A new chapter: Idea Exchange to become Cambridge Public Library

It’s time for the Idea Exchange in Cambridge to begin a new chapter as the organization explores better ways to serve the community, including greater clarity the purpose of the organization.

Sharing the news on Tuesday, a release from the organization said the library board has voted unanimously to move on from the Idea Exchange name, rebranding to the Cambridge Public Library.

CEO of the Idea Exchange, Chrissy Hodgins said her time spent building relationships with community members showed some in the community were “less certain about what the public library was about,” while a community survey launched last year showed an “overwhelming majority of community members” felt the Idea Exchange name created barriers to access.

“It became clear that returning to a name that included ‘public library’ was the right choice for our community,” Hodgins said.

A statement from the Chair of the Cambridge Public Library Board, Thomas Sandor, noted that the board is hopeful the name change will “restore the clarity, trust and sense of purpose of the public library.”

It was back in 2014 when the name of the libraries was changed from Cambridge Libraries and Galleries to Idea Exchange, a move to be more contemporary as a “dynamic part of the community.”

“Changing the name never changed our legacy of bringing exceptional library service to our community,” reads a release from the Idea Exchange. “Modern public libraries are as innovative, forward-thinking and community focused as we have always been.”

The change to the new branding is expected to be gradual, completed ahead of the opening of the new Southeast Cambridge Recreation and Library Complex in 2026.

Existing membership cards and online library accounts are not expected to change, though cards will be redesigned to incorporate that new location. In terms of costs, the Idea Exchange noted that the change will be funded within the existing budgets and through scheduled projects.