The Valente Branch is now open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. in July and August. The Main Library will be closed on Sundays until September.
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
American Sign Language: The Basics (Central Square)
Friday, July 17 @ 1:00 PM
Join us for a fun, interactive introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and inclusive communication. Participants will learn practical everyday signs, respectful ways to interact with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, expressive communication techniques, and simple real-life ASL scenarios. This activity-based workshop includes silent communication challenges, group participation, and engaging sign language games designed to build confidence and connection through communication. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Learn More
Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi (O'Connell)
Friday, July 17 @ 3:00 PM
Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, July 5, 2026
Art Reception, Edible Wild Plants Walk, Paint and Plant Celebration, and More! -
Director's Update, June 28, 2026
Nature Walk, Dr. Beronda Montgomery in conversation with Tracy K. Smith, Watercolor Workshop, and More! -
Director's Update, June 21, 2026
Summer Reading, Cambridge Cooks, AI Disinformation Workshop, and More! -
Director's Update, June 14, 2026
Summer Kickoff Party, Estate Planning for All, Nature Club, and More
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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Digital Embroidery (Main)
Want to learn how to create custom clothing and other fiber projects with embroidered text? In this workshop, you’ll use a digital embroidery machine to stitch personalized designs and take home a unique piece. This class is for those with prior sewing machine experience. If you're new to sewing, we recommend taking our Sewing 101 workshop first as we will not spend time reviewing the basic mechanics of sewing. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. 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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Beginner ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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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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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 11a.m. and 1p.m. for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required.
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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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Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi (Main)
Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
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Summer Reading: Wingmasters, World of Owls (Valente)
This program shows how owls use their specialized powers of sight, hearing and flight to survive and thrive. A wealth of fact and folklore about these masters of the night explains the natural and unnatural history of owls. A variety of live North American owls provides the focus of this presentation. Recommended for children ages 6 and up and their caregivers. Space is limited, and we may not be able to accommodate late arrivals once the program begins. Thank you for understanding! Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
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Toddler Story Time (O'Connell)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.
-
American Sign Language: The Basics (Central Square)
Join us for a fun, interactive introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and inclusive communication. Participants will learn practical everyday signs, respectful ways to interact with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, expressive communication techniques, and simple real-life ASL scenarios. This activity-based workshop includes silent communication challenges, group participation, and engaging sign language games designed to build confidence and connection through communication. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
-
Beginner ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Beginner (Valente)
Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. Join us in this eleven-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. This is an in-person event at the Valente Branch. To enter the lottery, please register for the waitlist below. This waitlist will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Registration will open Wednesday, March 4 at 9AM and close Wednesday, April 1 at 5PM. Participants selected will be notified on Friday, April 3. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation
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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.
-
Digital Embroidery (Main)
Want to learn how to create custom clothing and other fiber projects with embroidered text? In this workshop, you’ll use a digital embroidery machine to stitch personalized designs and take home a unique piece. This class is for those with prior sewing machine experience. If you're new to sewing, we recommend taking our Sewing 101 workshop first as we will not spend time reviewing the basic mechanics of sewing. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Beginner ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
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.
-
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 11a.m. and 1p.m. for 20 minute help sessions. No registration required.
-
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.
-
Summer Reading: ¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi (Main)
Join us for a bilingual family concert in English and Spanish. Singing, dancing and tons of fun guaranteed! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
-
Summer Reading: Wingmasters, World of Owls (Valente)
This program shows how owls use their specialized powers of sight, hearing and flight to survive and thrive. A wealth of fact and folklore about these masters of the night explains the natural and unnatural history of owls. A variety of live North American owls provides the focus of this presentation. Recommended for children ages 6 and up and their caregivers. Space is limited, and we may not be able to accommodate late arrivals once the program begins. Thank you for understanding! Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
-
Toddler Story Time (O'Connell)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.
-
Digital Embroidery (Main)
Want to learn how to create custom clothing and other fiber projects with embroidered text? In this workshop, you’ll use a digital embroidery machine to stitch personalized designs and take home a unique piece. This class is for those with prior sewing machine experience. If you're new to sewing, we recommend taking our Sewing 101 workshop first as we will not spend time reviewing the basic mechanics of sewing. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.
-
Beginner ESOL (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
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.