Resolution: Celebration of the life of Charlie Fineman

RES 2026-10 FIRST IN COUNCIL February 9, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS MAYOR SIDDIQUI COUNCILLOR NOLAN COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI VICE MAYOR AZEEM COUNCILLOR ZUSY COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN WHEREAS: The City Council wishes to honor and celebrate the life of Charlie Fineman, whose generosity, kindness, and commitment to public service enriched the Cambridge community for decades; and WHEREAS: Charlie volunteered with the Cambridge Office for Tourism for more than ten years, sharing his extensive knowledge and genuine enthusiasm with visitors from around the world, making each interaction warm, insightful, and memorable; and WHEREAS: Fluent in French, Spanish, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Italian, and Portuguese, Charlie had a remarkable gift for connecting with people across cultures, embodying the spirit of hospitality and lifelong learning; and WHEREAS: A librarian by profession and a freelance translator, Charlie earned a Master’s in French from Yale University and a Master of Science in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State College, later serving as West European Bibliographer and ultimately Scandinavian Bibliographer and Acquisitions Chief at Harvard University’s Widener Library until his retirement in 2008; and WHEREAS: Charlie’s distinguished career also included roles at Northwestern University and the University of California–Santa Cruz, and his leadership within the American Library Association’s Western European Specialists Section (WESS) reflected his dedication to scholarship and collaboration; and WHEREAS: Beyond his professional achievements, Charlie contributed to civic life through service on the Cambridge Transit Advisory Committee and as a strong supporter of History Cambridge, demonstrating his deep commitment to education, civic engagement, and community heritage; and WHEREAS: Charlie’s wisdom, curiosity, humor, and warmth touched countless lives, leaving an enduring legacy of knowledge, kindness, and connection; now therefore be it RESOLVED: That the City Council celebrates the life and contributions of Charlie Fineman, expressing gratitude for his service and the joy he brought to our community; and be

it further RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the family of Charlie Fineman on behalf of the entire City Council, with appreciation for a life so well lived. In City Council February 9, 2026. Adopted by a yea and nay vote:- Yeas 9; Nays 0; Absent 0. Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane Interim City Clerk Click or tap here to enter text.