Cambridge Public Library — Attraction in Cambridge

The Cambridge Public Library is a welcoming space for all residents and visitors, offering free access to its resources and services. One of the key features of the library is its commitment to being free for everyone, making it an inclusive hub for learning, creativity, and community engagement. Though it may not have an overwhelming volume of materials compared to larger institutions, the library provides a thoughtfully curated selection of books, periodicals, digital resources, and multimedia items to meet the diverse needs of its users.

The library spans multiple floors, each offering a unique atmosphere and set of amenities. Whether you're looking for a quiet corner to read, a group study area, or a computer to work on, the Cambridge Public Library has it all. It also provides free Wi-Fi, access to printers, and various study spaces, making it a great spot for both students and professionals. There are designated areas for children and teens, complete with age-appropriate materials and programs. The library frequently hosts workshops, lectures, and events, enriching the cultural life of the community.

In addition to physical resources, the library offers online services, including e-books, audiobooks, and research databases. It truly serves as a multi-functional space where people of all ages can gather, learn, and grow.

The lawn outside the Cambridge Public Library is a beautiful and peaceful space that adds to the charm of the entire library experience. This well-maintained green area provides a serene environment where visitors can relax, read, or simply enjoy the outdoors. On sunny days, you’ll often find people sitting on the grass with a book in hand, having picnics, or enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding trees and landscaping create a sense of calm, making it a perfect spot to unwind after spending time inside the library. It’s also a great place for community gatherings and outdoor events, adding to the library's role as a vibrant community hub. The lawn truly enhances the library’s appeal, offering both an intellectual and physical retreat for...

What a beautiful library with a fantastic collection of books. You can tell the community loves its library and has the money to support it. Great. Why 1 star then?

I was so excited to go there with my aunt today. She's staying in Cambridge while getting some cancer treatment and today we decided to go check out the local library to see if we could get her a temporary card to check books out while she's there (no, but she can go there all day...almost like she's there for vacation and not life-saving treatment, but anyway).

The problem arose when we walked into the teen space. As someone who A. works in libraries and B. LOVES YA lit, again I was excited to check out this collection. My aunt was feeling tired after her treatment and sat down to rest while I browsed and within 30 seconds the librarian was on us telling us we could only be there if we were standing and looking. I'll assume her bag of hospital paperwork and my bag with an umbrella in it made her believe we'd be "hanging out", but literally, she just needed a short rest to regain some energy. I 100% support safe spaces for teens...I also 100% support libraries with staff who recognize that patrons deserve compassionate service and sometimes adults want to read books for kids. Doesn't mean we want to hang out with them. Such a poor experience at such a lovely library.

Edit: I've been back to this library a few times since this original visit and have come across some wonderful staff members that have the kind of attitudes you should have to work in a public library. I still walk in there hesitantly without any welcome feeling, but these few staff members have made subsequent visits less miserable. Maybe soon I'll change my rating to a 2 to reflect these...

Cambridge Public Library is the best library I have ever been a part of. The staff of the library is very helpful and the system very easy to work with. As I live in Cambridge, I just needed to go to the library with a letter proving my address and I immediately had access. I could then borrow books in different formats (physical, ebooks, audiobooks) immediately, and they have an impressive collection. The system of the library is very easy to use and understand. To make things better, there is even an app and website to manage your loans, and to hear your audiobooks and get your ebooks. If a book I want is not immediately available I can place a hold, and I will get it as soon as it gets available. In addition to being a great place to borrow books from, Cambridge Public Library organises several events, for both adults and children. Finally, they have several spaces you can use: a space dedicated to children, a space for quiet study, and a place to read and talk. I was part of different libraries in different countries and I never experienced such an easy to use system, with so many book formats to offer, and such competent and nice staff! I highly...