All Library locations will be closed on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.
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
CPL Presents: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration with Boston Festival Orchestra (Main)
Saturday, May 23 @ 1:00 PM
The Boston Festival Orchestra returns to the Cambridge Public Library for the second year of its AAPI Heritage Concert, celebrating the extraordinary breadth of musical voices from Asian American and Pacific Islander composers. This program brings together works that reflect personal history, cultural inheritance, and bold contemporary expression — offering a powerful snapshot of the many ways identity and artistry intersect.
Join BFO Artistic Director Alyssa Wang, BFO musicians, and guest artists for an intimate chamber music experience that pairs performance with conversation, inviting audiences to engage with the cultural, historical, and human stories behind the music. This concert continues the BFO’s commitment to amplifying AAPI voices and creating space for meaningful artistic exchange.
For registration: https://patron.bforchestra.org/ticketing/bfo/AAPImonth
This concert is cosponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
Learn More
Coding and Web Development 101 (Main)
Wednesday, May 27 @ 6:00 PM
Would-be programmers with basic computer literacy are invited to join this workshop series. Over eight weeks, participants will learn programming fundamentals, build web pages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, use developer tools such as Git, and more. There will be time to work on projects and receive guidance from experienced developers, with optional homework materials made available for more in-depth learning. While you can join at any time, starting at the beginning of the course is encouraged for the best experience. Registration is required.
The eight sessions are as follows:
Session One (April 8, 2026)
Session Two (April 22, 2026)
Session Three (April 29, 2026)
Session Four (May 6, 2026)
Session Five (May 13, 2026)
Session Six (May 20, 2026)
Session Seven (May 27, 2026)
Session Eight (June 3, 2026)
Note: Patrons must register for each session they wish to attend; registration for each session opens two weeks before the listed dates.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, May 10, 2026
Warren Milteer, Jr., Park Sounds, AAPI Poetry Reading, and More! -
Cambridge Public Library to Welcome Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Yiyun Li
Yiyun Li will read from her 2026 Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Things in Nature Merely Grow -
Director's Update, May 3, 2026
Portuguese Language Day Concert, Fixit Clinic, Earthwise Aware Nature Walk, and More! -
Director's Update, April 26, 2026
Cambridge Cooks, Nature Club, Outdoor Story Time, and More!
Check out the Monthly Newsletter
Coming Up
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CPL Presents: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration with Boston Festival Orchestra (Main)
The Boston Festival Orchestra returns to the Cambridge Public Library for the second year of its AAPI Heritage Concert, celebrating the extraordinary breadth of musical voices from Asian American and Pacific Islander composers. This program brings together works that reflect personal history, cultural inheritance, and bold contemporary expression — offering a powerful snapshot of the many ways identity and artistry intersect. Join BFO Artistic Director Alyssa Wang, BFO musicians, and guest artists for an intimate chamber music experience that pairs performance with conversation, inviting audiences to engage with the cultural, historical, and human stories behind the music. This concert continues the BFO’s commitment to amplifying AAPI voices and creating space for meaningful artistic exchange. For registration: https://patron.bforchestra.org/ticketing/bfo/AAPImonth This concert is cosponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
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3D Printing 101 (Main)
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print using our Prusa 3D printers! Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing certification for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. 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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XR Lab 101 (Main)
Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
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Drop In Tech Help (Valente)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to support navigating online job applications? Want information on low cost internet? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 10a.m. and 12p.m. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact kmcquown@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.
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Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu!
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Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes. 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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Gmail Basics - Manage your inbox and storage (Main)
Learn how to manage your gmail inbox and storage by labeling, archiving and deleting emails. A Google (Gmail) account is required for the class. Please remember your email address and password, you will need them to sign in and practice during the class. Laptops will be provided for the class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
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Intermediate ESOL (Central Square)
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.
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Sing-Along (Valente)
Join us for songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. For children of all ages.
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Toddler Story Time (Main)
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 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.
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Boudreau Branch Mystery Book Group (Boudreau/Virtual)
May Selection: The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the Boudreau Branch. We will discuss current and classic mystery titles. Please register below if you would like to attend via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. How to get the book: Copies of the print book will be set aside at the Boudreau Branch (245 Concord Ave; current hours). For more information, call 617-349-4017 or email Liz Danner at edanner@cambridgema.gov.
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Remembering Together: Grief Support Group (CANCELLED)
The "Remembering Together" support group is for patrons who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Facilitated by the library social worker, this online group offers a safe and confidential online space for peers to come together, share common experiences and heal in community. If you are interested in participating, or simply learning more about this offering, please email Brett Dixon, the library social worker, at bdixon@cambridgema.gov.
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CPL Presents: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration with Boston Festival Orchestra (Main)
The Boston Festival Orchestra returns to the Cambridge Public Library for the second year of its AAPI Heritage Concert, celebrating the extraordinary breadth of musical voices from Asian American and Pacific Islander composers. This program brings together works that reflect personal history, cultural inheritance, and bold contemporary expression — offering a powerful snapshot of the many ways identity and artistry intersect. Join BFO Artistic Director Alyssa Wang, BFO musicians, and guest artists for an intimate chamber music experience that pairs performance with conversation, inviting audiences to engage with the cultural, historical, and human stories behind the music. This concert continues the BFO’s commitment to amplifying AAPI voices and creating space for meaningful artistic exchange. For registration: https://patron.bforchestra.org/ticketing/bfo/AAPImonth This concert is cosponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
-
3D Printing 101 (Main)
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print using our Prusa 3D printers! Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing certification for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. 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.
-
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
-
Drop In Tech Help (Valente)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to support navigating online job applications? Want information on low cost internet? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 10a.m. and 12p.m. No registration required. If you have any questions, please contact kmcquown@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.
-
Creative Aging: Feast of Poetry (Main)
Poetry lovers and skeptics alike are invited to this weekly workshop where we’ll read poems that nourish the mind and spirit. We’ll consult a diverse selection of contemporary and classic poets on meaningful topics, share personal reactions, and engage in reflective writing. Sample topics include identity, community, resilience, home, and more. You don’t need to be a writer—or a poetry expert—to participate. Join us and see what’s on the menu!
-
Songs and Stories (Collins)
Join us for songs, stories and rhymes. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4021 for more information.
-
Gmail Basics - Manage your inbox and storage (Main)
Learn how to manage your gmail inbox and storage by labeling, archiving and deleting emails. A Google (Gmail) account is required for the class. Please remember your email address and password, you will need them to sign in and practice during the class. Laptops will be provided for the class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
-
CPL Presents: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration with Boston Festival Orchestra (Main)
The Boston Festival Orchestra returns to the Cambridge Public Library for the second year of its AAPI Heritage Concert, celebrating the extraordinary breadth of musical voices from Asian American and Pacific Islander composers. This program brings together works that reflect personal history, cultural inheritance, and bold contemporary expression — offering a powerful snapshot of the many ways identity and artistry intersect. Join BFO Artistic Director Alyssa Wang, BFO musicians, and guest artists for an intimate chamber music experience that pairs performance with conversation, inviting audiences to engage with the cultural, historical, and human stories behind the music. This concert continues the BFO’s commitment to amplifying AAPI voices and creating space for meaningful artistic exchange. For registration: https://patron.bforchestra.org/ticketing/bfo/AAPImonth This concert is cosponsored by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
-
3D Printing 101 (Main)
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print using our Prusa 3D printers! Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing certification for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. 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.
-
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.