Cambridge Public Library

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

Tourmaline presents: Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson (Main)

Tuesday, May 20 @ 6:00 PM

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Tourmaline—award-winning artist, filmmaker, writer, activist, and TIME 100 Most Influential Person in the World awardee—for a discussion of her new book Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson. Registration is required.

Learn More

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!

Learn More

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

View All

Coming Up

May

20 Tue

Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)
11:00 AM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an...
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.
View Full Description
Sing-Along (Valente)
11:00 AM
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, movement, and dancing! This event is for...
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, movement, and dancing! This event is for children and their grown-ups. This program will take place in the Community Room. No registration is required. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.
View Full Description
Toddler Story Time (Main)
11:00 AM
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children 18...
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.
View Full Description
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
1:00 PM
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is certified to use equipment or...
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is certified to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
View Full Description
High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
1:00 PM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high...
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high beginner level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
View Full Description
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
2:30 PM
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,... 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.
View Full Description
Advanced ESOL Class (Central Square)
3:00 PM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an...
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an advanced level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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.
View Full Description
Drop-In Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
3:30 PM
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone...
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 4 and 6pm. 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.
View Full Description
STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
3:30 PM
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their...
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more on the iFp website and submit an application .
View Full Description
Preschool Story Time (Main)
4:00 PM
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children ages...
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. 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.
View Full Description
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
5:00 PM
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School...
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.
View Full Description

May

20 Tue

Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)
11:00 AM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an...
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.
View Full Description
Sing-Along (Valente)
11:00 AM
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, movement, and dancing! This event is for...
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, movement, and dancing! This event is for children and their grown-ups. This program will take place in the Community Room. No registration is required. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.
View Full Description
Toddler Story Time (Main)
11:00 AM
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children 18...
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.
View Full Description
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
1:00 PM
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is certified to use equipment or...
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is certified to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
View Full Description
High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
1:00 PM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high...
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high beginner level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
View Full Description
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
2:30 PM
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,... 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.
View Full Description
Advanced ESOL Class (Central Square)
3:00 PM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an...
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an advanced level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
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.
View Full Description

May

20 Tue

Intermediate ESOL Class (Central Square)
11:00 AM
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an...
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.
View Full Description
Sing-Along (Valente)
11:00 AM
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, movement, and dancing! This event is for...
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, movement, and dancing! This event is for children and their grown-ups. This program will take place in the Community Room. No registration is required. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4015.
View Full Description
Toddler Story Time (Main)
11:00 AM
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children 18...
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.
View Full Description