Franklin resident Caleigh Keating was recently honored as a 2026 Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Women’s Commission. Nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (Franklin-D), Ms. Keating was recognized alongside other distinguished women from around the Commonwealth at the State House on June 24th, 2026.
Caleigh is the heartbeat behind the Children’s Programming at the Franklin Public Library. She holds the title of Youth Services Librarian and has been in that position since 2016. In her time there, Caleigh has transformed the public meeting rooms into an enchanted space where thousands of children look forward to summer reading, Saturday music classes, practicing public speaking in front of therapy dogs, engaging in baby-wearing dance parties, and feeling connected to their community.
Under Caleigh’s thoughtful leadership, the Franklin Public Library has over 10,000 visitors annually and has lending opportunities for all learners. In addition to her time spent in the library, Caleigh has created a mobile program for those homebound, multi-language, and is the visiting librarian for each of the public schools.
“I'm honored to nominate Caleigh Keating as a 2026 Commonwealth Heroine,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy. “Her never-ending work at the Franklin Public Library creates a safe and engaging learning environment that is open and accessible to all the young people in the community. Her efforts have cemented her status as an upstanding pillar of the community and displays a perfect representation of a Commonwealth Heroine.”
“The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make all the difference in their communities,” said MCSW Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt. “Thousands of women in every community across the Commonwealth perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live. Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators - they are the glue that keeps a community together.”
This year, the Class of 2026 Commonwealth Heroines is comprised of a historic 145 women from across the state, the largest class awarded to date by the MCSW. These women are leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more, and their work truly makes a difference in our local communities all across the state. Elected officials are encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service, who are making a big difference in their communities but not necessarily making the news.
The full listing of CommonWealth Heroines can be found - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/congratulations-caleigh-keating-you-are.html
