The Gleason Library Trustees have reached their original goal of $2.3M in an ambitious $2.5 million capital campaign to fully transform the Library’s interior! However, our finish line has changed due to rising costs in construction, and the estimate for 2026, including construction, furnishings, and all associated costs, is now $2.8M. To close this gap, we are still fundraising, applying for grants, and applying to the Carlisle Preservation Committee for additional funds. As of March 2026, we have issued an Invitation for Bids and are preparing to begin construction this summer, contingent on funding.
The Gleason has been at the heart of Carlisle, both physically and in spirit, since its opening in 1896. Since its last major renovation almost 25 years ago, the Gleason’s physical space has stayed largely the same, while the role of the library has evolved far beyond providing books. A modern library is a hub for all ages: a gathering place, a co-working space, a hangout and study space, and a place to discuss ideas and share points of view, without ever having to buy anything.
Join us on the journey to ensure that this community treasure will continue to meet the needs of residents for years to come.
Read about the Capital Campaign in the Carlisle Mosquito.
Any donation is greatly appreciated. Donations over $5,000 will be recognized in a plaque at the library.
Partner: $5,000+
Pillar: $10,000+
Curator’s Circle: $25,000+
Director’s Circle: $50,000+
Trustees’ Circle: $100,000+
Benefactor: $500,000+
2026 Building Project Updates
Construction documents were finalized in early 2026 and an Invitation for Bids has been issued, as well as an Request for Proposals for temporary library space during the construction. Both procurements may be accessed through the Town of Carlisle website.
2025 Building Project Updates
The GPL Building Committee selected CMS as the Owner’s Project Manager for the renovation and is continuing design development work with Schwartz/Silver Architects.
Click here for information on the Building Committee. Visit the Town of Carlisle website for Building Committee agendas and minutes.
CPA Grant Updates
The Gleason is applying for additional CPA funding in 2026 to close the funding gap and begin construction this summer. In 2023, Warrant Article 8 at Carlisle’s Fall Special Town Meeting was approved for $767,000 of Community Preservation Act Funds towards the interior rehabilitation and renovation project. Those requested CPA funds were 1/3 of the projected renovation cost at the time. We have met the required match for this original CPA grant.
To learn more:
A Community Space for All
Flexible community space that accommodates art installations, historical exhibits, and social gatherings, with an open floor plan to improve usability, safety, and customer service.
Meeting Spaces
Demand for working and meeting space was already huge pre-pandemic and keeps growing. Additional and updated public meeting spaces will include upgraded equipment to meet the needs of today’s remote and hybrid cultures.
Dedicated Teen Area
Raising kids and teens – or being them – is harder than ever in these times, and tweens and teens deserve a space that’s all their own. The renovation will provide teens and tweens with their own dedicated space to study and socialize in a safe environment.
Space for Quiet Enjoyment
A new quiet reading room with advanced acoustics on the second floor, while on the first floor a new quiet booth will accommodate phone and video calls.
Accessible for Everyone
Everyone deserves equal access to the library. Although the library space was compliant with ADA requirements when the current building opened in 2000, updates are needed to remain compliant with accessibility and safety codes.
In 2022, the Library Trustees hired Schwartz/Silver Architects to prepare schematic design concepts for a renovation of the Gleason Library interior space. Meeting presentations are available to download below. Feedback is welcome using the form below, or by email to director@gleasonlibrary.org. We are excited to share the design concepts and to hear from you along the way! Your voice is an important part of the process of designing a library for everyone in the community.
The renovation will be funded primarily through private donations; contributions may be directed to the Gleason Endowment.
May 19, 2022: Conceptual Drawings
May 19, 2022: Perspective Views
May 19, 2022: Project Cost Estimate
