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City of Cambridge

Meet the Director

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

Create your own terrarium! (Main)

Tuesday, April 22 @ 5:00 PM

In honor of Earth Day, spend your afternoon at the Library creating your own terrarium. In partnership with Emerald City Plant Shop, you will have the opportunity to learn more about different kind of plants and plant care. This event will be conducted in the front park area of the Library. In the case of rain, the class will be moved to the community room. The Library will provide needed supplies.

Live at the Library: Rosalita's Puppets: Puppet-Making Workshop (Main)

Wednesday, April 23 @ 3:00 PM

Join us for a 60-minute puppet-making workshop following the performance of, Enchanted Castle, by Rosalita's Puppets. For children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 30 children. 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.

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, April 20, 2025

Director's Update, April 20, 2025
Director's Update, April 13, 2025

Wellness for Older Adults, Sacred Songs and Rituals, Tween STEAM, Introduction to Rewilding, and More!
National Library Week 2025

Read Cambridge City Council Resolution in acknowledgment of National Library Week.
Director's Update, April 6, 2025

Forest Bathing, Barry Schneier, Seed Swap, and More!

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Coming Up

Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
10:30 AM
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or...
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or join every workshop in this 6-part series to explore the concept of "Shinrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”) which is the practice of being mindful and contemplative within nature, using all your senses. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature. No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting. Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.
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Live at the Library: Folktales & Origami for Families (Boudreau)
10:30 AM
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities....
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
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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. Designed for children 18...
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Designed 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. 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
Live at the Library: Folktales & Origami for Families (O'Connell)
12:30 PM
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities....
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
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
Mac OS: Finding and Organizing Your Files (Main)
2:00 PM
Want to build your confidence using the Mac operating system? Learn how to to navigate the Mac operating...
Want to build your confidence using the Mac operating system? Learn how to to navigate the Mac operating system, manage applications using the Dock, find and manage files and folders, save and delete files, and more. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
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Beginner ESOL Class (Valente)
2:30 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. All are welcome. No registration is necessary. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013 or Kerri McQuown at 617-349-4015
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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

Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
10:30 AM
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or...
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or join every workshop in this 6-part series to explore the concept of "Shinrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”) which is the practice of being mindful and contemplative within nature, using all your senses. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature. No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting. Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.
View Full Description
Live at the Library: Folktales & Origami for Families (Boudreau)
10:30 AM
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities....
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
View Full Description
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. Designed for children 18...
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Designed 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. 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
Live at the Library: Folktales & Origami for Families (O'Connell)
12:30 PM
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities....
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
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

Introduction to Rewilding: Mindfulness and Nature as a Path to Calm (Central)
10:30 AM
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or...
Curious about “forest bathing” (spoiler alert: no water required) and "rewilding" yourself? Come once or join every workshop in this 6-part series to explore the concept of "Shinrin-yoku" (“forest bathing”) which is the practice of being mindful and contemplative within nature, using all your senses. The experiential portion of the workshops will focus on our senses one at a time, workshop-by-workshop, through simple mindfulness exercises, gentle guided nature imagery, and other grounding activities that promote relaxation and (re-)connection with ourselves and with nature. No level of physical ability or prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary — just an openness to relax and explore a new way of calming and connecting. Questions? Please email bquinlan@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4035.
View Full Description
Live at the Library: Folktales & Origami for Families (Boudreau)
10:30 AM
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities....
Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
View Full Description
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

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