We are working hard to complete the essential fundraising needed for an amazing library renovation project. This update will ensure our cherished space can beautifully adapt to meet the changing needs of patrons of all ages. To learn more about the upcoming transformation and view the plans, visit the Gleason Library Renovation Design Project page.

To make this fundraiser a true success, we need your help—and there are two fantastic ways to participate!

1. Mark Your Calendars to Bid

Whether you prefer browsing from the comfort of home or mingling with neighbors in person, we have an option for you:

• The Online Auction: Bidding opens on Sunday, October 11, and runs through Sunday, October 18, closing promptly at 4:00 PM.
• The In-Person Silent Auction: Join us in Carlisle on Sunday, October 18, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a lively conclusion to the festivities.

2. Donate a “Treasure” or Service

We are actively building our catalog and looking for high-quality donations to delight our bidders. We are currently collecting exceptional art pieces, gift certificates and are especially on the hunt for:

• “Service” Offerings (e.g., babysitting, cooking, baking, teaching a class, home services and so much more)
• Event & Entertainment Tickets
• Vacation Rentals & Getaways

If you have a treasure, service, experience, or rental property you would be willing to contribute, please reach out to us at CarlislePublicLibraryAuction@gmail.com. For all other physical item donations, please contact us at GleasonPublicLibraryAuction@gmail.com.

A Sneak Peek at What’s Arrived!

The treasures are already starting to roll in, and they are spectacular! Here is a small preview of what you can bid on:

• A stunning, handmade machine-pieced and hand-quilted quilt (measuring a generous 80″ x 104″).
• An extraordinary, handcrafted pottery dish (dimensions: 21.5” x 14.25” x 3.5” H).
• Several beautiful pieces of art.
• Pledges for gorgeous, custom jewelry.

This is only the beginning! We will be updating our inventory regularly, so be sure to check back to see the latest additions.

Thank you for your generosity, your community spirit, and your continued support of our library’s bright future. We can’t wait to see you at the auction!

The Gleason Public Library Endowment Trustees and volunteers 

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The expected timeline is 9-12 months. We are looking forward to reopening our main Bedford Road location in mid-2027 with a new teen area, new and improved spaces for quiet study and community events, improved layout and acoustics, ADA and code compliance improvements, and important HVAC and elevator updates.

See below for detailed FAQ, and please contact Martha at mpatten@gleasonlibrary.org or 978-369-4898 with any questions!

Gleason Public Library – Temporary Closure and Moving FAQ

How long will the library be closed? 

The renovation project is estimated to take 9 to 12 months; we look forward to reopening at 22 Bedford Road in summer 2027.

How to contact the library:

We can be reached at the same phone number, 978-369-4898, and email, info@gleasonlibrary.org

Will the book drop be available after-hours at the temporary location? 

Yes, we have a walk-up book drop next to the entrance at 1 River Road, open 24/7. Items are checked in daily with the exception of Sundays and holidays.  

Can I pick up items from other libraries at the temporary location? 

Yes, interlibrary requests will be delivered to the temporary location from other MVLC libraries through our online catalog, and statewide through the Commonwealth Catalog, as usual.

Are museum passes and Library of Things items available at 1 River Road?

Yes, museum passes and Library of Things are available! Library of Things items may be browsed and requested online; the actual items are stored in a staff area and not available for browsing in person. If items are reserved at least 24 hours before the desired pickup date, staff will have the items ready for pickup; for same-day requests it may take a few minutes for staff to retrieve the items from the closed stacks.

Are Meeting Rooms available at 1 River Rd.? 

One quiet study room may be reserved or used on a drop-in basis if available – click here for more information and to submit a reservation request for this room.

What is available at 1 River Rd.?

About 10% of the library collection, including new releases and high-demand titles, is available for browsing. The rest of the Gleason’s collection is in storage and unavailable, but items may be requested from other libraries for pickup at 1 River Road in Carlisle through the MVLC catalog and the statewide Commonwealth Catalog. Gleason staff are also offering “book bundles”, for which we select several books for you to try based on your interests and preferences.

We also have our photocopier, printer, public computers, museum passes, kids’ collection display case, and Library of Things.

What will happen to regularly scheduled library programming while the library is closed?

Library programming continues as scheduled at multiple locations in Carlisle. Visit our events calendar for details.

You can read more about this year’s Summer Reading Program, Plant a Seed: Read! On our website or email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org for information.

What will the public service hours be at 1 River Rd.?

We will be open for our regular library hours:

• Monday: 10 am – 9 pm
• Tuesday: 10 am – 9 pm
• Wednesday: 1 pm – 9 pm
• Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
• Friday: 10 am – 5 pm
• Saturday (until end of August): 10 am – 1 pm, (after Labor Day): 10 am – 5 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Please contact Martha at mpatten@gleasonlibrary.org or 978-369-4898 with any questions!

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• July 8-13: Lobby/front desk open for holds pickup, museum passes, and book bundles (books selected by staff to match your interests); most library spaces will be closed to the public while staff prepare for the move.
• July 14-21: Library closed for move
• July 22: Library reopens at 1 River Road. Browse new books and a limited selection of library collections for all ages; other items may be requested from other libraries for pickup in Carlisle. Photocopier, public computers, and a small quiet study area will also be available.

The expected timeline is 9-12 months. We are looking forward to reopening in mid-2027 with a new teen area, new and improved spaces for quiet study and community events, improved layout and acoustics, ADA and code compliance improvements, and important HVAC and elevator updates.

See below for detailed FAQ, and please contact Martha at mpatten@gleasonlibrary.org or 978-369-4898 with any questions!

Gleason Public Library – Temporary Closure and Moving FAQ

How long will the library be closed? 

The library will have limited services (holds/museum pass pickup only) from July 8 through 13 and be closed from July 14 through 21 to allow physically relocating collections and furnishings to 1 River Rd. All virtual services like databases, Libby, and Hoopla will still be available during this time with your library card.

The renovation project is estimated to take 9 to 12 months; we look forward to reopening at 22 Bedford Road in summer 2027.

How to contact the library:

Phone availability will be limited from July 14 to 21, but we will respond to voicemails and will also be reachable by email at info@gleasonlibrary.org. We will respond as soon as possible during weekday business hours.

How do I return my items while the library is closed? 

Beginning Tuesday, July 14, please do not return items to the Gleason Public Library until after we reopen at 1 River Rd. on July 22, 2026. Reminder, we do not charge fines.

Items may also be returned to any MVLC Library.

Will the book drop be available while you are closed? 

No, please return your items to 1 River Rd. when we reopen on July 22, 2026, or at other MVLC libraries.  

Can I pick up an item on hold while you are closed? 

Through July 13, pickup will be available at the Gleason. From July 14 to 21, you can pick up a title if you designate another library as your pick-up point. All of Carlisle’s collections will be unavailable during this time. The Gleason Library will not be available as a pick-up location from July 14 through 21. If you put an item on hold previously and you are still waiting for its arrival, you will not lose your place in line.

How do I find my account and put a hold on a book for pick up at a nearby library? 

Go to https://gleasonlibrary.org. Click on Account on the top right hand corner. Log into your account (library card number and pin – which is typically the last 4 numbers of your phone number) to reroute your item to a different MVLC library. In your account, select the “Holds” tab. Select the item you want to reroute, select “Edit Pick Location,” at the top of the page and change the location. Visit MVLC to find libraries in the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.

Can I still request Museum Passes?

Virtual passes will be available at all times. Physical passes may not be picked up between July 14 and 21; physical passes may be picked up through July 13. Please visit our Museum Passes page to reserve. 

Will there be Meeting Rooms available at 1 River Rd.? 

There will be one study room that may be reserved or used on a drop-in basis if available.

What will be available at 1 River Rd.?

About 10% of the library collection, including new releases and high-demand titles, will be available for browsing. The rest of the Gleason’s collection will be in storage and unavailable, but items may be requested from other libraries for pickup at 1 River Road in Carlisle through the MVLC catalog and the statewide Commonwealth Catalog. Gleason staff are also offering “book bundles”, for which we select several books for you to try based on your interests and preferences.

We will also have our photocopier, printer, public computers, museum passes, kids’ collection display case, and Library of Things.

What will happen to regularly scheduled library programming while the library is closed?

Library programming will continue as scheduled at multiple locations in Carlisle. Visit our events calendar for details.

You can read more about this year’s Summer Reading Program, Plant a Seed: Read! On our website or email childrens@gleasonlibrary.org for information.

What will the public service hours be at 1 River Rd.?

We will be open for our regular library hours:

• Monday: 10 am – 9 pm
• Tuesday: 10 am – 9 pm
• Wednesday: 1 pm – 9 pm
• Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
• Friday: 10 am – 5 pm
• Saturday (until end of August): 10 am – 1 pm, (after Labor Day): 10 am – 5 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Please contact Martha at mpatten@gleasonlibrary.org or 978-369-4898 with any questions!

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We hope to see you there! Be sure to drop off your books prior to the swap as we will not accept books during the swap. Donations limited to 3 boxes per household please. All adult fiction books and all children and teen books, plus jigsaw puzzles for any age, are welcome during our drop off times outside the Highland Building:

•  Tuesday, June 16: 3:15 to 6 p.m.
•  Wednesday, June 17: 3:15 to 6 p.m.
•  Thursday, June 18: 6 to 8 p.m.

For more events happening at Old Home Day, please visit http://www.carlisleohd.org/

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Aging in Place includes access to resources, community involvement, and community support.

RESOURCES

In-person library resources:

• Books, Music, Movies, Magazines & Newspapers
• Computers & Tech Help
• Library of Things

At home access to resources:

• Home Delivery Service: call 978-369-4898 or email info@gleasonlibrary.org to request delivery service
• ebooks: Libby or Hoopla
• eaudiobooks: Libby or Hoopla
• Music: Freegal or Hoopla
• Movies: Kanopy or Hoopla
• Periodicals: Libby, Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, Economist (contact Library for login info)
• Other resources: Morningstar, Value Line, HeritageQuest

Both in-person and at home:

• “Ask a Librarian” Reference Service
• Book Bundles and Reading Recommendations

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The Library creates opportunities for community involvement through in person and virtual activities. Visit our calendar or subscribe to our enewsletter for current offerings!

• Book Groups
• Poetry Group
• Speakers
• Craft workshops
• Special Events
  • Great Pumpkin Spectacle
  • Pride events
  • Black History month events
  • Art at the Gleason
• Friends of the Gleason Library activities
  • Book Swaps
  • Poetry Contest
  • Annual Meeting Speakers
• Volunteer Opportunities

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The Library creates opportunities for community support through collaboration with other town organizations with a focus on outreach.

• Mini-fairs like Aging in Place
• Shared events
  • COAHS Movies @ the Gleason
• Plays host to groups like the Gleason Knitters
• Host talks with Garden Club, Conservation Foundation, Environmental Sustainability Committee, etc.
• Meeting room space for community groups
• Partnerships with schools and PTO

FRIENDS OF THE GLEASON LIBRARY

The Friends are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization of volunteers dedicated to supporting Gleason Library through fund raising for programs, museum passes, book clubs, and events.

Contact the Friends by email at fogpl.carlisle@gmail.com

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Volunteer with the Friends

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Come celebrate love, inclusion, and community at the Carlisle Pride Celebration on Friday, June 12, from 3:00–6:00 PM at the Carlisle Town Common & FRS Union Hall.

Enjoy an afternoon featuring live music from local band The Local Ward, games and crafts, a FREE Kona Ice truck, photo booth, and a community speaking program.

Schedule Highlights:
• Speaking Program: 3:45–4:15 PM
• Live Music: 4:30–6:00 PM

All are welcome as we gather to celebrate Pride and the vibrant spirit of Carlisle. Rain or Shine!

Sponsored by DEICAC, Gleason Public Library, COAHS, Carlisle Cultural Council, and The First Religious Society, with support from CPS, CCHS Spectrum Club, and CPS Pride Club.

More information at www.carlislemapto.org/carlisle-pride-2026.html

This event is supported in part by a grant from the Carlisle Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

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July 2026 update: The Gleason’s temporary location at 1 River Road is open; please click here for more information.

The contract with Construction Dynamics has been executed and permitting is in process to begin construction in August.

About the Project

When our library was renovated 27 years ago, we lived in a different world. Internet was on dial-up, music was on CDs, and the library was a book repository. Life has evolved, and so have our libraries. Renovating the Gleason will provide flexible spaces for the whole community: space for events, exhibits, meetings, quiet work and enjoyment, accessible for everyone.

Click here to read more about the renovation designs and progress.

Additional CPA funding approved!

On Monday, May 18th, Carlisle’s Town Meeting approved an additional $500K of CPA funding. We are now preparing to finalize contracts for the construction and temporary library space. Construction is projected to begin this summer and last 9-12 months. A huge thank you to all of our supporters.

Capital Campaign

While we have reached our fundraising goal for construction, we continue fundraising towards furnishings and signage for the library when construction is completed.

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+

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Gleason Public Library water has high levels of nitrate

DO NOT GIVE THE WATER

TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD.

DO NOT USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA.

Water sample results received on 4/28/2026 and 4/30/2026 showed nitrate levels of 12.5mg/L and 12.0mg/L respectively. The average of the initial and confirmatory result is above the nitrate standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 10 mg/L. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.

What should I do? What does this mean?

• DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

• Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.

• DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.

• Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants because they can not process nitrates in the same way adults can). However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

What happened? What is being done?

Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off). Levels of nitrate in drinking water can vary throughout the year. We will let you know when the amount of nitrate is again below the limit.

All appropriate corrective actions are being taken to address the elevated nitrate levels, and bottled water is being provided in the meantime on the 1^st floor near the restrooms. The system is working with MassDEP and Small Water Systems Services, LLC to investigate the cause and evaluate treatment conditions. Additional corrective measures will be implemented as needed, and the public will be notified when sampling confirms the water meets applicable drinking water standards. Coordination with these partners will continue until the issue is resolved, and updates will be provided as they become available.

For more information, please contact Nicholas Shea at 978-486-1008 or 80 Taylor Street, Littleton MA.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Gleason Public Library       PWS ID#: 3051018      Date distributed: 5/4/2026

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