Meet the Director
Hi! I am Maria McCauley, the Director of Libraries. Learn more about upcoming Library programs and events in my weekly message.
Read the Monthly Newsletter
Learn More
The Margret and H. A. Rey Curious George Lecture: Jerry Craft (Main)
Wednesday, March 19 @ 6:00 PM
Children and families are invited to meet Jerry Craft, award-winning and best-selling graphic novelist of the "New Kid" series. Craft will talk about his work, answer questions from the audience and sign books. Porter Square Books will have books available for sale. This event takes place in the Lecture Hall (L2) with limited overflow seating in the Community Room. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
About the Lecture
The annual lecture is an initiative sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library, the Curious George Fund and the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. The series aims to bring the community together to celebrate outstanding and engaging books for young readers.
About the Author
Jerry Craft is The New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020), the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). Jerry was born in Harlem and grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City, and now travels the world telling kids and their families about the importance of reading.
Learn More
Collage Workshop with Local Artist Elena Stone (O'Neill)
Monday, March 17 @ 6:30 PM
In stressful times, collage can be a powerful practice for well-being and resilience. Join local artist Elena Stone to create collages in a relaxing, fun, and reflective community setting. We will use simple materials and a lightly structured process to promote creativity and connection.
Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own collage papers (e.g. old magazines, calendars, wrapping paper, etc.) to share.
Registration is encouraged but not required.
Learn More
News
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Director's Update, March 9, 2025
“Still Marching” Exhibit, Shop for Free: Prom, Library Catalog 101, and More! -
Cambridge Public Library to Host Jerry Craft, Author of New Kid, for the 7th Annual Curious George Lecture
The Cambridge Public Library will host the 7th annual Margret and H.A. Rey Curious George Lecture on Wednesday, March 19. -
Director's Update, March 2, 2025
Know Your Rights Workshop, Confectionary Cambridge, Art Tour, and More! -
Cambridge Public Library to Exhibit “Still Marching 1970-2017” by Award-Winning Photographer Liane Brandon
The Cambridge Public Library will display “Still Marching 1970-2017" by award-winning filmmaker and photographer, Liane Brandon.
Coming Up
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CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (O'Neill)
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. The meeting location for this walk will be in front of the Fresh Pond Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway (under the clock tower). Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.
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High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
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.
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Sing-Along (O'Neill)
Sing and dance to your favorite songs! For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.
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Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Join us each Monday at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker. This is an in-person program taking place in the Lewis Room at Central Square. Registration is required for each session. Louise Parker has been practicing yoga for close to 20 years. She is trained in the Yoga Shanti method of practice, which is rooted in the Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga traditions.
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Morning Sing-Along (Main)
It's a Library dance party! All ages. 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. 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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Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual)
A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful class. We'll work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful happy mind/body/spirit. Good for every body! Registration for each session is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
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Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
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STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
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 .
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LEGO Time (Main)
It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children. For children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 30 builders. Children under age 7 must be attended by a caregiver. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. 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. 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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STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
In Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs, students dive into the exciting world of social robots—machines designed to interact, learn, and connect. From brainstorming ideas to building prototypes, students explore how AI and robotics can foster fairer, more inclusive communities. They design robots that serve as friendly companions, offering support, connection, and solutions to real-world challenges. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Skills Learned: Human-Centered Design, Mechanics, Electronics, Computer Programming, AI, and more. Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that inspires high-potential, diverse young people to discover their passions, develop innovative mindsets and cultivate marketable skills to solve problems they care most about. Summer Studio teens are funded in part through the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. The Cambridge Public Library STEAM Academy is part of Cambridge STEAM Initiative's efforts to enhance and expand students’ access to quality STEAM learning experiences. Made possible by generous support from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund and Verizon.
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Beginning English Class (Valente)
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. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. This class will be held at the Valente Branch Library, located at 826 Cambridge St.
-
Collage Workshop with Local Artist Elena Stone (O'Neill)
In stressful times, collage can be a powerful practice for well-being and resilience. Join local artist Elena Stone to create collages in a relaxing, fun, and reflective community setting. We will use simple materials and a lightly structured process to promote creativity and connection. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own collage papers (e.g. old magazines, calendars, wrapping paper, etc.) to share. Registration is encouraged but not required.
-
CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (O'Neill)
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. The meeting location for this walk will be in front of the Fresh Pond Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway (under the clock tower). Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.
-
High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
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.
-
Sing-Along (O'Neill)
Sing and dance to your favorite songs! For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.
-
Wellness for Older Adults: Chair Yoga (Central)
Join us each Monday at the Central Square Branch for Chair Yoga, led by experienced instructor Louise Parker. This is an in-person program taking place in the Lewis Room at Central Square. Registration is required for each session. Louise Parker has been practicing yoga for close to 20 years. She is trained in the Yoga Shanti method of practice, which is rooted in the Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga traditions.
-
Morning Sing-Along (Main)
It's a Library dance party! All ages. 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. 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.
-
Wellness for Older Adults: Let Your Yoga Dance (Virtual)
A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful class. We'll work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful happy mind/body/spirit. Good for every body! Registration for each session is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
-
Sewing 101 (Main)
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
-
STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
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 .
-
CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (O'Neill)
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. The meeting location for this walk will be in front of the Fresh Pond Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway (under the clock tower). Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.
-
High Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
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.
-
Sing-Along (O'Neill)
Sing and dance to your favorite songs! For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.