2024 Community Report

Key achievements in 2024

In 2024, we completed Year One of the Strategic Plan 2024-2027, which included the following:

• Beginning to re-establish our identity as Cambridge Public Library
• Hosting a living library event
• Expanding the Community Desk program 
• Launching a new library app so members could search for and access their library items on the go 
• Offering lending laptops to all five locations for on-site use

This year, Cambridge Art Galleries piloted the first community juried exhibition, Belonging, which showcased local makers. The galleries also celebrated 20 years of Fibreworks, a biannual juried exhibition of fibre-based artworks.

⁠Other highlights from 2024

• 758,763 in-person visits across all five library locations
• 20,355 attendees participated in adult programs, an increase of 41%
• 114,466 Attendees participated in youth programs, an increase of 26%
• 8,267 new memberships⁠
• 899,696 total materials checked out⁠
• 179,038 Wi-Fi sessions in 2024, an increase of 152%
• 220,560 people experienced Cambridge Art Galleries exhibitions

We extend a sincere thank you to the Board of Trustees and Idea Exchange staff for supporting a safe, inspiring, and open-to-all public institution for everyone who calls Cambridge home.

Find more details in our 2024 Community Report [PDF] .