All Library locations will be closed on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth.
Meet the Director
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
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Summer Kickoff Party: Plant a Seed, Sing & Read! (Main)
Saturday, June 20 @ 2:00 PM
Join us in Joan Lorentz Park (outside the Main Library) for a Summer Kickoff Party for all ages! Enjoy a live concert with award-winning, GRAMMY nominated folk musician Alastair Moock and friends! Take home a tiny blossom kit and enjoy ice-cream (while supplies last). You can also register for Summer Reading, pick up a bingo board and learn more about special events happening across branches all summer long. The Department of Public Works, Community Gardens, and Office of Sustainability will join us to celebrate summer and the natural world.
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Cambridge Cooks: Caribbean Heritage Month Edition with Chef Gaitskell (Main)
Monday, June 22 @ 6:00 PM
Join Chef Gaitskell Cleghorn Jr. as he prepares Jerk Chicken and Mango Salsa in celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Gaitskell Cleghorn Jr., professionally known as Chef Gates, is an entrepreneur and culinary educator based in Boston. He specializes in culinary education, catering, and community outreach, partnering with organizations such as the Codman Square Farmers Market and BOLD Teens. Throughout his career, he has taught at prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, as well as local schools such as Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and Boston Day & Evening Academy. His work has been featured in publications including Channel 7, Edible Boston, Boston Herald, and the Boston Globe. Additionally, he collaborated with a Master Sushi Chef to produce over 3,000 sushi plates at the New England Seafood Expo. His work on food and culture is currently featured in an Exhibit at the Boston Children’s Museum. Although he lived globally due to his father’s military service, he has spent most of his professional life in Boston, where he continues to grow as a culinary professional.
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News
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Director's Update, June 7, 2026
Summer Art Night, Playing with Poetry, You, Me, and AI, and More! -
Cambridge Public Library Launches 2026 Summer Reading Bingo
Plant a Seed, Read! -
Director's Update, May 31, 2026
Drag Story Time, Know Your Right: Housing, Park Sounds, and More! -
Director's Update, May 26, 2026
Red Sox History, Spelling Bee, Seed Swap, and More!
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link]. 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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Intermediate English Grammar and Conversation Practice
Come join us at the Central Square Library 45 Pearl Street Cambridge No registration required - just drop in. Small English conversation group and instruction. Ideal for intermediate level.
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Arabic Story Time (Main)
The Library is pleased to be working with dedicated community members to offer a special story time in Arabic! This program which will be conducted primarily in Arabic with the intention of helping young Arabic language learners to improve their skills. This program is suitable for children up to age 7. 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.
-
Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link]. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Summer Kickoff Party: Plant a Seed, Sing & Read! (Main)
Join us in Joan Lorentz Park (outside the Main Library) for a Summer Kickoff Party for all ages! Enjoy a live concert with award-winning, GRAMMY nominated folk musician Alastair Moock and friends! Take home a tiny blossom kit and enjoy ice-cream (while supplies last). You can also register for Summer Reading, pick up a bingo board and learn more about special events happening across branches all summer long. The Department of Public Works, Community Gardens, and Office of Sustainability will join us to celebrate summer and the natural world.
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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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CANCELED: Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi (Valente)
This event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Stay tuned for a rescheduled date. Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required for this event. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
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High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high beginner level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Songs, Stories and Play (O'Neill)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes followed by open play. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4023 for more information.
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Baby Lapsit (Boudreau)
Bounces and rhymes for caregivers and babies to learn, play and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4017 for more information.
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Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link]. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Intermediate English Grammar and Conversation Practice
Come join us at the Central Square Library 45 Pearl Street Cambridge No registration required - just drop in. Small English conversation group and instruction. Ideal for intermediate level.
-
Arabic Story Time (Main)
The Library is pleased to be working with dedicated community members to offer a special story time in Arabic! This program which will be conducted primarily in Arabic with the intention of helping young Arabic language learners to improve their skills. This program is suitable for children up to age 7. 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.
-
Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link]. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Summer Kickoff Party: Plant a Seed, Sing & Read! (Main)
Join us in Joan Lorentz Park (outside the Main Library) for a Summer Kickoff Party for all ages! Enjoy a live concert with award-winning, GRAMMY nominated folk musician Alastair Moock and friends! Take home a tiny blossom kit and enjoy ice-cream (while supplies last). You can also register for Summer Reading, pick up a bingo board and learn more about special events happening across branches all summer long. The Department of Public Works, Community Gardens, and Office of Sustainability will join us to celebrate summer and the natural world.
-
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.
-
CANCELED: Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi (Valente)
This event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Stay tuned for a rescheduled date. Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required for this event. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
-
Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. If you have not completed the training, you will be removed from the class—even if you plan to take it later. To take Safety Training, come to The Hive during Open Shop to watch a ten-minute video or take a Safety Training class. Check hours on our calendar: [link]. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Intermediate English Grammar and Conversation Practice
Come join us at the Central Square Library 45 Pearl Street Cambridge No registration required - just drop in. Small English conversation group and instruction. Ideal for intermediate level.
-
Arabic Story Time (Main)
The Library is pleased to be working with dedicated community members to offer a special story time in Arabic! This program which will be conducted primarily in Arabic with the intention of helping young Arabic language learners to improve their skills. This program is suitable for children up to age 7. 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.