The Gleason is moving! We are kicking off our interior renovation this summer and will be moving library services to 1 River Road during construction.
- 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!