Teen Activities

The Gleason Public Library offers occasional programming for young adults. Book groups and summer reading program include specific age ranges in their announcements. In addition, any adult programming at the library is open to the public. In many cases these speakers, including authors and artists, are accessible for a teen audience. Current events will be announced on this page.

Teens of Gleason Advisors

TOGA (Teens of Gleason Advisors), Gleason's teen advisory group, gives a voice in the library to Carlisle's 5th-8th graders. Currently comprised of about 15 students and overseen by Erica St Peter, Gleason's teen librarian, TOGA meets at least once a month to brainstorm and assist in making decisions that will directly impact teens in the library: book selection, event planning, etc.

TOGA events occur at least twice a year, and are member-suggested and planned. TOGA is currently planning a Dance Dance Revolution/Guitar Hero Tournament for this spring.

The 2008/2009 TOGA team will be formed in June. New members interested in joining should contact Erica St Peter (estpeter@mvlc.org).

Dance Dance Revolution / Guitar Hero Tournament

The Gleason Public Library will host a Dance Dance Revolution (DDR)/Guitar Hero Tournament on Friday, April 18th, from 6:30-9:30 pm for 5th-8th graders. In this double elimination tournament, everyone is guaranteed a chance to play ONE game twice before eliminations begin, based on the number of perfect points/hits. The tournament will be run by Beth Gallaway, a freelance consultant specializing in teen library services. Snacks and drinks – as well as prizes to top finishers – will be provided.

Research has demonstrated that playing rhythm games improves pattern recognition skills, especially in ADHD students, and offers an aerobic workout that gets the heart rate up to 140 beats per minute. Schools in West Virginia, Kansas and California are implementing DDR and similar video games into the physical education curriculum. Video games meet developmental needs of teens, providing opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, creative expression, and building self-esteem. DDR is a safe and fun game; however, participants play this game at their own risk. The Library cannot be responsible for participants' health or fitness.

This event is free and open to all 5th-8th graders. Registration begins on Saturday, March 15th, 2008. Participants must specify either DDR or Guitar Hero at time of registration and pick up a permission slip to be returned before April 18th; the first forty (40) players to return a signed permission slip will be eligible for participation. Please visit or call the reference desk at 978-369-4898 to register.

This program was selected by TOGA (Teens of Gleason Advisors), the library's teen advisory board, and is made possible by an Equal Access grant funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Early Release Day Movie

Tuesday, May 13, 2:45-4:20 p.m.: Alvin and the Chipmunks, rated PG

We will provide snacks and drinks. Grades 5-8 only. Any questions, please call 978-369-4898 (Gleason Public Library). Also, don't forget to check out the Carlisle Recreation open gym from 12 noon-2:30 pm (grades 5-8) before the movie. (Open gym requires you bring a permission note including a cell phone number from parents in order to attend.)