All Library locations will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, for Independence Day.
Valente Branch open on Sundays from 1-5 pm in July and August. Main Library closed on Sundays until 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
Brewery Book Club (Lamplighter)
Wednesday, July 1 @ 7:00 PM
You’re invited to our July Brewery Book Club, where Lamplighter and the Cambridge Public Library team up to highlight contemporary works from marginalized voices while having a beer. We meet at Lamplighter Brewing Co., 284 Broadway, in the back taproom.
This month we’ll read Death of the Soccer God by Dimitry Elias Legér.
Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Q&A Desk. The e-book and digital audiobook can be borrowed through the Libby app.
We’ll gather in the Lamplighter back taproom to discuss the book, what we learned from it, what we found ourselves touched by, and all other thoughts.
Register here.
Learn More
CPL Nature Club - Alewife Afternoon Nature Walk (O'Neill)
Tuesday, July 7 @ 3:30 PM
Come explore the nature in our urban backyard! We will take a leisurely walk as we observe and learn together about the animals and plants at Alewife Reservation. You are welcome to bring binoculars, magnifying glasses or any other observational tool. The paths and boardwalks are well maintained but can be muddy in places.
The walk will meet at the stone benches by the wetland boardwalk. To view the location in Google Maps and get directions, click here.
Limited free parking is available in the Alewife Reservation lot on Acorn Drive.
In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.
Registration is helpful but not required.
For more information call the O’Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, June 21, 2026
Summer Reading, Cambridge Cooks, AI Disinformation Workshop, and More! -
Director's Update, June 14, 2026
Summer Kickoff Party, Estate Planning for All, Nature Club, and More -
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!
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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Baby Lapsit (Main)
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. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. 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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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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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 stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4012 for more information.
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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)
Join us to sing and move together. 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. 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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Summer Reading: Live Animal Story Time with Land's Sake Farm (O'Neill)
Get up close and personal with chickens! This program includes a chicken-themed story time and educational games about chicken behavior and anatomy. The highlight of the program is the Chicken Circle, where youth are able to touch and interact with live chickens. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. This program will happen indoors due to the heat. Registration is required. When registering, please list how many children are attending. Adults do not need to be included in the numbers for registration 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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[Cancelled] Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Valente)
Class on July 1 has been cancelled. This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. This class is conducted from a standing position and incorporates exercises like modified lunges, cardio, and body resistance strength training. Registration for each session is required. This is an in-person event in the Program Room of the Valente Branch Library.
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Abating Reality: Central Square Book Group (Central Square/Virtual)
Join us at the Central Square Branch Library, or Virtually, for a midday-lunch break book group discussion. This book group will be rotating Mystery/Thriller and Science Fiction works. Feel free to bring your lunch, but, most importantly, bring yourself! July Selection: Future Home of the Living God by Louise Erdrich. Copies are available for pick-up at the Branch (45 Pearl Street . Questions? Contact Daryl (dcabrol@cambridgema.gov).
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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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Resume and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Looking for assistance creating a resume or looking for jobs? Join us at the Central Square Branch Library (45 Pearl St.) for assistance with resumes, job hunting, and online applications. Support will be available from 1-3 p.m. No registration is required. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Baby Lapsit (Main)
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. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. 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.
-
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.
-
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 stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4012 for more information.
-
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!
-
Morning Sing-Along (Main)
Join us to sing and move together. 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. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
-
Summer Reading: Live Animal Story Time with Land's Sake Farm (O'Neill)
Get up close and personal with chickens! This program includes a chicken-themed story time and educational games about chicken behavior and anatomy. The highlight of the program is the Chicken Circle, where youth are able to touch and interact with live chickens. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. This program will happen indoors due to the heat. Registration is required. When registering, please list how many children are attending. Adults do not need to be included in the numbers for registration 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.
-
[Cancelled] Wellness for Older Adults: Low-impact Fitness (Valente)
Class on July 1 has been cancelled. This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. This class is conducted from a standing position and incorporates exercises like modified lunges, cardio, and body resistance strength training. Registration for each session is required. This is an in-person event in the Program Room of the Valente Branch Library.
-
Baby Lapsit (Main)
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. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. 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.
-
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.
-
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.