Cambridge
Massachusetts
Cambridge Public Library
Mission of the Library
So that enlightenment and literacy may flourish in our community, the Cambridge Public Library dedicates itself to collecting and distributing an array of information and ideas that is diverse in material, varied in formats, and rich in viewpoint, reflecting the multicultural character of the community and world it serves. The Library provides free, equal, and confidential access to its resources and services. Essential to this mission is the active promotion of library services, collections, and programs.
A Brief History of the Library
The Cambridge Public Library had its origins in the Cambridge Athenaeum, incorporated in 1849, for the purpose of establishing a lyceum, public library, and reading room. An early benefactor erected a building on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street, and any person residing in Cambridge and "known to the Librarian" was able to purchase borrowing privileges for one dollar per annum.
The City purchased the Cambridge Athenaeum in 1858 for use as a city hall and a public library. Renamed the Dana Library, it was among the first wave of public libraries established in the nation, the Boston Public Library having been founded just five years earlier. At this point, the library boasted 1400 titles and one clerk; customers were allowed only one book at a time. By the spring of 1866, holdings had expanded to 3000 volumes, prompting the Library to move to larger quarters on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Temple Street. In 1874, the library became free to the public and was renamed the Cambridge Public Library in order to make clear that the Library was open to all and not the personal property of Mr. Edmund Dana!
The Cambridge Public Library continued to grow, and the crowded condition of the rooms had begun to attract general attention when Frederick H. Rindge gave the City a tract of land and offered to erect a library building. This generous offer was accepted and Mr. Rindge commissioned a design by Van Brunt and Howe. Completed in 1889, the resulting Romanesque building still serves as the Main Library.
Over time, additions have been made to the Main Library, most recently in 1967. Cambridge is also fortunate to have six branches: the O'Connell Branch and the Valente Branch in East Cambridge; the O'Neill Branch in North Cambridge; the Central Square Branch; the Collins Branch in the Mount Auburn area; and the Boudreau Branch on Huron Avenue. Cambridge is unique among Massachusetts libraries in that most residents of the City are within walking distance of their public library.
Recent News
Cambridge Public Library To Welcome The Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra For A Live Concert
CAMBRIDGE, MA - The Cambridge Public Library will host the Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra (AFO) for a live concert on Saturday, October 21 from 1-3 p.m. in the Lecture Hall. This will be one of the first times the AFO has performed a live…
Read More »The Cambridge Public Library ?Launches?a Summer Reading Adventure for All Ages
The Cambridge Public Library?Launches?a Summer Reading Adventure for All Ages Cambridge, Mass., June 21, 2023 --Starting on June 26, the Cambridge Public Library invites everyone to pick up an Adventure Guide and adventure together for the annual…
Read More »Cambridge Public Library News - June 8, 2023
The Library to Host Ilyon Woo, New York Times bestselling author Cambridge, MA - The Library will welcome Ilyon Woo, The New York Times bestselling author of Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom, for a discussion of…
Read More »Urban Libraries Council Recognizes the Valente Branch Library with 2023 Innovation Award
Urban Libraries Council Recognizes Valente Branch with the 2023 Innovation Award The Valente Branch Library Demonstrates Invaluable Library Impact on Community The Urban Libraries Council announced that the Cambridge Public Library’s Valente…
Read More »The Cambridge Public Library Used Book Sale
The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library, in partnership with the Harvard Square Business Association and Asana Partners, is excited to announce their first ever Used Book Sale on June 17th – 18th. Join us from 1pm – 5pm at 31…
Read More »Libray To Offer Passes To The Museum Of African American History
Cambridge Public Library is offering free passes to the Museum of African American History (MAAH) beginning in February. The passes to the Museum of African American History are made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Cambridge…
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Library to Host NYT Bestselling Author Arthur C. Brooks Cambridge, MA, September 9, 2022 -- Arthur C. Brooks, author of the New York Times Best Seller, From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of…
Read More »Cambridge Public Library : Imbolo Mbue to Sit in conversation with Aliyyah Abdur-Rahman at theMain Library
Cambridge, MA, July 18, 2022 -- Imbolo Mbue, the award-winning author of How Beautiful We Were, will speak at the Main Library on August 4, from 6-7:30 p.m. Mbue will be in conversation with Aliyyah Abdur-Rahman, associate professor of American…
Read More »Cambridge Public Library : Meet The Voices Behind The Jukebox Community Story Sharing Project
Cambridge, MA, July 7, 2022 -- Meet the Cambridge voices behind the Jukebox community story sharing project at "Jukebox First 25: A Release Party Celebrating the First 25 Stories" at the Main Library (449 Broadway) on Tuesday July 12, from 5:30 to 7…
Read More »Cambridge Public Library - Dr. McCauley Inaugurated as President of the Public LibraryAssociation
Dr. McCauley inaugurated as President of the Public Library Association Cambridge, MA, June 30, 2022 -- Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries for the City of Cambridge, was inaugurated as President of the Public Library Association (PLA) at…
Read More »Cambridge Public Library to Launch SummerReading for Everyone
Cambridge, MA, June 22, 2022 -- The Cambridge Public Library’s annual Summer Reading program will kick off on July 1. The program, which will run through August 26, aims to promote reading and a love of books, while highlighting Library…
Read More »Cambridge Public Library Announces Valente Branch Library Summer Sunday Hours
Cambridge Public Library Announces Valente Branch Library Summer Sunday Hours The Cambridge Public Library will pilot a new service this July and August: Summer Sundays at the Valente Branch. Valente Summer Sundays will run from July 3 through…
Read More »Cambridge Public Library : Host Programs in Honor of Haitian Flag Day
Cambridge, MA, May 4, 2022 -- The Cambridge Public Library will host a program in celebration of Haitian Flag Day on Saturday, May 14, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Main Library Lecture Hall. The program will include a poetry reading by former…
Read More »Afghani Author Homeira Qaderi To Speak At Main Library
Homeira Qaderi, the acclaimed author of Dancing in the Mosque: An Afghan Mother’s Letter to her Son, will speak at an in-person event at the Main Library on May 12, from 6:30-8 p.m. Qaderi will be in conversation with poet Aria Aber.?The…
Read More »Cambridge Public Library News - O'Neill Branch to Expand Hours of Operation
O’Neill Branch Library to Expand Hours of Service Cambridge, MA, April 28, 2022 -- The O'Neill Branch Library (70 Rindge Ave), is adding Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. to its hours of operation beginning Tuesday, May 3.? …
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