All Library locations will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, for Independence Day.
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
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Disinformation (Virtual)
Wednesday, June 24 @ 6:00 PM
Learn how AI can help and harm, different types of disinformation and, different tips to detect deepfakes and evaluate online information.
To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
Registration is required to receive a Zoom link.
Learn More
Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration: Plant a seed, read! (O'Neill)
Friday, June 26 @ 1:00 PM
Join us outdoors at the O'Neill Branch to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of the summer! Pick up a "blossom kit" (small growing kit with seeds) while supplies last.
We will also have food, games and art. No registration is required. All ages are welcome!
In case of rain or bad weather this event will be inside the O'Neill Branch.
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 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!
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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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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Preschool Story Time (Main)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 3-5 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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Youth Dungeons & Dragons Session 8/8 (Valente)
Youth ages 10-16 are welcome to join this eight-session campaign pf Tuesdays in May and June of the table-top game Dungeons and Dragons (DnD), as we build our cooperative role-play and storytelling skills. The dates are 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, and 6/23. The first session will include time to build characters and review rules of gameplay. Following sessions will follow a storyline through to the final session. Registration is required, as the program is capped at 8 players. Please plan to attend all sessions! Registering for Session 1 includes the following weekly sessions. No prior DnD experience is required, and experienced players are also welcome to join. 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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Graphics Are Great! Book Group (O'Connell)
Our monthly "Graphics Are Great!" book group is for kids aged 8-12. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our June book is Winging It by Megan Wagner Lloyd. This book group will meet in person at the O'Connell Branch. For questions about the "Graphics Are Great!" Book Club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
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Acrylic Painting Workshop (Valente)
Learn how to create beautiful and colorful acrylic paintings! In this class you will be introduced to painting with acrylic, including techniques in color mixing, observational painting, and composition. At your own pace you will learn how to paint still lifes using acrylic paint in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This class will cover wet on wet and wet and dry brush techniques, sgraffito/combing, overlays/glazing, gel mediums, pattern making, and masking. You will come away from this class with beautiful paintings of your own and a greater understanding and appreciation for the medium of acrylic painting. Registration Required. This class is suitable for beginners and can be adjusted for all levels of experience. This class is taught by Brooke Lambert. Brooke is a professional printmaker and painter. She holds a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and shows her work widely in New England, New York, and beyond. Brooke works in Studio 291 at Western Avenue Studios & Lofts in Lowell, MA. She is currently represented by The Society of American Graphic Artists and Equity Gallery in New York, NY and Galaray House, contemporary art gallery in Lexington, MA. She has thirteen years of teaching experience and currently teaches adult art workshops and holds artist demos at several locations in New England.
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Baby Lapsit (Central Square)
Bounces and rhymes for our youngest library patrons. Recommended for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers.
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Drop-in English Conversation Practice (Central Square)
Practice English conversation skills with native English speakers. All levels welcome. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required. The link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Before taking in-person workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
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Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
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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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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.
-
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.
-
Preschool Story Time (Main)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 3-5 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.
-
Youth Dungeons & Dragons Session 8/8 (Valente)
Youth ages 10-16 are welcome to join this eight-session campaign pf Tuesdays in May and June of the table-top game Dungeons and Dragons (DnD), as we build our cooperative role-play and storytelling skills. The dates are 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, and 6/23. The first session will include time to build characters and review rules of gameplay. Following sessions will follow a storyline through to the final session. Registration is required, as the program is capped at 8 players. Please plan to attend all sessions! Registering for Session 1 includes the following weekly sessions. No prior DnD experience is required, and experienced players are also welcome to join. 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.
-
Graphics Are Great! Book Group (O'Connell)
Our monthly "Graphics Are Great!" book group is for kids aged 8-12. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our June book is Winging It by Megan Wagner Lloyd. This book group will meet in person at the O'Connell Branch. For questions about the "Graphics Are Great!" Book Club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
-
Acrylic Painting Workshop (Valente)
Learn how to create beautiful and colorful acrylic paintings! In this class you will be introduced to painting with acrylic, including techniques in color mixing, observational painting, and composition. At your own pace you will learn how to paint still lifes using acrylic paint in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This class will cover wet on wet and wet and dry brush techniques, sgraffito/combing, overlays/glazing, gel mediums, pattern making, and masking. You will come away from this class with beautiful paintings of your own and a greater understanding and appreciation for the medium of acrylic painting. Registration Required. This class is suitable for beginners and can be adjusted for all levels of experience. This class is taught by Brooke Lambert. Brooke is a professional printmaker and painter. She holds a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and shows her work widely in New England, New York, and beyond. Brooke works in Studio 291 at Western Avenue Studios & Lofts in Lowell, MA. She is currently represented by The Society of American Graphic Artists and Equity Gallery in New York, NY and Galaray House, contemporary art gallery in Lexington, MA. She has thirteen years of teaching experience and currently teaches adult art workshops and holds artist demos at several locations in New England.
-
Baby Lapsit (Central Square)
Bounces and rhymes for our youngest library patrons. Recommended for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers.
-
Drop-in English Conversation Practice (Central Square)
Practice English conversation skills with native English speakers. All levels welcome. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Preschool Story Time (Main)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 3-5 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.