Sunday hours will resume at the Main Library on Sunday, September 13, 1-5 p.m. The Valente Branch Library will no longer be open on Sundays starting in September.
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
Creative Aging: Beginner Improv (Main)
Tuesday, September 15 @ 4:00 PM
A 12-week series of beginner's classes with instruction from Comedian Jack Simon. Learn how to seamlessly integrate interactive improv games, scenes, and skillful storytelling that all come together with performance.
This will be an in-person program at the Main Library. Space is limited to 12 participants. Due to the popularity and to gain the most out of this program, we expect all participants to commit to all sessions in this 12-week course.
Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation
Learn More
Stephen Greenblatt presents: Dark Renaissance (Main)
Tuesday, September 15 @ 6:00 PM
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Stephen Greenblatt—Cogan University Professor of the Humanities at Harvard University, a leading scholar of English Renaissance literature, and author of sixteen books, including the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award–winner The Swerve—to celebrate the paperback release of Dark Renaissance: The Dangerous Times and Fatal Genius of Shakespeare's Greatest Rival, which released in hardcover in 2025 and received immense praise from The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and The Wall Street Journal.
In addition to the paperback release of Dark Renaissance, Greenblatt's first work Sir Walter Ralegh: The Renaissance Man and His Roles, originally published in 1973 and based on Greenblatt's dissertation, will be rereleased in paperback on September 1, 2026 with a new foreword from Greenblatt.
Registration is required.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, September 6, 2026
Library Card Sign-Up Month, Bicycle Maintenance, Tai Chi, and More! -
Director's Update, August 30, 2026
Brewery Book Club, Linocut Printmaking, Junk Journaling for Tweens, and More! -
Director's Update, August 23, 2026
Birdwatching, Haitian Creole Conversation Class, Tai Chi Under the Tree, and More! -
Library Garage is Reopen
The Main Library garage is back open to the public
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
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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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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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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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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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.
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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 3:30pm-5:30pm for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov 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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Teens: Focus Time!
Join peers in quiet time after school to complete homework, study, read your next favorite book, work on your graphic novel and art, or otherwise focus on a project. No registration required, drop-in anytime. Ages 12-18.
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Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
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.