Talking about the summer reading blitz and "Meet Me in the Middle" (audio)

FM #1463 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1463 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation about the Summer Reading Blitz and the middle school program “Meet Me in the Middle.”  We talk with Erin O’Leary and Caleigh Keating, the collaborators who fill in the details on summer reading efforts for readers of all ages. We recorded this conversation virtually on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 

• Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian

• Erin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle School

We cover the following in our conversation

• Library events for the June school half days

• Reading program sign up for grades 0-6, teens, and adults

• Middle school “Meet Me in the Middle” reading program

• The middle school will begin in September with some common points around reading (the 6 books)

The recording runs about 37 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1463-summer-reading-blitz-05-29-25/

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

Meet Me in the Middle info page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/hmms/article/2230185 

Erin O’Leary email address -> olearye@franklinps.net 

Caleigh Keating email address -> ckeating@minlib.net 

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

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"

Talking about the summer reading blitz and "Meet Me in the Middle" (audio)

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2025 (part 5 of 5)

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 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.

Franklin Porchfest 2025, Saturday, June 7 @ 12 – 6pm 

Porchfest is coming back to Franklin, MA! Come spend the day in Franklin’s beautiful Cultural District while listening to live music. Musicians and bands of all genres will be performing on porches and patios throughout the district. Be sure to check out the following performers throughout the day at the library:

12 – 1pm: Tommy Feeley

1 – 2pm: Jamie Barrett

2:30 - 3:30pm: Dave Perry

4 – 6pm: Jeffrey Scornavacca

In the event of inclement weather, the Rain date will be Sunday, June 8.

https://www.franklinma.gov/399/Library-Services

Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, June 7 @ 2pm

Registration Required

Get crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this new program. On the first Saturday of each month, we'll complete a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too! This month: Crepe Paper Flowers.

Painting for Adults, Saturday, June 7 @ 1pm

Registration Required

Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily to create your very own step-by-step painting! All materials are provided.

Drum Circle with Dave Curry Saturday June 14th @2PM

Enjoy a hand drumming workshop for all ages! This live event will explore different drumming styles from across the globe, celebrating the universality of this much loved instrument. No registration required.

Summer Skill Up, Tuesday, June 24 @ 4pm

All ages are welcome to level up their knowledge by trying a new skill. Every week we will be providing a new small project to practice, learn, and grow! All Supplies are provided. Young children may need an adult to help. Enjoy crafting a Custom Journal to capture all your summer memories! No registration required.

JUNTO Non Fiction Book Club, Thursday, June 26 @ 6:30pm

The JUNTO (from the Spanish junta or assembly) was a club for mutual improvement established in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Public Library’s JUNTO Book Club is a place to discuss a book of the month and share our insights from the book and beyond! The June Book is Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America by Steve Inskeep. Get a physical or digital copy through the library catalog. No registration required.

Mario Kart Tournament, Saturday, June 28 @ 1pm

Registration Required

Ready… Set… Go for gold! Join solo or as a team in Mario Kart 8 with all courses, characters, and parts unlocked! Bring the noise as 30 racers vie for the cup! During the tournament, enjoy Mario crafts and activities to level up the fun. Teams, please register as one person - you'll trade off drivers as a single entity within the bracket.

From the Friends of the Franklin Library

You're Invited! The Friends will hold our 2025 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at 7pm at the library. We'll be reviewing Friends’ activities of the past fiscal year and nominate and vote on new members for our Board of Directors. If you can't attend this meeting but would like to learn more about getting involved with the Friends, please email fofl02038@gmail.com.

Congratulations, Sabira Ablatt! Sabira, a graduating senior at Franklin High School, is the recipient of the Friends of the Franklin Library scholarship in honor of Wilma Winters. Sabira's essay embodies the values this scholarship seeks to reward by highlighting the importance of community, dedication, and continuous improvement. Good luck next year, Sabira, and keep up the great work!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=60

What is happening in May 2025 at the Franklin Library??

Library Hours
The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed Monday May 26th for Memorial Day.
 
Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!
May: Unearth the world!
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's second Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

ESL & Adult Literacy Program
The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities.  Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

Special Events for Kids
The Whalemobile! Friday, May 2nd @ 1:00-3:00PM
Kids in grade K-6! Join us for a special event to learn about how whales and humans are similar and different! Explore the different learning stations, touch baleen, teeth and bones, including the chance to journey inside Nile—the life-sized inflatable humpback whale! 20 Participants will be admitted into the whale at a time, so bring your patience and flexibility!

My Lady & Me Jewelry Workshop! Wednesday, May 7th @ 5:30PM
Registration Required!
FOR KIDS IN GRADES 3-5! Join local artist Paulina Teng for a special workshop with the special lady in your life celebrating the love we have for the strong women who raise us and support us!

Music at the Blissful! Saturday, May 17th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

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

Special Events for Adults
 

Planning for Human Ingenuity in the Fight Against Climate Change, Saturday May 3rd @ 3:00PM

Join us in welcoming Professor Erin Baker of UMASS Amherst as we discuss the technologies for combating climate change and implications for energy justice.

Erin is a Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering and the Faculty Director of the Energy Transition Institute. Her research is in decision making under uncertainty applied to the field of energy and the environment; with focus on energy justice and publicly-funded energy technology Research and Development portfolios in the face of climate change.

Painting for Adults, Saturday, May 24th @ 1:00PM
Registration is required!
Grown-ups! Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily to create your very own step-by-step painting of a covered bridge! All materials will be provided.

Special Events for All Ages

The Music of Taylor Swift: A Concert Presented by the Blackstone Valley Quartet! Saturday, May 3rd @ 10:30AM
Taylor Swift is one of the largest names in music today. This concert is an opportunity to enjoy her music like never before! The Blackstone Valley Quartet, based in North Grafton, specializes in mixed genre performances on stringed instruments. From iconic pop hits to timeless classical favorites, the Blackstone Valley Quartet reimagines familiar melodies with a fresh, innovative twist. The Blackstone Valley Quartet strives to unite people of all ages and all walks of life through the power of music. This event is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Investment Grant.

Pen to Picture! Saturday, May 10th @ 1:00PM
Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. This year we welcome three-time Pura Belpré award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Raúl the Third to Franklin! Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available. This event was made possible with a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Holi Celebration! Saturday, May 17th @ 2:00PM
Join the Franklin Public Library for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the Town Common!  Music, activities, and of course, COLOR!! Wear something that you don't mind getting messy! In the event of inclement weather, the Rain date will be Saturday 5/31. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Music of Lennon & McCartney, Saturday May 31st @ 3:00PM
Free Concert
Join us in welcoming Melodious Zach as we jam to the music and history of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, May 16th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, May 17th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 17th, from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

April highlights for Library events include a typewriter orchestra, yup typewriter orchestra (audio)

FM #1414 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1414 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, March 24, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

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

• Open on Sundays 

• Book sale weekend April 11 & 12

• Closed Sunday & Monday, April 20, April 21 

• Library events for April 2025

• Family events

• Kiddos, or “littles”

• Teens

• Adults

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 28 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1414-franklin-public-library-april-2025-highlights-03-24-25/

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

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

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

April Library newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=48 

April press release -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/whats-happening-at-library-in-april-2025.html 

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

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. 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"

April highlights for Library events include a typewriter orchestra, yup typewriter orchestra (audio)

Hail, hail, the gang's all here; this "gang" cares about the Library and what they offer (audio)

FM #1378 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1378 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Felicia Oti, Director of the Franklin Public Library. We were joined by many of her staff, see the list of names below. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

I opened the conversation with my recitation of “Hail, hail, the gang's all here… what the heck do we care now?”  We all care about the Franklin Public Library which is why we are here now, and are about to find out some of the breadth of services they cover.

• Felicia Oti, Library Director

• Allison Smith, Deputy Director

• Kara Naff, Circulation Supervisor

• Vicki Earls, Head of Reference 

• Mitzi Gousie, Public Services Librarian

• Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian

Among the many services the Library offer are:

• Digitization of Franklin History

• US Citizenship test prep

• Subscription to Khan Academy

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) both a opportunity that provides training for those that volunteer , as well as a service for those with income less than 65K to file their taxes

• Decodable books for beginning readers now in the library

• Citizen science kits co-sponsored by Conservation Commission

• From Mass Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural Council & Franklin  Cultural District come grant funded programs, including a typewriter orchestra concert coming in April

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 58 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1378-franklin-public-library-group-shares-highlights-02-05-25/

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

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

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

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

https://franklinma.gov/313/English-for-Speakers-of-Other-Languages-

Prior recording April 2020 #248

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-248-franklin-public-library-staff.html 

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

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. 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"

Hail, hail, the gang's all here; this "gang" cares about the Library and what they offer (audio)