U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Director's Update, August 9, 2020

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 3 years ago.

Aerial View of the Central Square Branch Library
Dear Library Patrons,
 
Cambridge Public Library to Pilot Going Fine Free
 
In July 2020, the City of Cambridge announced the Library will pilot the elimination of overdue fines for the late return/renewal of materials and the elimination of replacement fees for lost/damaged Cambridge children’s and young adult materials. The Library will continue to assess and collect lost/damaged fees for adult collection materials and fines and fees specifically related to our resource sharing agreements with other libraries (Comcat, Interlibrary Loan). 
 
The elimination of overdue fines will ensure equitable access to library services for everyone in our community. The Library is currently working to update our policies, procedures and systems to prepare for the official fine free pilot. As the pilot moves forward, the Library will reach out to patrons with existing fines and fees.
 
Technology Checkout Begins
 
In keeping with our commitment to expand access to technology during the COVID closure, the Library is excited to begin providing technology for checkout on August 10, through contactless holds pickup. Patrons can borrow technology for up to two weeks, with a one-time renewal (if there are no existing holds or fines). Four different models of Chromebooks are available for checkout, including a charging cable, mouse and carrying case. Patrons can request a technology device by calling the Main Library at 617-349-4040, providing their library card number and scheduling a pickup time.
 
Kids Books to Go Wednesday at Central Square Branch
 
At Kids Books to Go pop-up events, youth and families can borrow bags of library books for kids and teens without having to make an appointment or place catalog requests. Title selections are curated by Cambridge Public Library children's librarians. Bins will also be available for library returns during this event. The next Kids Books to Go events are scheduled at the following locations:
 
  • Wednesday, August 12, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., at the Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl Street
  • Wednesday, August 19, from 12-3 p.m., at the Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Avenue
  • Monday, August 24, from 2-5 p.m., at the Collins Branch, 64 Aberdeen Avenue
  • Friday, August 28, from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., at the O’Connell Branch, 48 Sixth Street
 
This Week beginning Monday at 12 p.m.! Book Giveaway: Keep Reading and Keep Learning!
 
The Cambridge Public Library invites children and families who are picking up lunch at Cambridge Summer Food Program sites near our branch libraries to also take home a book of their own to keep during the week of August 10.
 
The Valente Branch Library will have books available at the King Open School lunch site (840 Cambridge St.) at noon on Monday, August 10 and Thursday, August 13, while supplies last.
 
The O’Neill Branch Library will have books available at the Peabody School lunch site (70 Rindge Ave) at noon on Tuesday, August 11 and Friday, August 14, while supplies last.
 
One book per child, while supplies last. These books are provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Join us for Story Times
 
The next Virtual STEAM Story Time: Flying Fun will be on Wednesday, August 12 at 11 a.m. Children and their grownups can join us for 20-25 minutes of stories and hands-on activities to explore STEAM. Please gather activity materials before the event if you plan to participate. Registration is required.
 
CPL will host Virtual Family Story Time on Thursday, August 13 at 11 a.m. Caregivers are asked to participate in the program with their children. Registration is required.

Upcoming Summer Reading Programs
 
Summer Reading programs for kids offered this week include: Hip Hop Dance with Illstyle & PeaceDinoman Presents DinosaursJenny the Juggler and Storytelling with Tony Toledo.
 
You can also begin registering for these youth programs, which are happening next week: Act!vated Story TheatreIdeas Not TheoriesConcert with Shaw Pong Liu and Tales from African Traditions with Valerie Tutson. You can also enjoy a Concert with Rolie Polie Guacamole on Facebook Live!
 
Crafting at the CPL
 
We will offer Natural Dyeing - Turn Around Your Textiles with Lisa Purdy on Thursday, August 13 at 6 p.m. Natural dyeing is a rewarding way to creatively upcycle! There are numerous dyes to explore right in your own kitchen, from the pale pink created by dyeing with avocado pits, to the golden yellow of turmeric. Local artist and curator Lisa Purdy will teach you how to naturally dye at home, demonstrating how to turnaround an item of clothing (or other textiles!) using natural dye sources. Registration is required.
 
Danez Smith
 
Danez Smith presents Homie on Monday, August 17 at 7 p.m. Homie is Danez Smith’s magnificent anthem about the saving grace of friendship. Rooted in the loss of one of Smith’s close friends, this book comes out of the search for joy and intimacy within a nation where both can seem scarce and getting scarcer. Danez Smith (they/them) is a Black, Queer, Poz writer & performer from St. Paul, MN. Registration is required.

Community Yoga, Sundays in August
 
Practice yoga from the comfort of your own home! Community Yoga continues Sunday August 16 at 10 a.m. Instructor Cap Aguilar will provide various options and information to support your unique expression of yoga and to honor yoga’s Black and Brown roots. This series welcomes all bodies, ages, abilities, backgrounds, hopes, and dreams. Registration is required.
 
Stay Connected
 
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.
 
All best,
 
Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries
 
Page was posted on 8/9/2020 5:44 PM
Page was last modified on 7/25/2023 5:53 AM
Contact Us

How can we help?

Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry:

As a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper.

Read our complete privacy statement


Service Requests

Enter a service request via SeeClickFix for things like missed trash pickups, potholes, etc., click here