What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, January 17, 2026 ???

Saturday, January 17

8:00am St. Mary Men's Faith Formation Group (St. Mary's Parish)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Franklin in Miniature (Train Town 3) (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

11:00am Franklin as Composer with The Metro-West Symphony Orchestra (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library books by the bag sale (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Bacchus Busters (Pour Richard's wine & Provisions)

1:00pm Ken Barney (live music) (AJ's Pub, Wrentham)

7:00pm The Padula Family (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

8:00pm Rowboat (live music) (Jimmy D's Bar and Grill)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

** NO Town Meetings today   **

-----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Glass armonica concert at Franklin United Methodist, Saturday, Jan 10 at 1 PM

Glass armonica concert at Franklin United
Methodist, Saturday, Jan 10 at 1 PM

Join the Franklin Historical Museum and the Franklin UMC on January 10 at 1:00 PM to hear music played on a glass armonica (an instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin). Vera Meyer, Co-Founder of the Glass Music Society will perform. The sounds are both beautiful and ethereal. 

To learn more, go to https://franklinumc.org/2026/01/08/community-concert-feat-vera-meyer-on-the-glass-armonica/

This event is FREE. It is being organized by the Franklin Historical Museum, funded by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, and hosted by the Franklin UMC

An EXTRA fun-day at the Library on Saturday, January 10, 2026

Saturday, January 10 is an EXTRA fun-day at the Library!

• Stuffed Animal Village 10:30am

• Painting for Adults 1:00pm (Registration)

• Craftalong for Adults 2:00pm (Registration)

• Author Talk with Joyce Chaplin - The Franklin Stove 4:00pm

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTOEZIaj-MB/

January is Ben Franklin Book Month in Franklin!

January is Ben Franklin Book Month in Franklin!

As the birthplace of America’s first public library, Franklin has a special connection to Benjamin Franklin’s enduring belief in access to knowledge, literacy, and lifelong learning. Each January, we honor that legacy by celebrating Ben Franklin Book Month — a time to spotlight books, storytelling, and the power of ideas across our Cultural District.

Throughout the month, community partners will host book-inspired programs, literary activities, and opportunities for all ages to engage with Franklin’s rich history and vibrant creative community.

Whether you’re revisiting a favorite read, discovering a new author, or joining a local event, January is the perfect time to turn the page and celebrate the written word—right here in Franklin.

Visit the Franklin Public Library for additional details on events

https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for January 2026

Through January, the SPECTACULAR, FRANKLIN IN MINIATURE CONTINUES ON DISPLAY

It took thousands of hours of research and precision modeling to create three large, models of the center of Franklin, circa 1932, clustered around the railroad tracks that connected the community to nearby towns and faraway cities. The models are an exact representation of the structures that once existed from just west of the present-day Del Carte Conservation land to beyond the present day Mill Store (image above). 

The models include hundreds of structures in 1:87 scale (HO scale), tiny motor vehicles and people and an as yet unknown number of tiny pigeons(!), all modeled from photographs and architectural plans, where available, by master modeler Scott Mason.  

For this special Free event (DONATIONS ENCOURAGED), the Museum will be open during its regular hours, 10-1 on Saturdays and 1-4 on Sundays and at other times by arrangement.

Sunday, Jan. 11 – The ‘Second Sunday Speaker Series’-- “Dissecting the Dioramas”

Award winning historian Joe Landry will begin the talk at 1:15 with a deep dive into the backstory of some of the important structures illustrated in 3D in the Franklin in Miniature exhibit. He will explore the history that is still visible as well as some of the prior structures and enterprises that had already been swept aside by ‘progress’ in 1932.  The second part of the presentation will feature, master modeler, and historian, Scott Mason, discussing the painstaking effort that went into creating his exact models – both the research and the craft work. 

January is Ben Franklin Month in Franklin, honoring his birth month, connections to Franklin and Diverse Interests and Accomplishments. Most of the events this year are at the Franklin Public Library

▪ The January Community Concert at Franklin United Methodist Church features Vera Meyer on the glass armonica, Sat. Jan 10, shortly after 1 pm.  This event is co-sponsored by the Franklin Historical Museum with funding from the Franklin Cultural Council. What is a glass armonica?  It is a musical instrument invented by, you guessed it, Ben Franklin! Free. Donations welcome.

Check out this short video by Ken Burns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57-JQlwRDqc. 

▪ Special Events for Adults--The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution, Saturday, Jan 10 at 4 pm. As part of the town’s annual Ben Franklin Month, Harvard Professor Joyce Chaplin will be at the Franklin Public Library to discuss her new book, The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution.

Kirkus Reviews said: "Historian Chaplin focuses on Benjamin Franklin’s multiple renditions of an innovative stove to examine the intersection of scientific inquiry, race, class, politics, and economics at a time of climate change and resource depletion―a period, she underscores, not unlike our own.” 

This event at the Franklin Public Library is co-sponsored by the Franklin Historical Museum with funding from the Franklin Cultural Council. 

▪ Special Events for All Ages--Live Reading of the Franklin Autobiography, Thursday, January 15 @ 9:30am-7:30pm…. A tradition returns home! Join us for a live reading of Ben Franklin's Autobiography at the Franklin Public Library. Everyone is welcome to read, listen, and comment on the life of our favorite Founding Father.

▪ Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-west Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, January 17 @ 11am --Benjamin Franklin: statesman, entrepreneur, scientist… composer?! Yes, our beloved Ben even dabbled in composing his own music. Join us to explore this aspect of our namesake with the help of the Metro-West Symphony Orchestra at the Franklin Public Library.

Franklin Historical Museum

▪ Ben Franklin Birthday Bash, Saturday, January 17 @ 2pm Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Ben Franklin himself! Music, games, and more at the Franklin Public Library.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM (except as noted above), Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM, and, experimentally, Thursday from noon to  5pm.  Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org

Mitzi & I review the special events scheduled at the Library for January 2026 (audio)

FM #1616 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1616 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closing early Weds, Dec 31 and all day on Thursday, Jan 1 for New Years

• Book sale weekend January 16 & 17

• Library events for January 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

An update from the Circulation Desk on the new home delivery service we mentioned at the end of our recording:

“Awareness of the service is growing and we had some sharp growth after contacting one of the many local assisted living services in the area. We expect steady organic growth with sharp spikes as we reach out to more senior spaces in 2026.”

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1616-franklin-public-library-jan-2026-highlights-12-18-25/

Ben Franklin playing his glass armonica

--------------

Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 

Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 

January 2026 newsletter ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=90  

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

January 2026 Franklin Public Library News & Events for Franklin, MA

January 2026 Franklin Library News & Events **LIBRARY NEWS** Library Hours The library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. The library will be close early Wednesday, December 31 at 2pm and remain closed Thursday, January 1 for the New Year holiday. The library will be closed Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 2026 Reading Challenge January: A Book about or Set in Winter Starting January 1, 2026 Massachusetts Center for the Book is launching their 2026 reading challenge for adults and the library will be rewarding your reading! Check out the new details on the library website. While you visit you can also look into the ongoing challenge for students. VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Site Opening Saturday February 7 We Need You! Volunteers are always needed for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs, better known as VITA and TCE. Many volunteer roles are available. You can help as a greeter or an interpreter, but most of all we need tax preparers. Training for certification is provided! Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net. ESOL Program The library is looking for more volunteer tutors for our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. If you want to make a difference right in your own community, this is a great opportunity! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed and volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the volunteer form. Homebound Delivery Program Can't make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door! Franklin Public Library is excited to begin offering Home Delivery Service for Franklin residents who are unable to visit the library due to aging-related limitations, illness, disability, or temporary mobility limitations. Items will be delivered to and picked up from a homebound patron's home by staff members approximately every three weeks. For eligibility requirements, registration, and more information, please visit the library website. Franklin Library Book Sale Friday, January 16: 1 - 5pm Saturday, January 17: 9am - 12pm All books are just one dollar! Bag Sale - $5 A Bag Saturday, January 17: 1 - 4pm Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can! **LIBRARY EVENTS** Weekly/Monthly for Children Move Along, Mondays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5) This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required. Doggie Tales! Mondays @ 4pm Registration Required Kiddos who are working on their reading skills will be able to sign up for a time slot to practice reading to a trained therapy dog. Bring your favorite book or read one of ours. Registration is required, and once attendees arrive they will get their time slot on a first come, first served basis. (We'll also have a greeter dog to keep you company while you wait!) Cool Cruisers, Tuesdays @ 9:30am Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time. No registration required. Pre-K Pals, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5) This 30-minute program is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required. Wiggle Worms, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5) Beat the afternoon witching hour craziness with a dynamic program for littles! Enjoy music, movement, and some fun surprises. No registration required. Terrific Toddlers! Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 18mo-3) Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities! No registration required. Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pm Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required. Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30am Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library. Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort. No registration required. Tot Bop, Thursdays, @ 4pm (Ages 3-5) Get ready to dance around to an energetic playlist in a class that offers littles a chance to play with musicality, coordination, and creativity - all while practicing listening and learning skills! No registration required. Artsy Afternoons, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 5-11) Registration Required Join Ms. Cindy for a step-by-step art project specifically for kids! All materials will be provided.  Bubble Buddies, Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5) Enjoy a Friday bubble dance party with music, movement, and fun surprises! No registration required. Weekend Wiggles, Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5) Littles and their grownups are invited to an epic dance party to kick off the weekend! Get those wiggles out with fun music, exciting surprises, and plenty of joy and laughter. No registration required.  Special Events for Kids & Families  K-Pop Demon Hunters Party, Friday, January 2 @ 10:30am Calling all Demon Hunters! Join us for an epic celebration of everyone's favorite movie, with music, crafts, games, and a few surprises. No registration required. Rainforest Reptiles! Saturday, January 3 @ 10:30am Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the critters, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home! Real, LIVE animal fun for all ages. No registration required. Petite Picassos, Monday, January 5 @ 4pm (Ages 6-12) Registration Required Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of fireworks! All materials will be provided. Stuffed Animal Village, Saturday, January 10 @ 10:30am Bring your favorite stuffed animal for a special daytrip to our stuffed animal village! Visit the bakery, post office, gym, library, doctors, and more. No registration required. Hairstyling Workshop for Grown-Ups & Kiddos! Friday, January 16 @ 3:30pm Join us for a special hairstyling workshop, perfect for learning something new in the New Year! Learn to do a few special styles, and leave with a kit to continue building your skills at home. No registration required. Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-west Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, January 17 @ 11am Benjamin Franklin: statesman, entrepreneur, scientist… composer?! Yes, our beloved Ben even dabbled in composing his own music. Join us to explore this aspect of our namesake with the help of the Metro-West Symphony Orchestra. Members of the Metro-west Symphony will also perform works written around the same time which influenced Franklin as a composer and musician, including a Mozart Flute Quartet and French Horn Quintet. No registration required. Ben Franklin Birthday Bash, Saturday, January 17 @ 2pm Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Ben Franklin himself with music, games, and more! No registration required. Vison Board Making, Wednesday, January 21 @ 1pm Families - set your intentions for 2026! Join us as we get crafty, creating vision boards AND setting our reading resolutions. No registration required. Tape Town! Saturday, January 24 @ 10:30am Spend an imaginative afternoon at the library! Bring along a small toy vehicle (or borrow one of ours) and cruise along our "roads" made of tape all through our program room, and enjoy a series of interactive pretend play stations all through the town. No registration required. Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens D&D Club, Mondays @ 4pm Registration Required Kids ages 10-17 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rulebooks, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. Other Table Top systems are welcome! Registration for this club is for the September to December season of Dungeons and Dragons Club. If missing a session please email: mgousie@minlib.net as soon as possible. Dungeon Masters must be at least 12 years old and have experience with Dungeon and Dragons. Dungeon Masters are signing up to lead a table for ALL 16 meetings between September 8th and December 29th. Dungeon Masters are required to choose a premade adventure. Homebrew additions to the adventure are allowed. Players and Dungeon Masters are required to be respectful, kind, and attentive to each other. Groups of Players with a Dungeon Master are welcome to share our space! If you have any questions please email: mgousie@minlib.net Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30pm Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board. The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours. It's a win-win-win! No registration required.    Game Bytes, Wednesdays @ 4pm Bring a snack and join us for two hours of casual co-op and solo play. Bring your own device or play on the big screen! No registration required. Special Events for Teens K-Pop Demon Hunters Party, Friday, January 2 @ 10:30am Calling all Demon Hunters! Join us for an epic celebration of everyone's favorite movie, with music, crafts, games, and a few surprises. No registration required. Live Reading of the Franklin Autobiography, Thursday, January 15, 9:30am-7:30pm A tradition returns home! Join us for a live reading of Ben Franklin's Autobiography at the Franklin Public Library. Everyone is welcome to read, listen, and comment on the life of our favorite Founding father! No registration required. Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-west Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, January 17 @ 11am Benjamin Franklin: statesman, entrepreneur, scientist… composer?! Yes, our beloved Ben even dabbled in composing his own music. Join us to explore this aspect of our namesake with the help of the Metro-West Symphony Orchestra. Members of the Metro-west Symphony will also perform works written around the same time which influenced Franklin as a composer and musician, including a Mozart Flute Quartet and French Horn Quintet. No registration required. Vison Board Making, Wednesday, January 21 @ 1pm Set your intentions for 2026! Join us as we get crafty, creating vision boards AND setting our reading resolutions. No registration required. Events for Adults English Conversation Group, Tuesdays @ 6:30pm Looking for a casual, low-stress place to practice your English language skills? Join us on Tuesday evenings for a friendly group chat with your fellow English learners. Please note: this group is meant for folks who have a basic grasp of English and are looking for conversational practice, not very beginners. A tutor will be present to answer questions and help keep the conversation flowing, but the focus will not be on formal instruction. No registration required. Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6pm Registration Required (see below). No Experience Necessary. It's time to dust off your dice, grab a source book and role play your way through hijinks and horrors! Table Top is a monthly game of tabletop role playing games for adults! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up and/or get more info. Knitting Group, Fridays, 10am – 12pm Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room! All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.   The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution, Saturday, January 10 @ 4pm As part of the town's annual Ben Franklin Month, Harvard Professor Joyce Chaplin will be at the Franklin Public Library to discuss her new book, The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution. Kirkus Reviews said: "Historian Chaplin focuses on Benjamin Franklin's multiple renditions of an innovative stove to examine the intersection of scientific inquiry, race, class, politics, and economics at a time of climate change and resource depletion―a period, she underscores, not unlike our own." No registration required. Watercolors Workshop, Monday, January 12 & 26 @ 6pm Registration Required Relax with a Monday watercolor class with local artist Sharon Carloni. For adults 18 and over. Painting for Adults! Saturday, January 10 @ 1pm Registration Required Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of champagne glasses toasting! All materials will be provided. Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, January 10 @ 2pm Registration Required Get crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this program. One Saturday each month, we'll complete a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too! This month: Watercolor Journals. Live Reading of the Franklin Autobiography, Thursday, January 15, 9:30am-7:30pm A tradition returns home! Join us for a live reading of Ben Franklin's Autobiography at the Franklin Public Library. Everyone is welcome to read, listen, and comment on the life of our favorite Founding father! No registration required. Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-west Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, January 17 @ 11am Benjamin Franklin: statesman, entrepreneur, scientist… composer?! Yes, our beloved Ben even dabbled in composing his own music. Join us to explore this aspect of our namesake with the help of the Metro-West Symphony Orchestra. Members of the Metro-west Symphony will also perform works written around the same time which influenced Franklin as a composer and musician, including a Mozart Flute Quartet and French Horn Quintet. No registration required. Go/No Go? Launching your Business with Mentors from SCORE, Thursday, January 22 @ 6:30pm Registration Requested Hey there, future small business owner! This one hour guided conversation will introduce you to the tools you need to confidently decide if your idea for a new business is ready to launch. Get your questions answered, avoid mistakes, and find FREE mentorship with SCORE.  Want to attend, but can't make it to the Library? Join us over Zoom by registering here. Friends of the Franklin Library Valentine's Day Fudge Sale Fudge + Friends = a Very Sweet Deal: fudge for you and support for our library! This is our 4th year partnering with The Fudge Lady of Uxbridge, MA to offer many flavors of her delicious and decadent homemade specialty fudge. Order as gifts for friends & family, treat yourself, or do a little bit of both! Fudge order forms will be available on our website and at the library's circulation desk. Orders will be accepted through Friday, February 6th, and your fudge will be available for pick up at the library during designated times February 11–13 - perfect for Valentine's Day gifting and enjoyment! You Are Invited!  Friends of the Franklin Library is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization with a mission to support Franklin Public Library. We meet at the library at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month from September- June. Please consider joining us for an upcoming meeting (January 13 and February 10 are up next) to learn more about volunteering with the Friends. Friends of the Franklin Library wishes all community members a wonderful new year, including many moments spent enjoying Franklin Public Library's amazing and extensive collections and programs! View it on Town of Franklin website

January Community Concert features Vera Meyer on the glass armonica

This event is being co-coordinated with the Franklin Historical Museum as part of Ben Franklin month. What is a glass armonica? 

Check out this short video by Ken Burns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57-JQlwRDqc. There will be more information to share in the coming weeks.

------------

Vera Meyer has appeared at the Franklin Historical Museum previously (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and most recently (Jan 2025 at Dean College) at part of the Ben Franklin Month Celebration. 

Franklin TV video of her visit and glass armonica performance in 2024

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/ben-franklin-book-week-vera-meyer-glass.html  or directly to YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24tz4q1n8hg

From 2011

Franklin Public Library: A preview of the top events for January 2026

New Service

Can't make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door. Home Delivery Service ensures that Franklin residents who are unable to visit the library due to aging-related limitations, illness, disability, or temporary mobility limitations can continue to benefit from library resources. Items will be delivered to and picked up from a homebound patron's home by staff members approximately every three weeks. For more information, please visit the library website.

 

Special Events for Kids
K-Pop Demon Hunters Party, Friday, January 2 @ 10:30am
Calling all Demon Hunters! Join us for an epic celebration of everyone's favorite movie, with music, crafts, games, and a few surprises!

Rainforest Reptiles! Saturday, January 3 @ 10:30am
Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the critters, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home! Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages!

Stuffed Animal Village, Saturday, January 10 @ 10:30am
Bring your favorite stuffed animal for a special day trip to our stuffed animal village! Visit the bakery, post office, gym, library, doctors, and more.

Hairstyling Workshop for Grown-Ups & Kiddos! Friday, January 16 @ 3:30pm
Join us for a special hairstyling workshop, perfect for learning something new in the New Year! Learn a few special styles and leave with a kit to continue building your skills at home.

Ben Franklin Birthday Bash, Saturday, January 17 @ 2pm
Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Ben Franklin himself! Music, games, and more.

Vision Board Making, Wednesday, January 21 @ 1pm
Families- set your intentions for 2026! Join us as we get crafty, creating vision boards AND setting our reading resolutions.

Tape Town! Saturday, January 24 @ 10:30am
Spend an imaginative afternoon at the library! Bring along a small toy vehicle (or borrow one of ours) and cruise along our "roads" made of tape all through our program room, and enjoy a series of interactive pretend play stations all through the town.

Special Events for Adults
The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution, Saturday, January 10 @ 4:00pm
As part of the town's annual Ben Franklin Month, Harvard Professor Joyce Chaplin will be at the Franklin Public Library to discuss her new book, The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution. Kirkus Reviews said: "Historian Chaplin focuses on Benjamin Franklin's multiple renditions of an innovative stove to examine the intersection of scientific inquiry, race, class, politics, and economics at a time of climate change and resource depletion―a period, she underscores, not unlike our own."

Go/No Go? Launching your Business w/ Mentors from SCORE, Thursday, January 22 @ 6:30pm
Registration Requested
Hey there, future small business owner! This one hour guided conversation will introduce you to the tools you need to confidently decide if your idea for a new business is ready to launch. Get your questions answered, avoid mistakes, and find FREE mentorship with SCORE.

Special Events for All Ages
Live Reading of the Franklin Biography, Thursday, January 15 @ 9:30am-7:30pm

Franklin Public Library: A preview of
the top events for January 2026 

A tradition returns home! Join us for a live reading of Ben Franklin's Autobiography at the Franklin Public Library. Everyone is welcome to read, listen, and comment on the life of our favorite Founding Father.

Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-west Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, January 17 @ 11am
Benjamin Franklin: statesman, entrepreneur, scientist… composer?! Yes, our beloved Ben even dabbled in composing his own music. Join us to explore this aspect of our namesake with the help of the Metro-West Symphony Orchestra.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, January 16: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, January 17: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, January 17: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!