Director's Note

Thank you to everyone who came out for January's mini-golf fundraiser to benefit the Gleason Endowment! We had a great time and were impressed with some of the putting skills on display. We could not have done this event without our generous sponsors, so thank you to: Long’s Jewelers, Summer Fenn, Angie Verge Landscape, Friends of Gleason Public Library, Patrick Murphy – Coldwell Banker Realty, Rollins Insurance, Gymnastics Academy of Boston, Nashoba Brooks School, Code Wiz, Learning Express of Bedford, and O’Neil Cinemas of Littleton.

This month's upcoming events include a free book and puzzle swap on Saturday, February 11th with the Friends of Gleason Public Library; a talk cosponsored with the Garden Club on "Thinking Globally, Acting in Your Own Backyard" on February 6th; Baby Sign Language on February 3rd; and so much more - read all the details below.

-Martha

Library Closings For February

The Library will be closed on Monday, February 20 for Presidents' Day.

Everyone

Fogpl Book Swap

The Friends of the Gleason Public Library (FoGPL) will hold a FREE Pop-Up Book and Puzzle Swap on Saturday, February 11th at the Gleason Library. This book swap covers mysteries, thrillers, and romance as well as jigsaw puzzles and children’s and teen books of all genres.

Please drop off your books and puzzles at the Library on Saturday morning between 10 a.m.-1 p.m., then shop for “new” ones in the afternoon between 1-4 p.m. Shop whether or not you have left items in the morning. Donations are welcome—we hope to see you there!

The Friends is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation made up of volunteers interested in supporting and enhancing the programs, services, and materials available to our community through the Gleason Public Library. Because of your generous donations, this past year we were able to sponsor over 140 programs at the Gleason Public Library which reached over 4,100 people in town, in addition to almost 700 patrons who got to enjoy a museum pass.

The Nature Of Winter With Mass Audubon (Virtual)
Thursday, February 16 | 2 p.m.
**Please Note This Is A Virtual Program That Will Take Place Via Zoom. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email. Register directly on Zoom HERE.** 

The nature of Massachusetts is filled with seasonal mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Have you ever wondered which animal left those tracks in the snow? What’s happening to the trees (or insects, or frogs, or rabbits, or…) in the cold? This online program will introduce the seasonal dynamics of nature in winter, and what and how to observe, appreciate, and support the wildlife near home this winter. Led by Tia Pinney, a Biologist, Lead Naturalist, and educator at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln. Since 1994, when she first started working at the farm, Tia has overseen efforts to maintain New England’s wildlife on our 206-acre property, managing staff and volunteers in planting projects and citizen science.

Sponsored by the Susan P. Zielinski Natural Science Fund in collaboration with Tewksbury Public Library. 

Note: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program.

Children

If you have questions about any of these events, please email [email protected].

Baby Sign Language With Baby Kneads
Friday, February 3 | 10:30 a.m.
This one-time introductory Baby Sign Language workshop will provide you with benefits and research in this area, as well as ways to teach your baby many American Sign Language signs. The class is taught by Sheryl White, who has used the Sign with Your Baby program by Joseph Garcia with her own children.

Sheryl begins the class with instruction detailing, how to teach your baby sign language, and explaining benefits and research for caregivers. Afterwards, Sheryl brings out a bag filled with props, toys, puppets, etc. and signs with the babies. Caregivers then get a turn learning signs while interacting and engaging with their babies. Participants will leave with handouts and armed with the tools they need to sign with their babies. This class is appropriate for pre-verbal babies and young children aged 2 months or older. Register for this class on our website. This event is made possible by our wonderful Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

Magical Maples Story Time
Tuesday, February 28 | 10 a.m.
Saturday, March 4 | 10 a.m. (WAITLIST)
Join us for story time with Miss Jenn at Clark Farm. We'll read some maple tree tales together, do a fun question and answer with a Clark Farm Educator, and ramble up to the large Norway Maples in front of the farm and tap the trees. We will learn about the maple sugaring and the tapping process used over at Clark Farm. This story time series is designed for children ages 3 through 6. "Dress for the weather, dress for the farm"...it could be muddy or snowy so plan to wear your boots for this program!

So that more families may participate in the farm fun, we have booked two sessions of Magical Maples Story Time. Please make sure you are aware of which of the two sessions you are registering for; please register by clicking on the links above.

This event is made possible by our wonderful Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

Take And Make: Tissue-Paper Lantern Kit
Friday, February 10 | 10 a.m.
Let's create a beautiful tissue-paper lantern! Register online for a kit and pick it up any time during library hours between Friday, February 10th and Monday, February 13th via in-person or curbside pickup. This kit includes a tissue-paper lantern, a selection of liquid watercolors, ribbon, a watercolor brush, and a pipette. 

This craft is for ages 4 and up with help from an adult. Take & Make craft kits are made possible by our wonderful Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

Baby Lapsit
Fridays, February 10 through March 17 (not February 24) | 10:30 a.m.
Introducing our newest children's program! Baby Lapsit is a 30-minute interactive story time experience for our youngest library users and their caregiver. Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces that are developmentally appropriate for children from birth to when they start walking. This Lapsit program is just for you and the baby! Enjoy time together with other caregivers and babies to learn; play; and develop language, early literacy, and motor skills. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. Please bring along your own blanket. This program is designed for newborn through pre-walking babies.

Please register for each session individually. Masks are strongly recommended for grown-ups.

Winter Preschool Story Time
Tuesdays, January 10 through February 14 | 10:30 a.m.
Join us Tuesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. for a fun story time. This  event is chock full of interactive stories, rhymes, fingerplays, songs and a small craft. Our story time program, designed for children ages 3 to 6, promotes reading readiness and early literacy skills. Our Winter Preschool Story Time will run weekly through February 14th. Please register for each session individually.

Nature Connection Story Time
Thursday, February 9 | 10:30 a.m.
Join The Nature Connection as we explore plants and animals and connect with the world around us in new ways—all through nature-based stories and poems! During this monthly 45-minute program for 3–6-year-olds, we will read a seasonally appropriate story followed by a sensory engagement activity. Registration is required; please register for each session individually. Masks are strongly recommended for ages 2 and up.

Winter Crafternoons
Wednesday, February 8 | 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15 | 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Join us in making a fun hands-on craft at the Library! Winter Crafternoon is for children ages 5 through 10. Please bring a large, old T-shirt to wear as an art smock, as art materials can stain. Registration is required; please register for each session separately by clicking the links above. This program is made possible by our wonderful Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

Kids' Book Clubs
Come join one of our book clubs for grades 1 through 4 at the Gleason Library. Visit our book clubs page for more information or to register.

1st & 2nd Grade
Wednesday, February 1 | 4 p.m.
Have your first- or second-grader join us at the Gleason Library's 1st & 2nd Grade Book Club! Each month we'll meet in person at the Library to talk about our book of the month. After discussion, we will do a craft, activity or game. This month's book is Zooey and Sassafras: Unicorns and Germs by Asia Citro and copies will be available to check out at the library's circulation desk downstairs. Registration is required; participants only need to register once for the entire school year. If you have any questions about the book club or would like to register your child, please contact Jenn at [email protected] or call 978-369-4898 and ask for the Children's Desk.

3rd & 4th Grade
Thursday, February 9 | 4 p.m.
Have your third- or fourth-grader join us at the Gleason Library's 3rd & 4th Grade Book Club! Each month we'll meet in person at the Library to talk about our book of the month. After discussion, we will do a craft or activity. This month's book is The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin and copies will be available to check out at the circulation desk. Registration is required; participants only need to register once for the entire school year. Your child can join at any time. If you have any questions about the book club or would like to register your child, please contact Tahleen Shamlian or call 978-369-4898 and ask for the Children's Desk.

Teens

Teen Advisory Board
Thursday, February 2 | 7 p.m.
Use your voice and help the Gleason Library become even better! The Teen Advisory Board will meet once a month over Zoom to discuss the library, what you think would be most helpful to you as teens, and to talk with your peers about school, what you're reading and/or watching, and life in general. Registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. This group is for students in grades 9 through 12 and will provide participants with community service hours. If you have any questions, reach out to Tahleen, the Teen Services Librarian.

Middle School Take & Make: Valentine's Day Sign
Friday, February 3 | 10 a.m.
Make a heart-shaped sign to hang on your wall or door! Each kit will include a wooden sign, paint, and paintbrush. You can also use any art materials you have at home to glitz it up! Reserve your kit by registering for this event. Pickup will be during Library hours Friday, February 3 through Monday, February 6. Any kits not picked up by 9 p.m. on Monday, February 6 will then be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Teen Weekend Reading Kit
Friday, February 17 | 10 a.m
Grab a kit that has everything you need for a book-lover's weekend. Each kit will include a random YA novel for you to keep (genres and reading/maturity levels will vary), a craft or activity, a snack, a little bookish accessory, and a hot or iced beverage to make at home. Registration is required to reserve your kit, and pickup will be Friday, February 17 through Tuesday, February 21. These kits are for grades 7-12. Please email Tahleen, the Teen Services Librarian, with any questions.

Teen Weekend Reading Kits are generously sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

Adults

Artmatters (Virtual)
Spanish Masters
Wednesday, February 1 | 1:30 p.m.
Master painters El Greco, Diego Velazquez and Francisco Goya recorded far more than the flavor of Spanish life and history. The wealthiest and most powerful country in Europe was also the most repressed. Join us for a look into almost 300 years of Spanish art and culture.

With Jane Blair of ArtMatters; presented with the support of the Friends of Carlisle Council on Aging and Friends of Gleason Public Library through the Paulson Family Giving Account. Free and open to all. Please register to receive the Zoom link and PDF packet of artwork.

Animals In Art—Wild And Domestic
Wednesday, February 8 | 1:30 p.m.
Humans are the only animals that communicate with pictures. But we Humans love animals, and we especially love art about animals.  Wild or domesticated, beasts of burden or sport, we have a special relationship with the animal kingdom and depend upon them for the quality of our own existence.

Join us for a journey around the world and throughout history to appreciate how connected we are with animals and how daily they improve the quality of our own lives.

With Jane Blair of ArtMatters; presented with the support of the Friends of Carlisle Council on Aging and Friends of Gleason Public Library through the Paulson Family Giving Account. Free and open to all. Please register to receive the Zoom link and PDF packet of artwork.

Thinking Globally, Acting In Your Own Backyard
Monday, February 6 | 7 p.m.
What we do in our gardens can make a difference for the environment. In this talk, Rebecca Warner will show how you can do your part to reduce pollution and energy use, conserve water, and prevent storm water runoff by replacing some of your lawn with smart, attractive alternatives. Please register to attend on our website.

Rebecca Warner is a home gardener in Newton with 35 years' experience working toward a sustainable garden. Her book, The Sustainable-Enough Garden, is the story of her quest to make a beautiful garden that's environmentally friendly. In the last 12 years she has overhauled her garden practices, from composting to mulching, lawn care to irrigation. She blogs at thesustainable-enoughgarden.blogspot.com.

Presented in partnership with the Carlisle Garden Club and the Susan Zielinski Natural Science Fund.

Film Screening Of Jeffrey Robinson's Who We Are: A Chronicle Of Racism In America
Tuesday, February 7 | 6 p.m.
Join us on Tuesday, February 7th for a screening of Jeffrey Robinson's documentary film, Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America. This film screening is sponsored by COAR (Communities Organizing Against Racism Concord Carlisle Boston) and will be followed by a brief talk by Joe Palumbo. To register, please visit our website.

Joe Palumbo was born and raised in Concord on a farm along Battle Road. An educator for many years, he currently works as a historical interpreter and town guide and serves on the Board of Directors at The Robbins House. As our country develops a more complicated yet complete understanding of its past, places like Concord and Carlisle can be at the forefront of interpreting that history to the public. With new research and a greater understanding of past events, we open new windows and new opportunities to confront the past and tell fuller stories of all the people of our town. This is the focus of Joe's work.

For a brief preview of the documentary, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMCF5hzv_5I

COAR (Communities Organizing Against Racism) is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to promoting education and action to address the impacts of systemic racism in our communities. This film screening is offered in coalition with DEICAC Carlisle, First Religious Society, Race Amity, Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council, and the Gleason Public Library.

Accessing Online Reading Resources
Tuesday, February 21 | 1 p.m.
Interested in learning about downloading books or audiobooks to your tablet, ereader, computer, or smartphone? Join Gleason Public Library Staff on Zoom for a tutorial on how to access the Gleason’s online resources for your reading pleasure this winter from home. Please register in order to receive the Zoom link. Presented in partnership with the Carlisle Council on Aging and Human Services.

If you can't make it on the 21st, we are also happy to schedule in-person help sessions—email [email protected] or call 978-369-4898 to set up a time.

Books About Books
Wednesday, February 22 | 7 p.m.
You are invited to join the newest book group at the Gleason Library, Books About Books!

Some books are written in direct response to other books, some are written as homages to other books, some are written to explain the contemporary events that might have inspired events in a book, and some are written to explain an author’s autobiographical influences on their own books. This book group is going to read noteworthy books and the books they have inspired.

We will first read and discuss one book, then the following month we will read a book that is about the first one and discuss the two together. The first meeting will be on Wednesday, February 22nd at 7 p.m. and we will discuss The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd and we will discuss The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd based on the new revelations about Agatha Christie that we will learn from Benedict’s book.

The group will meet the third Wednesday of every month in the Hollis room from 7-8 p.m. Copies of each month's book will be availablefor checkout at the Circulation Desk. Come read and discuss books and the books written about them, and bring your ideas for pairs of books we could read! Register here.

The College Application & Selection Process—From A Parent's Perspective (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 1 | 7 p.m.
**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Meeting via email. Register directly on Zoom HERE.**

If you have children in high school who will eventually be applying to college, this webinar is for you. There is much to consider, both from the parent’s and student’s perspective. Hear some useful tips from Frank Marino, a Tewksbury parent who has sent four students to college. Learn how to narrow your search of schools, important items to consider, athletics in college, time management for the student, and more. The goal of the presentation is to help make the college application and selection process more enjoyable. When handled properly, the experience can be an exciting adventure for you and your children. Come prepared to share your stories, too!

Presented in collaboration with the Tewksbury Public Library.

NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program.

Community Book Club
Monday, February 6 | 10:30 a.m.
February : The Secret Servant by Daniel Silva
The Carlisle Community Book Club welcomes new members anytime. Members take turns suggesting a book, and because the members have different reading habits and suggest a wide range of books, everyone broadens their horizons. We also talk about other books we’ve read or are interested in reading, and usually someone else at the meeting has read it or has something to say about it. If you like to read and are looking for some literary companionship, give the Community Book Club a try.

The Community Book Club meets once a month, usually on the first Monday, at 10:30 AM via Zoom. Please register to receive the Zoom login information. No commitment required. You don’t even have to have read the book to go to the meetings, but you may come out of the discussion wanting to read it. Sponsored jointly by the CoA and the Gleason Public Library.

Reading Poetry Anew
Tuesday, February 7 | 10 a.m.
Reading Poetry Anew will meet via Zoom. Please note the change in the starting time—the class will now begin at 10 a.m instead of 10:30 a.m. Please register to receive the Zoom invitation and poem packet by email. All are welcome!

Dip or dive into the pleasures of poetry. This informal course, led by Mary Zoll, will include poetry readings and reactions, discussions of the patterns and techniques used in the poems, and perhaps some intellectual understanding of the poems. This class meets one Tuesday a month. Mary Zoll has published a few poems and read a multitude of poems.

Libby And Overdrive Log-In Changes

As of January 4, 2023, MVLC library patrons are required to enter their library PIN/password to access their accounts in the Libby app or on the OverDrive website. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 978-369-4898.

Check Out A Pair Of Snowshoes From The Library!

Did you know the Gleason Library has pairs of snowshoes in various sizes for you to check out and bring home? Take a look at our Library of Things and reserve a pair! We have sizes for both adults and for children.

Please consider donating to the Friends of the Gleason Public Library to help us bring more great programs and services to the Carlisle community.