Library - Book and Bag Sale - Mar 15-16

The monthly Library Book and Bag sale is scheduled for next Saturday and Sunday, Mar 15-16

Franklin Library - Book and Bag sale

For additional info on Library events visit their blog here   http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/

Library Book Sale

The new monthly Library Book Sale happens on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and then the 'bag sale' (yes, fill a bag of books) happens on Sunday from 9:00 AM to Noon.

proceeds from the monthly book sales will be used to fund Sunday hours

Franklin Library: Book Sale Jan 18-19

The Library is hold a book sale on Saturday, Jan 18th and a Bag Sale on Sunday, January 19th

Library Book Sale - Jan 18th, Jan 19th

This was initially posted to the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-sale.html

Stories told via postcards

A regular reader shares this bit of info:

"Given the holiday season, we are striving to make more people of your towns aware of the book. Postcard History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, makes a marvelous holiday gift and one that parents and children and other town folks would enjoy reading. The book provides unforgettable memories about each of the communities as well as serves as a reference."

The book tells stories of the towns in Norfolk County including a section on Franklin. The stories are told with post cards from each town. The picture book is a good size so it would not make a 'stocking stuffer' it would be more of a 'coffee table book'.

Part of the interest in this books comes from the story on how it was written. James and Paul Tedesco started writing it after getting the idea from a note on the back of an old postcard. James, the son, died a couple of years into the writing effort and the father Paul completed the book.

You can read the WickedLocal article on this book here
http://www.wickedlocal.com/dover/news/x511637164/Dover-resident-writes-postcard-history-of-Norfolk-County

If you want to order one, you can email Paul Tedesco at postcardbook3@aol.com

Reminder: Library Book Sale - Nov 23 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Reminder: The Library has announced another book sale for Saturday, Nov 23.

Franklin Library: Book Sale - Nov 23

The Library has announced another book sale for Nov 23.

“I think in the end, it will all work out”

There is an old-fashioned turf war going on at the Franklin Public Library, which was founded in 1790 with a gift of three books by the town’s namesake, Benjamin Franklin. 

And at the root of the infighting, to the surprise of few, are power and money. 

On one side is the library’s board of directors, whose members — appointed by the town administrator — say they have the sole responsibility for setting library policy. On the other is the Friends of the Franklin Library, a volunteer group of supporters who want a say in how the $6,000 to $7,000 they raise at book fairs each fall and spring is spent. 

The tug of war was being waged behind the scenes for months, but spilled into the open when the directors abruptly canceled the Friends’ fall book sale. In its place, the library is selling old books through an ongoing process that officials say is “extremely successful,” and there are plans to hold monthly, themed sales at the library. 

“It’s the library’s books being sold, it’s our money,” Cynthia Dobrzynski, chairwoman of the board of directors, said about the proceeds from the Friends’ annual sales. “There is no reason for that money not to be turned over directly to us.” 

The president of the Friends of the Franklin Library, Maria Lucier, sees things a little differently. 

“I agree that money is at the root of this, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for a request for FoFL funds that describes how the money is planned to be spent.” she wrote in an e-mail to the Globe. 

Lucier said all her group wants is specific requests for funds, such as a certain amount for museum passes, videos, books, or programs.

Read the full article in the Sunday Boston Globe here


The recent letter to the membership of the FoFL
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/letter-to-fofl-members.html

The Library has announced a book sale at the Library for Saturday October 26th.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/library-book-sale-oct-26th.html

Library: Book Sale - Oct 26th

Found this posted on the Library website:

Library Book Sale

Letter to FoFL members

Dear Friends of Franklin Library members, 

The Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) was extremely disappointed to receive the attached letter from Library Board of Directors (BofD) chair Cynthia Dobrzynski notifying us that her group had abruptly cancelled the FoFL’s planned October book sale. These semi-annual sales of donated books have produced significant funds that have been used to help our library expand its collections, purchase museum passes, offer programs to the community, enhance library services, and even buy furniture. 

The FoFL board had decided to delay notification to members pending a request that the BofD reconsider its decision. That appeal was made at the board’s September 23 meeting, but was rejected without a discussion or vote. The BofD stated that its decision was based upon the results of last winter’s survey which “clearly set the direction” and was not subject to change.
We disagree with the BofD’s decision and would have welcomed – and expected - the chance to discuss it and present data in support of the popular and profitable event, but that did not happen. 

We are proud of the contributions made by the Friends over the years. Money raised by our members and supportive residents has been able to supplement town allocations, funding programs and initiatives that might otherwise not be possible. 

Since 2005, the book sales have generated a net revenue of $153,734.00, and the FoFL has given that, plus additional funds, to the library – a total of $179,235.00. So far this calendar year the FoFL has given the library $10,280.59, which was used for passes, programs, books, audiobooks, e-books, supplies and a new fixture for the Children’s Room. 

We expected our October book sale would have shown a profit of roughly $6,000. And, as with all of the Friends’ efforts, this would have been achieved without any cost to the library or town. 

The FoFL’s desire to support the library remains intact. We will continue to fulfill our mission as community advocates for the library. We believe that our library is a cornerstone of our community and provides opportunities for residents to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others, from ages past to present. Even though our revenue stream has been impacted, we will continue to provide financial support, as requested, to support those things that are outside of the town budget, and will explore other avenues of fund-raising. 

As always, we meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7PM in the Community Room at the library. All meetings are open to anyone interested. 

Please join your fellow FoFL members downtown at the Harvest Festival, on Sunday October 6 from 11am to 4pm. The Friends’ display will have literature, bookmarks, calendars along with a few surprises, and we would love your support. 

Regards, 

The Friends of Franklin Library

Email: Fofl02038@gmail.com  

Maria Lucier, President
Kevin O’Malley, Vice President
Jan Martin, Treasurer
Vidya Vedapuri, Recording Secretary
Jim Beaulieu, Corresponding Secretary
Kathie Nosek, Director
Joe Mullen, Director
Barbara Christensen, Director
Carolyn Marr, Director

The letter referenced as an attachment is available here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html

"denied the request without further discussion"

The Library Book Sale issue made it to the Milford Daily News in this recap of what has been published already:

"Our thought was, ‘Why do you kick $6,000 to $7,000 out of the window?' " said Kathie Nosek, who has planned the sale for the last two years. "Why would you not take that in addition to your sales?" 

Five days later, Nosek said Friday, the decision still perplexes her. 

"I think the Friends are still in shock about it to be honest," she said. "We never assumed that someone could be so mathematically challenged as to not look at the figures." 

Lucier on Friday questioned why the board would cancel an event that is put on at no cost to the library or town and which results in revenue for a library that needs it.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655342465/Questions-linger-after-Franklin-library-book-sale-is-nixed#ixzz2gB7u34l4

A new caption for what the Ben Franklin statue is doing outside the library is 'he is also trying to make sense of this!"

Ben Franklin statue in 2008

Respectfully, there is nothing new in this issue. If you read through the Library Board's meeting notes, this 'issue' has been around for quite a while. There is something deeply disturbing in the relationship between the two groups that has not been resolved. It does take two to tango, and if only one party is willing to come to the table. It will be a long time before there is a dance.

In case you missed hearing about this, here is the replay:

The letter to the Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html

FoFL President Maria Lucier's update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-fall-book.html

My reporting on the September Library Board meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/library-board-will-not-reconsider.html

The Library Board minutes for the August meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/library-board-aug-meeting.html

Library Board - Aug Meeting

The minutes of the August meeting at which the October Book Sale was voted to be not held were posted to the Library website on Tuesday after being approved during Monday's meeting..

I am probably not alone in finding it interesting that the book sale which has been held with a preview for Friends of the Franklin Library members on Friday night, open to the public at the DPW garage on Saturday and again on Sunday with the 'bag of books' sale was referred to as a 'one day' sale.

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/minutes2013/AUG2013.doc


Prior posts:

Monday's meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/library-board-will-not-reconsider.html

The Board letter to the FoFL
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html

The FoFL response
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-fall-book.html


Disclosure: my wife is a member of the Friends and as a kindergarten teacher takes advantage of the book sale to purchase books for her classroom.

Library Board "will not reconsider"

The Library Board of Directors held their September monthly meeting on Monday evening at the Library meeting room. The Board was outnumbered by citizens and members of the Friends of the Franklin Library who came to find out if the October Book sale suddenly canceled at the Aug meeting would be reinstated. 

The meeting began after Chairman Cindy Dobrynski arrived late apologizing for traffic having delayed her. She sternly outlined the requirements for citizens comments, need to be recognized by the Chair before speaking, use of appropriate language and failure to do so could result in removal from the meeting.

Maria Lucier, President of the FoFL, was recognized and read the following statement.

Since 2005 the semi-annual book sales held by the Friends of Franklin library (FoFL) have produced approximately $150,000 in net revenue that has been used to fund books, programs, passes, e-books and numerous other items for the library, including the chairs that everyone at this meeting is sitting on. 

That’s just from the book sales – the FoFL has also received considerable funds from other sources. The last 2 book sales have netted over $13K, and the October book sale would be expected to show over $6K in profits – and all of this is achieved without any cost to the library or town.

These funds have been realized because of the efforts of dedicated volunteers, who put in over 1500 hours a year to make the book sales happen, and who promote the library within their own sphere of influence.

The stated reason for this board’s decision is that the October book sale is not needed due to the popularity of the ‘on-going’ in-house book sale. But there is no reason for the two things to be mutually exclusive, and it makes more sense to supplement the semi-annual book sale revenues with the in-house revenues, resulting in the greatest benefit for the library. 

The FoFL respectfully requests that this board vote tonight to reinstate the October book sale.

After a couple of other members of the audience were recognized and added points to the overall question, Cindy made her statement. The Board's strategic planning process included a survey which began last year. The Board is encouraging the library to seek other sources of revenue. She stated that the quoted dollars of revenue from the ongoing monthly sales (reported at about $150/month) have increased substantially. The Board did not want to wait until this Sep meeting to make their decision. They chose to do so at their scheduled Aug meeting. The minutes from the Aug meeting will be available after they are scheduled for vote at tonight's meeting. She encouraged dialog to go forward preparing and planing for creative fund raising events in the future. The Board is looking to create opportunities to bring people to the Library. They have decided to suspend the Oct Book Sale. They are looking to develop creative events. They don't want to be dependent upon a twice a year book sale. Their objective is to increase patron visits to the Library. The Board will not reconsider their decision.

The Library Board of Directors on Monday evening:

Library Board of Directors: (left to right) Kathleen Gerwatowski, Susan Rittenhouse, Cynthia Dobrzynski (Chairman), Felicia Oti (Library Director), Monique Doyle (Vice Chair) and Sandra Brandfonbrener

Board information

Additional information on the Board can be found on the Library webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/about

Reading the minutes from meetings earlier this year was insightful.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/minutes2013/index

In Feb 2013, the Board acknowledged reviewing a gift policy the prior month
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/gift.doc

In March, the Board approved "a “books for sale” shelf in the Library"
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/minutes2013/MAR2013.doc

In April, the Board acknowledged "exploring the creation of a charitable foundation to develop alternative sources of funding." and that the he Board was scheduled to discuss the book sale "issue" at the May meeting.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/minutes2013/APR2013.doc


Survey
The survey was referenced as still being available on the Library webpage (I did not find it). The Franklin Matters archive does have the link from June 2012 when the survey was announced by the Library blog
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-public-library-survey.html

The survey is still open and results will be made available after the survey closes (no date specified during meeting).

Friends of Franklin Library: The Fall Book Sale

Hi Steve, 

I am in the (current) president of the Friends of Franklin Library, and was the recipient of the letter you posted regarding the fall book sale.  (The letter on the library's web site is different.) 

Obviously, the Friends were not happy with the Board of Directors' decision, but I have been working with the Library Director and a member of the Library Board (with the assistance of Jeff Nutting) to reverse that and hold the October sale as planned.  I hope to have a spot on the Library Board's agenda next Monday to talk about the fall book sale, and to ask them to reconsider their decision and hold another vote. 

The Friends are hopeful that the Library Board will reverse their earlier decision - the fall book sale is a profitable tradition enjoyed by many - but pending our appeal, had decided to delay notifying members and the public of the situation until our appeal was heard.  I guess that now falls under the heading of "good intentions." 

Feel free to post this message and assure the community that the FoFL is working hard to (and is prepared to) run the October book sale as planned. I will follow up with an update after we meet with the Library Board of Directors at their next meeting on September 23 at 7PM; it is a public meeting, so anyone interested may attend. 

In the meantime, donations of books are always appreciated. 

Thanks and regards, 

Maria Lucier
President, Friends of Franklin Library

This was in response to the letter received by the Friends of Franklin Library and posted on Monday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html

Friends of Franklin Library book sale - Oct 2103 cancelled

Hello, Steve,

As you may recall, a few years ago, the Library Board tried to cancel the Friends' book sale at the DPW. Thank you for your coverage, as I feel it was instrumental in continuing the sales. It's happening again - the Library Board has cancelled the Oct 2013 sale.  The Friends' were notified abruptly via the following letter:

As you know, the Town of Franklin has recently drafted a Master Plan for the entire town. In conjunction with the Master Plan, the Franklin Library Board of Directors is in the process of developing its own strategic plan, which will reflect the Town's plan. During this process, we must consider all sources of revenue, including fundraising. Our Library Director has conducted community surveys and focus group interviews since January 2013, beginning with the Friends of the Franklin Library. The Board wanted as much information about community needs and desires as possible before developing the strategic plan. 

Some of the initial improvements included: changing the regularly-scheduled morning programs; beginning new afternoon programs for school-age, children, tweens, and teens; updating the children's audio-visual collection; sprucing up the children's room; and instituting an "ongoing "book sale on the second floor of the library.  We are also working with an architect to review both the building needs and space requirements for the next generation of patrons. 

The popularity of the "ongoing" book sale has led us to expand it to the first floor near the circulation desk. Accordingly, we do not believe we need a fall 2013 book sale at the DPW. We will continue to monitor this new approach at the Library prior to making a decision about the 2014 spring book sale. 

We recognize the community nature of the book sales as well as the tremendous effort by the Friends and volunteers to support and to staff the book sale. We hope that the "ongoing" book sale will free your members to consider other events and ideas for fundraising in support of the Library. 

The Franklin Library board deeply appreciates all the past and present efforts of the Friends to support the patrons of the Library We welcome your suggestions and ideas and look forward to an ongoing dialogue with the Friends on our continued efforts to provide the citizens of Franklin the best possible Library in the region.

Please feel free to contact me with ideas and proposals. 

Warmest regards, 

Cynthia S. DobrzynskiChairpersonFranklin Library Board of Directors

Similar text was in the "Library Update" and posted to the Library webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/LibraryUpdate.pdf

FRANKLIN DPW ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE

The Franklin Department of Public Works will host its annual open house, 

featuring Touch-A-Truck for kids!

Touch a truck!

Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 25 Public Works Way.

Enjoy free hotdogs, popcorn, drinks and hayrides!

The Library Book Sale is also scheduled from 9:00 to 4:00 PM today. Combine the trip to the DPW, pick up a book or two and make your kids day!

Weekend activities in Franklin

Reminder that the Library Book Sale opens this evening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM for friends of Franklin Library members (membership is $25 and you can sign up there), opens on Saturday from 9:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The DPW "Touch a truck" will run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The book sale will close out on Sunday morning buying books by the bag. Additional details can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html

Franklin Library Book Sale

The Parmenter School will do a car wash and bottle/can drive on Saturday

Parmenter school - car wash

Kennedy School has their fund raising recycle day on Saturday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/kennedy-fund-raising-recycle-day.html


The HMEA 12th Annual Independence Run/Walk/Stroll happens on Sunday, May 19th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/lavenchy-goes-to-dogs.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-area-road-races.html



The Historical Museum will have a presentation on the past, present and future of farming in Franklin on Sunday, May 19th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/past-present-and-future-of-farming-in.html

Friends of Franklin Library book sale - May 17, 18, 19

Just a reminder that the Friends will once again be holding the spring book sale the weekend of May 17, 18 and 19th. 

New this year is a 10% discount to members who show their 2013 membership card on either Friday night or Saturday all day. 

New members can join at the door and still get the discount.
Memberships are $15./Individual and $25./Family. 

Friday from 4-7 is Members' Night, Saturday is general public from 9-4. On Sunday from 9 to noon anyone can purchase a bag for $5.00 and fill it to the top with great summer reading material. Multiple bags can be purchased.

Library book sale

After the sale on Sunday, we select about 24-25 boxes of books to be donated to the prison in Waltham for the inmates and families.

We will still take food or monetary donations for the Food Pantry. A coupon will be issued for donations worth $1.00 off at the check out table.

We will have a special priced area for rare finds, new copies, and collectibles. 

In conjunction with the sale, DPW will host "Touch a Truck" from 10-1 and offer refreshments. In the past, this has included hot dogs, drinks, and popcorn.

It will be a true community event.

Parmenter Book Fair

The Parmenter School sign on Weds morning. A dreary start to the day but one that should brighten and warm up, assuming the weather forecast holds true.

The Book Fair starts Thursday and runs through May 1 when the "Night of the Arts" is held at the school.

Library Book Sale - Photo essay

I stopped by the Library Book Sale on Saturday morning. There were lots of folks browsing among the book selections filling bags with their choices.

 

The Franklin Food Pantry benefited from donations of food an money collected during the Book Sale.

The Friends of the Franklin Library thanks their sponsors!

Fiction or non-fiction, hard cover or paperback, there were lots of choices!

You did not have a choice to buy the snow plow!