All Library locations will be closed on Friday, June 5, for staff training.
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
Coding and Web Development 101 (Main)
Wednesday, June 3 @ 6:00 PM
Would-be programmers with basic computer literacy are invited to join this workshop series. Over eight weeks, participants will learn programming fundamentals, build web pages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, use developer tools such as Git, and more. There will be time to work on projects and receive guidance from experienced developers, with optional homework materials made available for more in-depth learning. While you can join at any time, starting at the beginning of the course is encouraged for the best experience. Registration is required.
The eight sessions are as follows:
Session One (April 8, 2026)
Session Two (April 22, 2026)
Session Three (April 29, 2026)
Session Four (May 6, 2026)
Session Five (May 13, 2026)
Session Six (May 20, 2026)
Session Seven (May 27, 2026)
Session Eight (June 3, 2026)
Note: Patrons must register for each session they wish to attend; registration for each session opens two weeks before the listed dates.
Learn More
Know Your Rights: Housing (Main/Virtual)
Wednesday, June 3 @ 6:00 PM
Do you rent an apartment in Cambridge? Are you confused by your lease? Do you have maintenance issues in your home that haven’t been addressed?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may want to learn more about your tenant rights!
Join us for Know Your Rights: Housing! In this presentation, you will learn about your rights as a tenant and Cambridge resources that support renters. We will be joined by attorneys from Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services and the City of Cambridge’s Office of the Housing Liaison.
Learn More
News
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Cambridge Public Library Launches 2026 Summer Reading Bingo
Plant a Seed, Read! -
Director's Update, May 26, 2026
Red Sox History, Spelling Bee, Seed Swap, and More! -
Director's Update, May 17, 2026
Pulitzer Prize Winner Yiyun Li, Blood Drive, Boston Festival Orchestra, and More! -
Director's Update, May 10, 2026
Warren Milteer, Jr., Park Sounds, AAPI Poetry Reading, and More!
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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CPL Nature Club - Alewife Afternoon Nature Walk (O'Neill)
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.
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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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Crafternoon: Color Change Beads (Collins)
Get creative after school! We will use solar UV pony beads in a variety of projects. These special beads change color when exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.
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LEGO Time (Central Square)
It's a monthly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! For children ages 5 and up (children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver). The library has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. For more information, please contact the Central Square Branch Library Children's Room at 617-349-4012.
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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 5/8 (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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Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
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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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27th Annual Youth Poetry Awards Ceremony
Celebrate our winning poets with a reading and awards ceremony in the lecture hall at the Main Library. This program is for the youth poets and their supporters. No registration required.
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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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Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Bring your project, yarn and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
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CPL Nature Club - Alewife Afternoon Nature Walk (O'Neill)
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.
-
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.
-
Crafternoon: Color Change Beads (Collins)
Get creative after school! We will use solar UV pony beads in a variety of projects. These special beads change color when exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.
-
LEGO Time (Central Square)
It's a monthly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! For children ages 5 and up (children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver). The library has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. For more information, please contact the Central Square Branch Library Children's Room at 617-349-4012.
-
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 5/8 (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.
-
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
-
Baby Lapsit (Central Square)
Bounces and rhymes for our youngest library patrons. Recommended for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers.
-
CPL Nature Club - Alewife Afternoon Nature Walk (O'Neill)
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.
-
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.
-
Crafternoon: Color Change Beads (Collins)
Get creative after school! We will use solar UV pony beads in a variety of projects. These special beads change color when exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.