Informational Alert | Coronavirus Updates
NOTICE: Contactless holds pickup is suspended effective Jan. 2, 2021. The Library's virtual programs and services and digital collections continue to be available. For assistance, call 617‑349‑4040 or email library@cambridgema.gov.

Director's Update, June 22, 2020


6/22/2020

New library at night
Hello again, Friends & Neighbors,

I am pleased to announce our Summer Reading 2020 program has begun and that it will run from June 22 to August 28. Participating youth and adult readers can collect badges for any activities they choose. Anyone who obtains at least half the available badges completes their summer reading challenge. Try to collect as many badges as you can throughout the summer! Individuals, families and groups can register now on our website.

This year, the CPL will host all its Summer Reading events virtually. You can now register for these kids’ events happening soon: Concert with Alastair Moock, Acrobatics by Li Liu, Nappy's Puppets, Queer Kid Stuff Live!, Jenny the Juggler, and Dinoman Presents Dinosaurs.

CONTACTLESS HOLDS PICKUP

Contactless holds pickup is now available at the Main Library. You can come and collect any library materials being held for you, however, please note that this patron service is by appointment only. The process is safe & simple:

Request your item(s)

  • Via online catalog or by calling 617-349-4040.
  • Currently we can only fill holds on Cambridge-owned items at the Main Library.
  • You will receive an email when your items are ready for pickup.


Schedule your pickup appointment 

  • Via our online pickup appointment calendar or by calling 617-349-4040.
  • Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance to allow for processing.
  • You will receive an email after making your appointment that confirms your pickup date & time.


Pick up your hold(s)

  • Your holds will be available for pickup only during your designated window.
  • Your items will be checked out, bagged and labeled with a slip with the first 4 letters of your last name, first initial, and last 3 digits of your library card.
  • Bags will be arranged on tables outside the front door in alphabetical order by your last name.
  • Only one patron may be in the pickup area at a time. 


BOOK DROP OPEN AT THE MAIN LIBARY

Although all library buildings remain temporarily closed to the public, the Main Library outside book drop is now open for returns. The Main Library book drop is located to the left of the front entry doors. If you have oversize items that do not fit in the book drop, such as STEAM kits, please contact us at library@cambridgema.gov to make special arrangements for their return. 


VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

Children and their grownups are invited to join us for Virtual Family Story Time on Thursday June 25 for songs, stories, and rhymes. Plan to join in, sing along, and move around! Registration is required.

Our final Sunday Morning Yoga with Rachael Junard will be on June 28, from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Registration is required. We hope you have enjoyed this wellness series!

The Cambridge Public Library and Lamplighter Brewing Co. will co-host a virtual #BlackLivesMatter Solidarity Book Club on Monday July 6 at 7:00 p.m. Participants are invited to read Me and White Supremacy by Layla M. Saad and then join our virtual session. This eye-opening book challenges readers to unpack their biases and dismantle the privilege within themselves in order to stop inflicting damage on people of color. The ebook is available on OverDrive and Hoopla with a Cambridge Public Library card. (If you do not have a library card, you can register online.) Registration is required.

To stay connected to what’s happening at the Library, please subscribe to our email list, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and visit our website.

Best,

Dr. Maria McCauley
Director of Libraries