The Friends Newsletter | February 2026

Contribute to the CPL Strategic Plan!

From the Cambridge Public Library:

"CPL is planning for the future, and we want your input. Tell us how to use our collections, technology, programs, services, and spaces so that we can serve you better. How can we be the best public library for you? Your feedback will help us improve services and set priorities for the coming years in our next strategic plan."

📚

Don't miss these upcoming dates to join in on the conversation with in-person community chats!

Thursday, February 12

11am–12pm, O'Connell Branch

Thursday, February 12

6–7pm, Main Library (Rossi Room)

Thursday, February 19

2:30–3:30pm, Collins Branch

Saturday, February 21

1:30–2:30pm, Valente Branch



Monday, February 23

6–7pm, O'Neill Branch

📚

Provide online feedback through the CPL 2026 Community Survey linked at the button below!

Save the Date!

The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library & Mount Auburn Cemetery are proud to present the 🌷 Secret Gardens of Cambridge 2026 🌷 on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10am–4pm – rain or shine.

Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of May; be sure to mark your calendars! ~ All proceeds will go towards the Cambridge Public Library and the Friends.

O'Neill Branch Re-opening!

The O'Neill Branch of the CPL is now open with regular operating hours after a temporary closure for routine HVAC system replacements.

Monday - Wednesday: 10am–8pm

Thursday - Friday: 10am–6pm

Saturday: 1–5pm

Sunday: Closed 

The Librarians: Now Available!

🎬 The Librarians (2025), is set to premiere on PBS Independent Lens on Monday, February 9, 2026.

Following librarians in Texas, Florida, and other U.S. states, this documentary delves into their efforts to combat book-bans and censorship amidst a nation-wide movement for intellectual freedom and literacy.

Read more on this website!



Calling All Advocates!

If you are interested in supporting the health and vibrancy of libraries in the Commonwealth, check out the legislative agenda of The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) (FY2027 Legislative Agenda: It all starts at the Library.)

The MBLC is the agency of the state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate, and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The MBLC is looking for citizens to support the following bills being considered by the MA legislature (the link to the Legislative agenda has more information on each bill): S.2726 An Act Regarding Free, Expression, S.2710 An Act Addressing the Challenges Facing Public Libraries and Digital Resource Collections, S.428 An Act Relative to School Library Standards. 

The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library is considering becoming more active in supporting libraries at the Federal, State and City level.

If this peaks your interest, please contact FCPL Board Member Regis at regis@cambridgepubliclibraryfriends.org.



Attend Open Trustee Meetings!

Did you know that the meetings for the Board of Trustees of the Cambridge Public Library are open to the public?

Meetings are generally held on the first Tuesday of every month from 5–7pm We recommend checking the Trustee’s meeting page to confirm the date, time and whether the meeting will be held in person, virtual or hybrid. 

Meeting information, including the agenda, is posted approximately a week before the meeting. It is not necessary to sign-up prior to the meeting and you will have the opportunity to share any public comments or feedback to the Board at the beginning of each meeting. 



Sign Up for the CPL Newsletter!

Have you signed up for the Director’s weekly newsletter?

Dr. Maria McCauley’s weekly newsletter provides up-to-date information on the library and includes all the library events for the week.

See you soon in our next newsletter!

📖

Warmly,



Board of Friends of the Cambridge Public Library