Cambridge Public Library

Cambridge Public Library
1888 building (photo 2012)
Cambridge Public Library is located in Massachusetts
Cambridge Public Library
Cambridge Public Library is located in the United States
Cambridge Public Library
LocationCambridge, Massachusetts
Coordinates42°22′26.8″N 71°06′38.9″W / 42.374111°N 71.110806°W / 42.374111; -71.110806
Built1888
ArchitectVan Brunt & Howe (1888)
William Rawn Associates (2009)
Architectural styleRomanesque
MPSCambridge MRA
NRHP reference No.82001931[1]
Added to NRHPApril 13, 1982

The Cambridge Public Library (CPL) in Cambridge, Massachusetts consists of a unified city-wide system maintaining: a main branch, of notable aesthetic architectural value,[2][3][4] plus a further six localized branches sited throughout the city.[5] Having evolved from the Cambridge Athenaeum, the main library branch was built at its present site in 1888. The main library most recently underwent renovation, and a modern building addition significantly expanded the overall branch in 2009. Thus, it greatly increased the branch's area, more than tripling its square footage.[6][7]

At current the library system holds more than 314,607 items[8] where in addition to traditional library services, the Cambridge Public Library provides services such as e-books, audiobooks, tax preparation, large print, films, music, graphic novels, online resources, newspapers, magazines and educational programs among others.[9] The library provides city-wide delivery services to homebound residents of Cambridge.[10][1][2][3]

  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  2. ^ Staff writer (2015). "Featured Project: Cambridge Public Library". www.aia.org. American Institute of Architects. Retrieved August 17, 2023. This project was chosen as a 2015 recipient of the Institute Honor Awards for Architecture.
  3. ^ Vinnitskaya, Irina (May 30, 2011). "Cambridge Public Library wins Harleston Parker Medal / William Rawn Associates and Ann Beha Architects". www.archdaily.com. ArchDaily. Retrieved August 17, 2023. The Boston Society of Architects/AIA announced the winner of the 2010 Harleston Parker Medal as the Cambridge Public Library
  4. ^ Staff writer (2010). "New Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MA". www.aianewengland.org. New England Architecture Awards. Retrieved August 17, 2023. New England Architecture Awards
  5. ^ Staff writer (2022). "Profile: Cambridge Public Library". mblc.state.ma.us. Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  6. ^ Joann Gonchar, FAIA (October 16, 2010). "Cambridge Public Library". www.architecturalrecord.com. BNP Media. Architectural Record. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  7. ^ Staff writer (1997). "Why Improve and Expand the Main Library Building". Cambridge Public Library. www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/~CPL/. Cambridge Public Library. Archived from the original on February 5, 1997. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  8. ^ Marshall Breeding (2023). "Cambridge Public Library - Cambridge, MA". libraries.org. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  9. ^ Staff writer (2023). "Collections". City of Cambridge Library. Retrieved May 9, 2024. The Cambridge Public Library's diverse collection informs, educates, stimulates, entertains, and relaxes the spirit and reflects the unique character of our community. Items are available in many formats, including e-books, audiobooks, large print, films, music, graphic novels, online resources, newspapers, and magazines.
  10. ^ "Delivery and Senior Services at the Library".