Meet the Director
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Learn More
Living into hotter summers: How do we all stay safe? (Main)
Tuesday, April 7 @ 6:00 PM
Extreme heat is becoming more frequent and more intense — and it poses real risks to public health, infrastructure, and our most vulnerable neighbors. Join City staff and regional experts on April 7 from 6–7:30 p.m. for a conversation about how climate change is reshaping New England summers, who is most at risk, and how cities like Cambridge and Boston are responding. Whether you’re concerned about your own health, the health of neighbors and relatives, or the future of our city, this discussion will offer practical information and next steps. This event is cosponsored by the Office of Sustainability and the Cambridge Public Library.
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Read to a Dog (Valente)
Wednesday, April 8 @ 3:30 PM
Read to Dante, our local cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required and begins on Wednesday, April 1 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).
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
Learn More
News
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Cambridge Public Library to Host Former Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith for National Poetry Month
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Tracy K. Smith -
Cambridge Public Library to Host Award-Winning Author Jasmine Warga for the Curious George Lecture
Children and families are invited to meet Jasmine Warga and get a book signed! -
Director's Update, March 29, 2026
Washington Remembered, Teen Advisory Board, Linocut Workshop, and More! -
Director's Update, March 22, 2026
Sacred Songs and Rituals, The Past is Now Panel, Turkish Music, and More!
Coming Up
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Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu!
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Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
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Intermediate ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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RESCHEDULED - The Power of Poetry with Writers without Margins (Central Square)
Join us for artistic exploration and guided exercises to reimagine and reinvigorate your life's stories. We provide a supportive structure and process to encourage insight and healing. Come join us to reclaim your narrative! This event is rescheduled from 2/24 but all are welcome, even those not registered for the original event.
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Sing-Along (Valente)
Join us for songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. For children of all ages.
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Toddler Story Time (Main)
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children 18 months to 3 years 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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Remembering Together: Grief Support Group (CANCELLED)
The "Remembering Together" support group is for patrons who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Facilitated by the library social worker, this online group offers a safe and confidential online space for peers to come together, share common experiences and heal in community. If you are interested in participating, or simply learning more about this offering, please email Brett Dixon, the library social worker, at bdixon@cambridgema.gov.
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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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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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Beginner's Line Dancing Workshop: 55+ (Main)
It’s fun, it’s easy... it’s exercise? Yes! Come try your hand at line dancing! This class is a great way to get low-impact exercise while dancing to (mostly) Country Western music. It requires no experience, no equipment, and no partner; just bring your two left feet. We’ll start from the very beginning, learning easy dances. Note that registration is for all four sessions: 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, and 4/28.
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Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
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,... Refreshments will be provided. 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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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.
-
Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu!
-
Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
-
Intermediate ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
RESCHEDULED - The Power of Poetry with Writers without Margins (Central Square)
Join us for artistic exploration and guided exercises to reimagine and reinvigorate your life's stories. We provide a supportive structure and process to encourage insight and healing. Come join us to reclaim your narrative! This event is rescheduled from 2/24 but all are welcome, even those not registered for the original event.
-
Sing-Along (Valente)
Join us for songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. For children of all ages.
-
Toddler Story Time (Main)
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children 18 months to 3 years 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.
-
Remembering Together: Grief Support Group (CANCELLED)
The "Remembering Together" support group is for patrons who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Facilitated by the library social worker, this online group offers a safe and confidential online space for peers to come together, share common experiences and heal in community. If you are interested in participating, or simply learning more about this offering, please email Brett Dixon, the library social worker, at bdixon@cambridgema.gov.
-
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.
-
Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu!
-
Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
-
Intermediate ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an intermediate level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.