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Meet the Director

Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.

Code a Poem with OctoStudio (O'Neill)

Wednesday, May 21 @ 5:30 PM

Families are invited to join us for a drop-in creative coding workshop using OctoStudio, a new app developed by the team behind Scratch. We will make digital interactive poetry together! No registration required. Adults are encouraged to participate alongside their children! Devices will be provided or families may bring their own. Food will be provided!

CPL Presents: Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood (Main)

Tuesday, May 27 @ 6:00 PM

Join Gretchen Sisson, the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood (a finalist for the 2025 Book Critics Circle Award for nonfiction) in conversation with Cameron Russell, the author of How to Make Herself Agreeable to Everyone. Gretchen Sisson is a research sociologist at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, where she studies abortion and adoption in the United States. Her research was cited in the Supreme Court's dissent for Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, and has been covered in the Washington Post, TIME Magazine, The Nation, NPR, New York Magazine, VOX, Mother Jones, and many other outlets. Registration is required.

News

Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries, Elected President of the American Library Association

The City of Cambridge is proud to announce that Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries, has been elected 2026-2027 American Library Association president.

Director's Update, May 18, 2025

Social Crafting, Medicinal Plant Walk, Implications of Generative AI, and More!
Director's Update, May 11, 2025

Cambridge Cooks, ‘Froca Fitness, Haitian Flag Day, and More!
Director's Update, May 4, 2025

Director's Update, May 4, 2025
Director's Update, April 27, 2025

Dr. Jim O'Connell, Seed Swap, Portmanteau, Elder Walk, and Much More

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Coming Up

Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
10:30 AM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner...
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.
View Full Description
Story Time (Central Square)
10:30 AM
Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. The City of...
Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. 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.
View Full Description
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
11:00 AM
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters Drop-in with this informal group to work on...
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, cross stitch and more. All crafts are welcome!
View Full Description
Morning Sing-Along (Main)
11:00 AM
It's a Library dance party! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. This program can...
It's a Library dance party! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 130 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, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
View Full Description
Valente Branch Book Group (Valente)
12:00 PM
Join the Valente Branch for their new book group! This group will meet monthly to discuss a mix of fiction...
Join the Valente Branch for their new book group! This group will meet monthly to discuss a mix of fiction and nonfiction books. The May selection will be Chemistry by Weike Wang. How to get the print book: Copies of the book are available at the Valente Branch Library. How to get the e-book and digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as an e-book and digital audiobook through https://minuteman.overdrive.com/. No registration is required.
View Full Description
Beginner ESOL (Central Square)
1:00 PM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner...
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.
View Full Description
English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
1:00 PM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This conversation group...
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.
View Full Description
Lunch at the Library for Teens (O'Connell)
1:00 PM
Take a break from your studies and join us for lunch! Free pizza will be provided while supplies last and you...
Take a break from your studies and join us for lunch! Free pizza will be provided while supplies last and you will have the chance to share your ideas for future events at O’Connell. If you have any dietary restrictions, please call the branch by May 13th, 2025 at (617) 349-4019. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18. No registration required.
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Resume and Job Application Support (Central Square)
1:00 PM
Looking for assistance creating a resume or looking for jobs? Join us at the Central Square Branch Library...
Looking for assistance creating a resume or looking for jobs? Join us at the Central Square Branch Library (45 Pearl St.) for assistance with resumes, job hunting, and online applications. Support will be available from 1-3 p.m. No registration is required. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (O'Neill)
2:30 PM
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts...
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 painting!
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Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)
2:30 PM
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts...
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.
View Full Description
Traditional Chinese Watercolor by Xiang Li Exhibit (Main)
3:00 PM
The Cambridge Public Library is honored to host the breathtaking art of Xiang Li, featuring over a dozen...
The Cambridge Public Library is honored to host the breathtaking art of Xiang Li, featuring over a dozen selected canvas portraits of Chinese empresses, for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The artwork is located on L2. Click here to explore the artist's webpage.
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Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
10:30 AM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner...
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.
View Full Description
Story Time (Central Square)
10:30 AM
Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. The City of...
Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. 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.
View Full Description
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
11:00 AM
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters Drop-in with this informal group to work on...
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, cross stitch and more. All crafts are welcome!
View Full Description
Morning Sing-Along (Main)
11:00 AM
It's a Library dance party! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. This program can...
It's a Library dance party! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 130 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, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
View Full Description
Valente Branch Book Group (Valente)
12:00 PM
Join the Valente Branch for their new book group! This group will meet monthly to discuss a mix of fiction...
Join the Valente Branch for their new book group! This group will meet monthly to discuss a mix of fiction and nonfiction books. The May selection will be Chemistry by Weike Wang. How to get the print book: Copies of the book are available at the Valente Branch Library. How to get the e-book and digital audiobook: This month’s book is available as an e-book and digital audiobook through https://minuteman.overdrive.com/. No registration is required.
View Full Description
Beginner ESOL (Central Square)
1:00 PM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner...
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.
View Full Description
English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
1:00 PM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This conversation group...
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.
View Full Description
Lunch at the Library for Teens (O'Connell)
1:00 PM
Take a break from your studies and join us for lunch! Free pizza will be provided while supplies last and you...
Take a break from your studies and join us for lunch! Free pizza will be provided while supplies last and you will have the chance to share your ideas for future events at O’Connell. If you have any dietary restrictions, please call the branch by May 13th, 2025 at (617) 349-4019. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18. No registration required.
View Full Description

Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
10:30 AM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner...
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.
View Full Description
Story Time (Central Square)
10:30 AM
Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. The City of...
Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room. For ages birth-5 with caregivers. 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.
View Full Description
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
11:00 AM
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters Drop-in with this informal group to work on...
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, cross stitch and more. All crafts are welcome!
View Full Description

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