Reminder: The Franklin Music Boosters Concert Series Book could have a page or part of for you !!

"Calling local businesses!

Advertise in the Franklin Music Program Concert Series Book and reach families at FMS and FHS performances throughout the school year while supporting Franklin's music students and teachers. 🎶

Know a local business that might be interested? Please share!

Ads available through October 30. 

Link in the comments!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EiezkAAaj/

A Book Workshop Saturday, Sep 19 at the Franklin Historical Museum at 2 PM

This SATURDAY AFTERNOON from 2-4, you are invited to a celebration and workshop experience based of the best selling book HOW KIDS DEFINE LOVE, INCLUSION & TRUST as conceptualized & written by our own Franklin residents jamele and Amy Adams! 

This experience is for all ages and all people. Dress how you feel and arrive as you are. TOGETHER, we will pour more love into our community! jamele adams will serve as our host & facilitator. 

See you all this Saturday September 19th at 2PM at THE AMAZING FRANKLIN HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 80 West Central Street.

Link to purchase the book: https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Define-Love-Inclusion-Trust/dp/B0GHMQWPZP

Talking with a couple of "Super Kids" (audio)

FM #1798 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1798 in the series. 

Two young authors came to the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 to talk about their new book, “Super Kids”. You get to meet TJ Bowser and Christopher Charles and hear their story about this book, the first of a series.

We talk about

• Their goal

• Their collaborative writing process

• And to “not give up”

Our conversation runs about 15 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1798-talking-with-super-kids-08-04-26/

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You can buy the book on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6CN33PZ

The book/authors website https://sites.google.com/view/superkids-book/super-kids

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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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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!

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

Book A Break Goes KPOP- A Day treat For The Family ~ June 20

This limited ticket experience will incorporate a trend that took us all by storm last year- KPOP!

THE BOOKS:

• THE BAND by Christine Ma-Kellams
• KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, A MOVIE IN COMICS from Random House

Everyone in the family goes home with a book!

THE ACTIVITIES:

• Learn how to create and install the famous dragon style “Rumi Braid”
• KPOP Cards- but with a Bookish Twist
• Trivia- Is it KPOP or a Book!
• Kids will have additional creative activities throughout the event

And of course a Signature Wine Tasting from Corey at Pour Richards

Tickets available - https://www.bookabreak.org/retreats/p/book-a-break-goes-kpop-a-daytreat-for-the-family-june-20th

Call for Children's Book Authors, Applications Close Friday, May 22

Interested in helping tell Franklin’s story for the next generation? 📚✨

Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee is seeking authors and illustrators to help create a commemorative children’s book celebrating Franklin’s 250th Anniversary. This special project will bring the Town's history to life for young readers ages 4–8 through engaging storytelling and whimsical artwork.

Writers, illustrators, and creative collaborators are encouraged to apply.

🗓 Submission Deadline: Friday, May 22

📖 Learn more and submit your interest form here: https://buff.ly/c6fSXX3

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/1EQyC1yJwB/

Call for Authors & Illustrators: Franklin 250th Anniversary Commemorative Children’s Book

*Please Note: This project is being conducted with funding provided through a state earmark and does not use any funds from the Town of Franklin.

Celebrate Franklin 250

The Town of Franklin is seeking qualified vendors to write and/or illustrate a commemorative children’s book in celebration of Franklin’s 250th Anniversary.

This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate Franklin’s history, community pride, and shared future. To support this town-wide celebration, we are inviting vendors to submit qualifications, product examples, pricing, and service information for a commemorative children’s book that may be sold and/or distributed as part of Franklin’s anniversary events and promotions.

Scope of Services

The Town is seeking vendors that can provide some or all of the following services:

Author a children’s book using the included narrative structure

Illustrate a children’s book according to the provided narrative

Artists may submit as an author, illustrator, or both. 

Children’s Book

The Town is seeking authors and illustrators for the production of a commemorative children’s book for early readers ages 4-8 that includes, but is not limited to:

Writing

• 800-2000 word count
• ADA compliant sans serif font
• Engaging and interactive

Art

• Whimsical
• Cover art
• Double-spread layouts with bleed
• CMYK

For additional details and application 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GBr-0yUx3RjLfgOm3wSoWqZ-AGQgwKLA2gGRHLkSh1I/edit?usp=drivesdk

Congratulations, March Cohen has published a book of his poetry: "A Dance with the Cosmos"

via Marc Cohen

"A Dance with the Cosmos"

"I would like to announce that Simon & Schuster has just published my poetry book titled, "A Dance with the Cosmos."

I would like to thank, and add that there is an acknowledgement page in the book;

Michael Cohen , Sean Sylver , Gail M. Cohen, and Kelly Phelan for the editing and proofreading efforts. A special thanks goes out to Amy Adams for the artwork for the cover!

The book is currently available in paperback and hardcover at the link below. In the search box, use the title to find the book.

The poetry book includes about 20 nature photographs that match the theme of the various poems.

Thank you everyone who has read my poetry, and made this an exciting adventure!"

Order a copy -> https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/870852-a-dance-with-the-cosmos

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FueuJ7rSu/

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

Franklin Garden Club to explore “Bringing Books to Life” as a floral craft - Oct 7

Franklin Garden Club to explore
“Bringing Books to Life” as a floral craft - Oct 7

A “Bringing Books to Life” floral craft night will highlight the October meeting of the Franklin Garden Club. 

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 6:00– 8:30 PM   An informal social get-together will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 PM followed by a business meeting and craft activity, which will be conducted by Deb DeGrazia, club secretary and expert crafter.  

The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member.  All attendees are asked to bring a book that can be cut out for the decorative arrangement that will be created.  

  

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.  

Book & virtual author & conversation & liquid beverages & snacks at Pour Richard's Aug 17

Book & virtual author & conversation &
sip & snack at Pour Richard's Aug 17

book: The Correspondent
author: Virginia Evans
location: Franklin, MA
host: Pour Richard’s
date: August 17th
time: 2-5PM

In partnership with Pour Richard’s Wine Shop in Franklin, MA we are excited to have you join us for a dayTREAT! What is a dayTREAT?

A little taste of one of our weekend retreats or summer camps! Join us at Pour Richard’s Wine Shop in Franklin, MA for an afternoon of BOOKISH BLISS! YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: AUTHOR CHAT with Virginia Evans. In this virtual chat and Q&A, she will be discussing her debut book, The Correspondent. WELCOME GIFT of The Correspondent and some Book a Break Goodies. BOOKISH CRAFTS to create on site and take home after the event. PLOT TWIST: you came for books, but Pour Richard’s is serving up swoon-worthy sips and snacks that might just steal the show. A little taste here, a new favorite there… suddenly your reading break comes with a charcuterie pairing.

TICKET DETAILS -> https://www.bookabreak.org/retreats/p/book-a-break-daytreat-ka7rl

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DM-TAh0xPaX/

Franklin Cultural District: Ben's Book events all week & more as #artshappenhere

Wednesday, January 17

9:30am Ben Franklin Autobiography* LIVE Readathon (Franklin Historical Museum)

11:00am Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center & remote)

6:30pm SPECIAL Trivia Night (Teddie Gallagher’s)

7:00pm State of the Commonwealth Address (online, & YouTube)

Thursday, January 18

8:30am Town Council Office Hours (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm World PREMIERE, “The Boatbuilders” Pre-release Screening & Discussion (Franklin Public Library)

Friday, January 19

1:00pm Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Get to know ‘Ben’s Books’ (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale (First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF))

Saturday, January 20

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

10:00am Ben Franklin, America’s First Scientist (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale (First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF))

10:30am Children’s Ben Franklin Story Time (Escape Into Fiction Bookstore)

11:00am Preschool & Kindergarten Open House (Sunrise Montessori School)

1:00pm Library "Books by the Bag Sale" (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Vera Meyer and Ben Franklin’s Glass Armonica (Franklin Public Library)

Sunday, January 21

7:30am All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

1:00pm Ben Franklin Considered and Reconsidered (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm Children's Museum of Franklin pop up (Elks Lodge)

Tuesday, January 23

2:30pm Rainbow Café

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:   https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Events for Ben Franklin Book Week January 14-21, 2024

Tues. 1/16 Ben Franklin’s Journey from Slaveholder to Abolitionist AND African Son, a discussion. Local historian Jim Johnston and Historical Commission Chair, Alan Earls, will start the discussion with Jim regarding Ben Franklin’s initial acceptance of the institution of slavery and his eventual “conversion” within the context of the 18th century world, the Enlightenment, the Great Awakening, and the American Revolution. Jim will then take the story of slavery into the 19th century with a discussion of his novel, African Son*, which traces the fortunes of an African man who is enslaved in 1815 and has his survival skills tested in his new “home” in pre- Civil War Georgia…6:30 PM at the Franklin Historical Museum. FREE

Weds. 1/17 Ben Franklin Autobiography* LIVE Readathon at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, 9:30 AM on Ben’s Birthday, Jan 17 2023. Come and participate! Contact Alan Earls with any questions (alan.r.earls@gmail.com). FREE. Note, the ‘kick off ‘ speaker will be Franklin’s Congressman, Jake Auchincloss followed by State Senator Becca Rausch and State Rep. Jeff Roy.  Volunteer readers typically participate for 10-15 minutes in sharing this classic work of American literature. Completion times vary but the event will likely end around 5 PM. Sign up for a reading slot here or just come by to listen.

Ben Franklin Book Week

Weds. 1/17 SPECIAL Trivia Night at Teddy Gallagher’s on Main Street. The BEST TRIVIA NIGHT South of Boston happens on Tuesday Nights at Teddy Gallagher’s Irish pub in Franklin. In honor of Book Week, there will be an ADDITIONAL Trivia night on Wednesday, focusing on ‘bookish” topics — Come for the fun, bring your friends and a smartphone. 6:30 PM at 30 Main Street. See you there!

Thurs. 1/18 World PREMIERE, “The Boatbuilders” Pre-release Screening & Discussion Thursday January 18th. 6.30 PM Franklin Public Library. Join Director Gregg Seibert and Producer & Dean College Historian R. A. Lawson for a Pre-release screening of the first episode and Discussion of their new Documentary Series, “The Boatbuilders”! The docuseries uncovers the historical legacy and present-day impact of the boat building community, showcasing boatbuilders, sailors, and owners who speak to the realities of boat building today. FREE

Fri. 1/19 Get to know ‘Ben’s Books’ — Meet Reference Librarian Vicki Earls on the second floor of the Franklin Public Library, at the display case, at 2 PM for the story of the books Franklin donated to our town — what are they and how did they end up in Franklin! Attendees will receive a newly published, illustrated mini-book all about THE books! FREE

Fri. 1/19 BIG Library Book Sale. Friday, January 19th, 1:00 - 5:00 PM and Saturday, January 20th, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. All books are just one dollar!

Sat. 1/20 Children’s Ben Franklin Story Time. 10:30 AM at Escape Into Fiction Bookstore, 12 Main Street FREE

Sat. 1/20 Ben Franklin, America’s First Scientist — a talk and demonstration by engineer-entrepreneur John Berg, on Saturday, Jan 20, 2023 from 10 to 1 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. FREE

Sat. 1/20 Bag Sale Finale of Library Book Sale. 1 PM to 4 PM  $5 per bag!

1/20 Vera Meyer and Ben Franklin’s Glass Armonica. Among Ben Franklin’s most amazing inventions is the glass armonica, a series of concentric, rotating crystal glass bowls that can be played (think of the sound of wine glass rims being rubbed). Mozart and others composed music for it. And Boston area musician and expert Vera Meyer will return to Franklin for a performance featuring many styles of music. Don’t miss the haunting, ethereal, and beautiful sounds of the armonica at the Franklin Public Library 6:30 - 8 PM. FREE (School St entrance)

1/21 Ben Franklin Considered and Reconsidered — an authorized showing of PBS interviews with modern leaders discussing the many facets of Ben Franklin. Sunday Jan 21, 2023 from 1-4 PM at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. Audience members will be encouraged to continue the discussion! FREE

Check for updates -> https://benfranklinbookweek.com/

In Franklin, MA, It’s All About the Benjamin!

Birthday Celebration for a Founding Father Goes BIG This Month!

Franklin, Massachusetts’ biggest claim to fame is that it is named for the great 18th century polymath and patriot, Benjamin Franklin, and that Franklin in his wisdom, repaid the compliment with a generous gift of books. The town’s people made the most of this and turned this gift into the first free public lending library in North America. 

It was a good move. Franklin farm boy, Horace Mann, the ”father” of American Public education, educated himself in large part through the books donated by Ben and Oliver Dean, another local influenced by access to Ben’s books, founded Dean Academy in Franklin (now Dean College)!

Today, with the town’s growth and a renewed focus on arts, culture, and history in the town’s Cultural District, a literary and library past is being celebrated with Ben Franklin Book Week, Jan 14-21, “A Community Rediscovery of Ideas, Literature, and the Shared Gift of Language.” This new annual event that celebrates the birthday of Benjamin Franklin (Jan. 17) and his gift of books to the town AND it recognizes the town’s ongoing book- and culture friendly environment, with a growing slate of events and activities! 

Book Week is cosponsored by the Franklin Historical Museum, Franklin Public Library, and Escape into Fiction book store with funding provided by Mass. Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Committee.

Events include lectures, a film premiere, a live ‘readathon’ of Ben Franklin’s Autobiography, a concert with the Glass Harmonica instrument invented by Ben Franklin, a lecture and demonstration of Ben’s fundamental contribution to the understanding of electricity, and more. 

More information is available at https://benfranklinbookweek.com

In Franklin, MA, It’s All About the Benjamin!

Franklin's Event Outlook: January 12, 2023 to January 18, 2024

Friday, January 12

7:00pm Steve Demers (live music) (Raillery Public House)

7:30pm Electric Youth Debut Concert (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, January 13

9:00am KoC Free Throw Tournament  (Hockomock YMCA)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:30pm FHS Best Buddies fund raiser basketball game (Franklin High School)

7:00pm Steve Demers (live music) (Raillery Public House)

8:00pm Joe Jencks (live music) (ticketed event) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

Sunday, January 14

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:15pm Second Sunday Speaker Series (CANCELED): Joe Landry on History of Thompson Press (Franklin Historical Museum) 

Monday, January 15 -  Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 16

6:30pm Ben Franklin’s Journey from Slaveholder to Abolitionist AND African Son, a discussion (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International (Franklin TV Studio)

Wednesday, January 17

9:30am Ben Franklin Autobiography* LIVE Readathon (Franklin Historical Museum)

6:30pm SPECIAL Trivia Night  (Teddie Gallagher’s)

7:00pm State of the Commonwealth Address (live broadcast)

Thursday, January 18

8:30am Town Council Office Hours (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm World PREMIERE, “The Boatbuilders” Pre-release Screening & Discussion (Franklin Public Library)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin's Event Outlook: January 12, 2023 to January 18, 2024