2024 Community Report | Cambridge Public Library

A copy of the 2024 Community Report sitting on a desk with a keyboard, notebook, and other office items.

In 2024, the Cambridge Public Library achieved historic levels of community engagement and access to free services across our locations and online.

The launch of our 2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan provided a clear direction. During Year One of the Strategic Plan, we accomplished 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

In addition, Cambridge Art Galleries piloted the first community juried exhibition, Belonging, which showcased local makers. The galleries also celebrated Fibreworks 20th Anniversary, a biannual juried exhibition focusing on fiber-based artworks.

⁠Other 2024 highlights included: ⁠

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 our staff for supporting a safe, inspiring, and open-to-all public institution for everyone who calls Cambridge home.

For more details, please refer to our 2024 Community Report [PDF].