Cambridge Public Library Closing for Renovations Aug. 17-23
After five years and over 3 million visitors, Cambridge Public Library will close for restoration and upgrades that cannot be done while open. When the Main Library reopens on Aug. 24, they will debut our new Express Checkout system, featuring Self-Service Reserves and More Self-Checkout Stations!
CYP Atlanta Trip
This spring, fifteen Cambridge teens traveled to Atlanta to explore Black history, celebrate Black joy, and discover future opportunities. The trip was part of Cambridge Youth Programs’ out-of-state travel program, which invites recognized leaders in CYP’s teen programs on trips to tour Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
CPL Nature Club: Cambridge Birds and How to Draw Them with Clare Walker Leslie (Collins Branch)
Join local author Clare Walker Leslie (How to Look at a Bird, Keeping a Nature Journal) to learn how to draw Cambridge birds! Participants will discuss birds local to Cambridge, learn how to draw the birds they see every day, and leave the program with their own finished bird drawing.
All drawing and reference materials will be provided and all skill levels are welcome, no previous drawing experience required. If you don't think you can draw a bird, that's okay - this event will show you that you can!
Registration is required for this program. This program is suggested for participants ages 8 and up.
Public Patios
The public patios program aims to transform bustling areas of Cambridge into vibrant social hubs by introducing simple interventions like tables and chairs, often accompanied by interactive installations. These spaces encourage chance encounters and playful pauses, fostering sociable atmospheres that enhance community connection and enrich urban life.
Learn about Truck Restrictions
While trucks and tour buses are allowed to operate within the City of Cambridge, they are still restricted from certain streets, as defined below, unless delivering to addresses on those specific streets.
All restrictions are for 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise noted
Civic Assembly
Cambridge is holding its first Civic Assembly from October - December 2026 to consider whether, how, and under what conditions the City should use gunshot-detection technology, such as ShotSpotter, and overnight video surveillance of public parks in its approach to public safety, including what rules, safeguards, and oversight should govern their use.
Community Build (Valente)
Join us for a community building party at Valente as we build structures with LEGOS, wooden sticks, cards, and any other materials we can get our hands on!
The library will provide all building materials. This event is recommended for children ages 5+ and their guardians.
Community Build (Valente)
Join us for a community building party at Valente as we build structures with LEGOS, wooden sticks, cards, and any other materials we can get our hands on!
The library will provide all building materials. This event is recommended for children ages 5+ and their guardians.
Alphabet Craft Time (O'Connell)
Come hear stories and songs about things that start with the letter A. and make a paper alligator to take home. We will be using scissors and glue. Recommended for ages 4-6 with a caregiver.
No registration is required. Please call (617) 349-4019 for details.
Horror Book Group (Central Square)
Join Central Square's new Horror Book Club. We're exploring horror in all forms -- classic horror, queer horror, ghost stories, and more! For our first meeting, we're reading Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Copies are available for pickup at the branch.
For questions, contact Ruby: rvail@cambridgema.gov.