with your Smartphone [55+] (Main)
We live in an age where we carry our smartphones everywhere we go. Built into this device is a camera that can help us document the world around us. Whether it’s taking family portraits, beautiful landscapes, or in some cases the meal we just sat down to eat, we’re all constantly taking photos. This class will not only teach you to take the best possible photos, but how to edit your photos to make them look as good as they possibly can. We will also cover how to organize the photos on your phone. We will learn how to become visual storytellers through projects I'll assign each week followed by thoughtful group discussions of your photos. You need only bring two things to this class: your smartphone and your imagination. This program will be held in the Rindge Room.
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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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Story Time (Central Square)
Join us for a half-hour of stories and songs in the Children's Room. Recommended for children 0-5 and their caregivers.
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Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (O'Neill Branch)
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 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact 617-349-4023
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Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
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, cross stitch and more. All crafts are welcome!
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Morning Sing-Along (Main)
It's a Library dance party! 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, and any 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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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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English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This conversation group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Baby Lapsit (Main)
Just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for children from birth to 12 months with their caregivers.
-
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (O'Neill)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the O'Neill Branch Library for a tech help appointment! Sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. We can help you with: accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices e-mail and searching the web smartphone and mobile app questions We are not able to help you with: installing advanced software programs completing online transactions for you computer hardware and technical maintenance Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact 617-349-4023
-
[CANCELED] CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
UPDATE: Due to the impacts of this week's winter storm, this walk has been canceled. There will be another walk on Wednesday, February 25th. Register for that walk at this link. Join us for a morning walk at one of the most renowned bird watching spots in Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. The walk will meet at the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am. We will walk to Mt. Auburn Cemetery together (about a five minute walk). Please try to be on time as we will leave shortly after 10:15! 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.
-
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.
-
Documentary Photography with your Smartphone [55+] (Main)
We live in an age where we carry our smartphones everywhere we go. Built into this device is a camera that can help us document the world around us. Whether it’s taking family portraits, beautiful landscapes, or in some cases the meal we just sat down to eat, we’re all constantly taking photos. This class will not only teach you to take the best possible photos, but how to edit your photos to make them look as good as they possibly can. We will also cover how to organize the photos on your phone. We will learn how to become visual storytellers through projects I'll assign each week followed by thoughtful group discussions of your photos. You need only bring two things to this class: your smartphone and your imagination. This program will be held in the Rindge Room.
-
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.
-
Story Time (Central Square)
Join us for a half-hour of stories and songs in the Children's Room. Recommended for children 0-5 and their caregivers.
-
Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (O'Neill Branch)
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 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact 617-349-4023
-
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for children from birth to 12 months with their caregivers.
-
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (O'Neill)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by at the O'Neill Branch Library for a tech help appointment! Sessions will be limited to 30-minutes for each patron. We can help you with: accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices e-mail and searching the web smartphone and mobile app questions We are not able to help you with: installing advanced software programs completing online transactions for you computer hardware and technical maintenance Registration is strongly encouraged but not required. If you have any questions, please contact 617-349-4023
-
[CANCELED] CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
UPDATE: Due to the impacts of this week's winter storm, this walk has been canceled. There will be another walk on Wednesday, February 25th. Register for that walk at this link. Join us for a morning walk at one of the most renowned bird watching spots in Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. The walk will meet at the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am. We will walk to Mt. Auburn Cemetery together (about a five minute walk). Please try to be on time as we will leave shortly after 10:15! 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.