Cambridge Public Library

A unified system with a strong main library and six active branch libraries each tailored to the unique needs of its neighborhood.

Cambridge library logo.

Contact

Library Circulation Desk
617-349-4040
Main Library Q&A Desk
Help & Information Desk
617-349-4041
Library Administrative Offices
617-349-4032
Library Children's Room/Services
617-349-4038

Location

449 Broadway Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Mid Cambridge

Last updated August 24, 2020.

Is this page inaccurate or outdated? Please let us know!

Current programs

Program

Literacy and ESOL at the Cambridge Public Library

Cambridge Public Library

The Literacy Project offers free classes in English conversation, job hunting/resume writing and computer basics (Word, Internet and email).

Program

Senior Services and Delivery at the Cambridge Public Library

Cambridge Public Library

Monthly delivery service is available for residents who are homebound due to short or long term disability.

Program

Early Childhood Resource Center at the Cambridge Public Library

Cambridge Public Library

Mid Cambridge

The Cambridge Public Library is the proud home of the Greater Boston ECRC, which includes materials, services, programs and other resources for the early childhood community.

Program

Library Opportunities for Children

Cambridge Public Library

Our CPL calendar links provide a list of all upcoming opportunities for children ages 0-11; regular activities include a variety of virtual story times, arts, musical, and dance events!

Program

Library Opportunities for Teens

Cambridge Public Library

Our CPL calendar links provide a list of all upcoming opportunities for tweens and teens ages 12-18; regular activities include a tween/teen hangouts, 3D printing workshops, and lots more!

Program

Takeout Technology Service at CPL

Cambridge Public Library

Mid Cambridge North Cambridge Wellington Harrington Cambridgeport

We extend access to technology like Chromebook laptops and mobile WiFi hotspots by allowing patrons to check out devices during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Program

STEAM@Home: Backyard Birding

Cambridge Public Library and Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Explore local birds in their natural habitat either in your own neighborhood or further afield. Identify the birds you see. Keep track of your findings on paper or in a sketchbook!

Program

STEAM@Home: Leaf Rubbing

Cambridge Public Library and Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Ever wonder about the trees around you? Let's learn to identify trees in our neighborhoods or on-the-go.

.:
Program

Alzheimer's Association Community Forum

Cambridge Public Library

Mid Cambridge

Upcoming events

Event

Wee Are Every Good Thing: Celebrating and Affirming Our BIPOC Children with Wee the People (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

6:30am – 8:30am

If you're a parent or educator of color, chances are you grew up rarely (or maybe never) seeing yourself reflected in the books that filled your local library or classroom.

Event

Parent/Child (Ages 7-10) Book Group (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

6pm – 7pm
Mid Cambridge

Join us virtually for a lively discussion of a great book over Zoom with special guest, author Kate McGovern!

Event

Boudreau Branch Book Group (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

12pm – 1pm

November book selection: The mountains sing by Nguyẽ̂n Phan Qué̂ Mai.
Event

Read to a Dog (O'Neill)

Cambridge Public Library

3pm – 4pm
North Cambridge

Read with a cuddly friend!

Event

Correctional: A Memoir by Ravi Shankar

Cambridge Public Library

6:30pm – 8pm
Mid Cambridge

The first time Ravi Shankar was arrested, he spoke out against racist policing on National Public Radio and successfully sued the city of New York.

Event

Freshman Design at The Hive (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

8:45am – 9:50am

Also: 8:45am – 9:50am, 8:45am – 9:50am, and 8:45am – 9:50am

Mid Cambridge

This freshman only design course through the Rindge School of Technical Arts is for students with interests in graphic design, digital media, and production techniques.

Event

Studio Recording 101

Cambridge Public Library

1pm – 2pm
Mid Cambridge

Interested in podcasting, audio production or video production?

Event

Parent/Child (Ages 10-13) Book Group (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

6pm – 7pm
Mid Cambridge

Join us virtually for a lively discussion of a great book over Zoom.

Event

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

1pm – 3:30pm
Mid Cambridge

On Tuesday, November, from 1:30 p.m.

Event

Hive Safety Training (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

4pm – 4:30pm

Also: 7pm – 7:30pm, 4pm – 4:30pm, and 1pm – 1:30pm

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

XR Lab 101 (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

1pm – 2pm
Mid Cambridge

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

1pm – 6pm

Also: 12:30pm – 5:30pm, 12:30pm – 5:30pm, and 1pm – 6pm

Mid Cambridge

On Thursday, November 4, from 1:00 p.m.

Event

Outdoor Story Time (O'Connell)

Cambridge Public Library

3:30pm – 4pm
East Cambridge

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes, with a craft to take and make at home, while supplies last.
Event

Outdoor Story Time (O'Connell)

Cambridge Public Library

11am – 11:30am
East Cambridge

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 15-20 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes. 
Event

Studio Recording 101 (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

1pm – 2pm

Also: 11am – 12pm, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, and 1pm – 2pm

Mid Cambridge

Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production?

Event

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

11am – 12pm
Mid Cambridge

Would you like to make your own vinyl signs, stickers, or images to transfer to T-shirts and other textiles?

Event

Hive Safety Training and Glowforge 101 (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

1:30pm – 2:30pm

Also: 11am – 12pm

Mid Cambridge

Are you interested in using The Hive?

Event

3D Printing 101: Design and Creation, Pt.1 (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

5:30pm – 7pm
Mid Cambridge

Learn how to create objects in digital space and fabricate those creations using our Sindoh 3D printers in this 2 part series.
Event

Outdoor Story Time (O'Connell)

Cambridge Public Library

11am – 11:30am
East Cambridge

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 15-20 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes. 
Event

Read to a Dog (O'Neill)

Cambridge Public Library

3pm – 4pm
North Cambridge

Read with a cuddly friend!

Event

XR Lab 101 (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

4pm – 5pm
Mid Cambridge

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

Financial Literacy 101: Managing a Checking Account (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

6pm – 7pm

Managing one's own money in today's world is tricky.

Event

3D Printing 101: Design and Creation, Pt.2 (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

5:30pm – 7pm
Mid Cambridge

Learn how to create objects in digital space and fabricate those creations using our Sindoh 3D printers in this 2 part series.
Event

Pajama Story Time (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

6:45pm – 7:30pm

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes to wind down the day.

Event

Beginner ESOL Class (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

1pm – 2pm

Also: 1pm – 2pm, 1pm – 2pm, and 1pm – 2pm



Event

Indran Amirthanayagam Presents Blue Window

Cambridge Public Library

6:30pm – 8pm
Mid Cambridge

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

Outdoor Story Time (O'Connell)

Cambridge Public Library

3:30pm – 4pm
East Cambridge

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes, with a craft to take and make at home, while supplies last.
Event

Chapter Chat (O'Neill/Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

4pm – 5pm

Also: 4pm – 5pm, 4pm – 5pm, and 4pm – 5pm

North Cambridge

Read the book, then come for conversation and activities!

Event

Collins Branch Book Group (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

6pm – 7pm

November selection: The Ungrateful Refugee: What Immigrants Never Tell You by Dina Nayeri
Event

Joan Naviyuk Kane presents Dark Traffic (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

6pm – 7pm
Mid Cambridge

Dark Traffic creates landmarks through language, by which its speakers begin to describe traumas in order to survive and move through them.

Event

O'Connell Book Group (O'Connell Branch / Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

6:30pm – 7:30pm
East Cambridge

November selection:  Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict
Event

Glowforge 201 (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

6pm – 7pm
Mid Cambridge

You have learned the basics of our Glowforge Pro and are ready to level up!

Event

Intermediate ESOL Class (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

3pm – 4pm

Also: 3pm – 4pm

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class.

Event

Intermediate ESOL Class (Virtual)

Cambridge Public Library

3pm – 4pm

Also: 3pm – 4pm, 3pm – 4pm, and 3pm – 4pm

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class.

Event

Outdoor Story Time (O'Connell)

Cambridge Public Library

11am – 11:30am
East Cambridge

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 15-20 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes. 
Event

Virtual Pajama Story Time Series

Center for Families and Cambridge Public Library

6:45pm – 7:15pm

The Center for Families and the Cambridge Public Library invite Cambridge children birth through age 8 and their grownups to join us on Zoom for songs, stories, and rhymes to wind down the day.

Event

Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

10:30am – 11am

Also: 10:30am – 11am, 10:30am – 11am, and 10:30am – 11am

Cambridgeport

Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room at the Central Square Branch Library. For ages birth-5 with caregivers.
Event

Art and Stories

Cambridge Public Library

4pm – 5pm

Also: 4pm – 5pm, 4pm – 5pm, and 4pm – 5pm

Cambridgeport

Join us in the Central Square Children's Room for a fun and easy art and craft project while you listen to stories. Ages 4-12,  under 7 with caregiver.

Event

Contemporary Book Group

Cambridge Public Library

6pm – 7pm

Also: 6pm – 7pm, 6pm – 7pm, and 6pm – 7pm

Mid Cambridge

September read: Red Island House by Andrea Lee
Event

Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

10:30am – 11am

Also: 10:30am – 11am, 10:30am – 11am, and 10:30am – 11am

Cambridgeport

Join us for a half-hour of stories in the Children's Room at the Central Square Branch Library. For ages birth-5 with caregivers.
Event

Outdoor Baby Lapsit

Cambridge Public Library

10am – 10:20am

Also: 10am – 10:20am, 10am – 10:20am, and 10am – 10:20am

Mid Cambridge

Just for you and the baby!

Event

Outdoor Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

4pm – 4:20pm

Also: 4pm – 4:20pm, 4pm – 4:20pm, and 4pm – 4:20pm

Mid Cambridge

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes.

Event

Outdoor Sing-Along

Cambridge Public Library

11am – 11:20am

Also: 11am – 11:20am, 11am – 11:20am, and 11am – 11:20am

Mid Cambridge

Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing!

Event

Outdoor Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

11am – 11:20am

Also: 11am – 11:20am, 11am – 11:20am, and 11am – 11:20am

Mid Cambridge

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes.

Event

Outdoor Sing-Along (O'Neill Branch)

Cambridge Public Library

10:30am – 10:50am

Also: 10:30am – 10:50am, 10:30am – 10:50am, and 10:30am – 10:50am

North Cambridge

Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing!

Event

Outdoor Story Time (O'Neill Branch)

Cambridge Public Library

11am – 11:20am

Also: 11am – 11:20am, 11am – 11:20am, and 11am – 11:20am

North Cambridge

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes.

Event

Nonfiction Book Group

Cambridge Public Library

1pm – 2pm

Also: 1pm – 2pm, 1pm – 2pm, and 1pm – 2pm

Mid Cambridge

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

Outdoor Story Time (Valente)

Cambridge Public Library

11am – 11:30am
Wellington Harrington

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes.

Event

Outdoor Story Time (Collins)

Cambridge Public Library

10:30am – 11am
Strawberry Hill

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes.

Event

Outdoor Storytime (O'Connell)

Cambridge Public Library

3:30pm – 4pm

Also: 3:30pm – 4pm

East Cambridge

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories and rhymes.

.:
Event

Freshman Design at The Hive (Main)

Cambridge Public Library

8:45am – 9:50am

Also: 8:45am – 9:50am, 8:45am – 9:50am, and 8:45am – 9:50am

Mid Cambridge

This freshman only design course through the Rindge School of Technical Arts is for students with interests in graphic design, digital media, and production techniques.

Event

Studio Recording 101

Cambridge Public Library

Mid Cambridge

Interested in podcasting, audio production or video production?

Event

CPL International Briefing: The Conflict between India and China with Rukmani Gupta

Cambridge Public Library

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

Virtual Preschool Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children ages 3-5 and their grown ups to join us from home for 25 minutes of engaging stories.
Event

Tween/Teen Virtual Hangout

Cambridge Public Library

A drop-in hour for tweens, teens and their caregivers.

Event

Books to Go (Boudreau)

Cambridge Public Library

Neighborhood 9 and West Cambridge

Borrow a bag of pre-selected books for kids, teens or adults!

Event

Linked Descendants: African American Genealogy Prior to 1870

Cambridge Public Library

Join us for a workshop with Sharon Leslie Morgan, renowned genealogist and founder of Our Black Ancestry, as we delve into African American ancestry before abolition. 
Event

Books to Go (Collins)

Cambridge Public Library

Strawberry Hill

Borrow a bag of pre-selected books for kids, teens or adults!

Event

VOICES Concert Series: Andrea Cruz

Cambridge Public Library

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

Collins Branch Virtual Book Group

Cambridge Public Library

April selection: Big Girl, Small Town by Michelle Gallen
Event

CPL CRAFTS: Grocery Store Natural Dyeing with Stephen Hamilton

Cambridge Public Library

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

Boudreau Branch Virtual Book Group

Cambridge Public Library

April book selection: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Event

Virtual Sing-Along

Cambridge Public Library

Put on your dancing shoes!

Event

Buns, Beards, Bodices and Bustles: Understanding Ancestors Through Clothing

Cambridge Public Library

Ancestral fashions and the industry that produced them left behind a fascinating legacy of images and information.

Event

The Hope Storytelling Project: Finding Unity in Diversity

Cambridge Public Library

In a social climate where divisiveness, racism, and prejudice are growing and separating our country, it can seem like there's no where to turn, that everything is hopeless.

Event

Hip Hop HERstory: A Discussion of Influential Women in Hip Hop

Cambridge Public Library

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

The Whys and Whens of Car Maintenance

Cambridge Public Library

Chaya Milchtein of Mechanic Shop Femme presents an overview of car maintenance that will can save you time, money and hassle.

Event

Virtual Baby Lapsit

Cambridge Public Library

Just for you and the baby!

Event

Perspectives Virtual Book Group 

Cambridge Public Library

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

O'Connell Branch Virtual Book Group

Cambridge Public Library

April book selection:  Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami
Event

Wellness for Seniors: Low Impact Fitness

Cambridge Public Library

This class is designed for people of all levels ot strengthen the muscles, the heart and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music!

Event

Google Drawing 101: Sticker Design

Cambridge Public Library

Interested in making your own vinyl stickers?

Event

The Hive Open House

Cambridge Public Library

Interested in learning about the new creative space at our main library?

Event

Design Support

Cambridge Public Library

Have you attended one of our virtual design workshops or developed a project idea on your own that you would like to bring to life using some of the tools in The Hive?

Event

POETS IN THE ROUND: Yanyi, Shira Erlichman, and Asiya Wadud

Cambridge Public Library

Join us for this special event in honor of National Poetry Month!

Event

Being one with Earth: Telling stories with papercutting

Cambridge Public Library

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

Podcasting from Home (CCTV)

Cambridge Public Library

What equipment do you need and how do you set up at home to record yourself and your guest who's calling in remotely?

Event

John Lewis: Good Trouble Virtual roundtable discussion & film screening

Cambridge Public Library

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

Family STEAM Night: Art Machines

Cambridge Public Library

Design a system of moving parts to bring your mechanical grabbing machine to life! We will explore simple machines and forces through hands-on making. 

Event

Kids Books to Go (Collins)

Cambridge Public Library

Strawberry Hill

Borrow a bag of pre-selected library books for your kids and teens!

Event

Virtual STEAM Story Time: Ramps and Inclines

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of stories and hands-on activities.
Event

Dream Big 2020: Big Data, Big Problems

Cambridge Public Library

Free event at the Cambridge Public Library.

Event

AR For Art

Cambridge Public Library

The ways in which we create, share, and consume art have been transformed b huhh b8uu8This outlines the curriculum for a 4-week Augmented Reality (AR) Experience project.

Event

Collins Branch Virtual Book Group

Cambridge Public Library

All You Can Ever Know, by Nicole Chung.
Event

Virtual STEAM Story Time: Autumn Leaves

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of stories and hands-on activities.
Event

Virtual STEAM Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of stories and hands-on activities.
Event

Mindfulness Crafting with Linda Tang

Cambridge Public Library

Mid Cambridge

Come join Linda Tang, MSW for a guided mindfulness arts & crafts night by creating your own 'Relaxation Teller.

Event

Boudreau Branch Virtual Book Group

Cambridge Public Library

This month's selection is The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers.
Event

O'Connell Branch Virtual Book Group

Cambridge Public Library

October Book Selection: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Event

Virtual Pajama Storytime

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes to wind down the day.

Event

Community Yoga with Cultural Fabric

Cambridge Public Library

Join us for a November community yoga series in partnership with

Event

Virtual Intro ESOL Class

Cambridge Public Library

Join us for a Virtual ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Class conducted by Zoom.

Event

Virtual Beginner ESOL Class

Cambridge Public Library

Join us for a Virtual ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Class conducted by Zoom.

Event

Virtual Intermediate ESOL Class

Cambridge Public Library

Join us for a Virtual ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Class conducted by Zoom.

Event

Virtual Preschool Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children ages 3-5 and their grown ups to join us from home for 25 minutes of engaging stories.
Event

Virtual STEAM Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of stories and hands-on activities.
Event

Virtual Family Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes.
Event

Virtual STEAM Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of stories and hands-on activities.
Event

Virtual STEAM Story Time

Cambridge Public Library

We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of stories and hands-on activities.
Event

Stop the Violence: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in the U.S.

Cambridge Public Library

Join the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women for a presentation on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women struggle across the so-called United States.