Welcome!

The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library is a volunteer-driven community membership organization open to all library-loving individuals and families who wish to participate in the ongoing celebration and support of the Cambridge Public Library, its six neighborhood branches located throughout the City of Cambridge, and the diverse population that it serves.

Formed in 1995 for the purpose of helping the library achieve goals beyond its financial capacity, the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library, Inc. is a non-profit 501c(3) corporation that dedicates itself to supporting our library’s endeavors with funding for special projects, community events, acquisitions, and new technologies. In many cases, the Friends’ support enables the library to provide services for its patrons that go beyond the scope of city and state budgets and to respond quickly as new programming opportunities arise.

What We Do

With our members’ support, the Friends funded the following exciting projects and programs this past year:

• A laptop kiosk, providing comprehensive software and Internet access for in-library use

• A 3D printer and software for the new Technology Cart, used for programming such as the Wayfarers teen program this past summer

• Admission passes to the Museum of Fine Arts, New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, and others

• Guest author events with Roxane Gay and Jacqueline Woodson

• Build a Better World children’s reading program, circulating almost 88,000 items in July and August

• Events including a free family friendly concert, Valentine’s Day Tea, Trivia Party, and library open house

• Training and appreciation opportunities for library staff

We actively recruit new members, not only to increase funds for the library, but also to expand our reach into the library branches and the greater Cambridge community. We also welcome volunteers to help with library and Friends’ activities, including the Secret Garden Tour.

Mission statement

The Friends of Cambridge Public Library is a volunteer grassroots membership organization established in 2005 for Cambridge Public Library patrons interested in supporting the library and its mission. It is a Massachusetts 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization. The Friends sponsors community events to raise awareness, funds, and support for the Library. The funding and support include a wide variety of programs that directly support Library patrons, improve literacy, and promote the arts in Cambridge and surrounding areas. The Friends also provides funding and support for Library staff and their development. Through the Friends commitment to transparency and equity, we aim to empower the local community to support the Library with volunteer-driven action.

Get involved today and join us in our ongoing celebration of the Cambridge Public Library. It belongs to you!