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
Ben Wikler presents: This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy (Main)
Wednesday, July 22 @ 6:00 PM
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Ben Wikler—political organizer and strategist who served as the chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin from July 2019 to July 2025—for a discussion of his new book, This Is The Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy. He will be joined in conversation by Danielle Allen—James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University, acclaimed author of Our Declaration, and the forthcoming book Radical Duke, releasing June 2026. Registration is required.
Learn More
Teen Crafternoon (Main)
Thursday, July 23 @ 2:00 PM
Take over the Teen Room and pick up a craft! From button making to paper bead bracelets, take over the tables and learn something new. Crafts will be set out as first come, first serve. For more information contact Ellen at ekaluza@cambridgema.gov.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, July 12, 2026
Summer Fitness, Sign Language Basics, Community Banner Sewing, and More! -
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!
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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Summer Reading: Board Game Afternoon (Main)
Join us for an afternoon of board games! Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers.
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Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required. This week we will be making nature prints outdoors!
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Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required.
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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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Summer Reading: Choose Your Own Adventure (Central Square)
Try out our new 3D pens, explore one of our many STEAM kits, or learn a new board game for this "choose your own adventure" afternoon. This program is recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. No registration required. Please call 617-349-4012 for more information.
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Evening Family Story Time (Collins)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the evening! 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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Evening Family Story Time (O'Connell)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the evening! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.
-
Ben Wikler presents: This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy (Main)
Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Ben Wikler—political organizer and strategist who served as the chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin from July 2019 to July 2025—for a discussion of his new book, This Is The Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy. He will be joined in conversation by Danielle Allen—James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University, acclaimed author of Our Declaration, and the forthcoming book Radical Duke, releasing June 2026. Registration is required.
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English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This conversation group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Summer Reading Film Screening: Annihilation (Central Square)
Join us for a special screening of Annihilation starring Natalie Portman and based on Jeff VanderMeer's novel of the same name. Popcorn and movie candy provided! Our horror book club will be reading and discussing this novel for our July 9th meeting for those interested in reading and discussing the novel before watching the film.
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Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production? The Hive has two state-of-the-art recording studios! Join this workshop to become familiar with studio equipment and software. Registration is required. 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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Summer Reading: Board Game Afternoon (Main)
Join us for an afternoon of board games! Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers.
-
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required. This week we will be making nature prints outdoors!
-
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required.
-
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.
-
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: Choose Your Own Adventure (Central Square)
Try out our new 3D pens, explore one of our many STEAM kits, or learn a new board game for this "choose your own adventure" afternoon. This program is recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. No registration required. Please call 617-349-4012 for more information.
-
Evening Family Story Time (Collins)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the evening! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
-
Evening Family Story Time (O'Connell)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the evening! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.
-
Summer Reading: Board Game Afternoon (Main)
Join us for an afternoon of board games! Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers.
-
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required. This week we will be making nature prints outdoors!
-
Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required.