Town of Franklin, MA: new popup shops ribbon cutting held Friday

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted  Sun, Oct 31, 2021:

"Take a quick stop by the two newest #PopUpShops in Franklin, @EscapeIntoFictn and #DoglioCoffee for some great treats! 

Thank you to @MassEOHED for the state grant! The coffee is delicious and we could all use some great fiction to take us away! 

Perfect time for the holidays! ☕️📚 https://t.co/WVjY7yw5Lg"

(https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1454814712915501064?t=OWCAlItlfYyHR3GhzdPsuQ&s=03)

Town of Franklin, MA: new popup shops ribbon cutting @TOFranklinMA photo

Doglio Coffee will open on Nov 10. In the meantime, you can check out their webpage and order online  https://dogliocoffee.com/

Escape into Fiction will be open everyday except for Monday. Peruse the books on the shelf, if you don't find one you want, they can order it for you.  https://escapeintofiction.com/ 

And don't forget that Greco Designs is operating as well in their location downtown  https://www.grecodesigncompany.com/

The Town of Franklin press release announcing their openings was shared here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/franklin-pop-up-shops-expand.html

Franklin Pop up shops Expand

Bookstore and Coffee Shop Combination Coming to Franklin’s Downtown for a Limited Time

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce “Escape into Fiction'' and “Doglio Coffee'' as the latest round of businesses to occupy the 70 East Central St. Pop Shop Opportunity Space. The Town hopes residents and visitors of Franklin stop in and check out the new local businesses.

Escape into Fiction is a fiction only bookstore carrying genres such as horror, romance, science fiction, mystery and more. The bookstore will open its doors on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM.

Residents can expect a variety of bookmarks, totes, stickers, puzzles and coloring books from Escape into Fiction. Their diverse catalog ensures there is something for people of all ages to enjoy. Owners April and Michael Rock had hoped to establish a brick and mortar store prior to the pandemic, however, they decided to pursue an online only business model due to the circumstances the pandemic presented. After making an unexpected move from Ohio to Franklin, they are excited to pick up where they left off in their new home. 

Franklin Pop up shops Expand

"Escape Into Fiction feels incredibly honored to have the opportunity to participate in the Town of Franklin Pop Up Shop project. This has been the perfect way for us to introduce ourselves to our new community and we can't wait to meet everyone!" said April Rock.

Their Pop Shop partner, Doglio Coffee, specializes in offering high quality organic coffee and will launch in early November. Doglio Coffee utilizes direct trade to ensure ethically sourced beans. Their coffee is low-acidity, made with quadruple-filtered water and brewed in small batches to maintain pristine quality.

Owners Alexa Monochio and Steve Poirier witnessed the authentic connections made over a great cup of coffee during a trip to Italy. Yearning to help create authentic moments back home, they launched Doglio in Feb. 2021. They hope to continue to celebrate great coffee and connections through the Pop Shop Franklin Initiative.

The Pop Shop Opportunity Spaces will be filled until December 31, 2021 when the Franklin Pop Shop Initiative is completed due to grant requirements by the state grant. Residents are encouraged to visit the second Pop Shop Opportunity Space (2A Main St. in Franklin) which has been utilized by Greco Design Co. since June. This program was made possible by a Regional Pilot Project Grant issued by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Learn more about the Pop Shop Franklin Initiative by visiting: www.franklinma.gov/economic-development/pages/pop-shop-franklin

For more information about the Franklin Pop Shop businesses, be sure to visit their websites and connect with them on social media.

Learn more at escapeintofiction.com 
Learn more at dogliocoffee.com
Learn more at grecodesigncompany.com

Media Contact: Lily Rivera riveral@franklinps.net Office:508- 520-4888 

Kitchen Table Art Workshops: Altered Book Box, Sunday, June 6, 4:00 PM

Kitchen Table Art Workshops: 

Altered Book Box, Sunday, June 6, 4:00 PM

Kitchen Table Art Workshops: Altered Book Box, Sunday, June 6

Beautifying Old Discarded Books - Altered Book Box, June 6, 4-6 PM Zoom. 

Registration deadline June 2.

We will hollow out a no longer used book so it is now a useful and fun box to hold your secrets and more! We will also explore ways to repurpose the remaining book sheets as art objects.  

Presented on Zoom by Jacqueline Volpe, The Creativity Curator at jbvdesignstudio. You must sign up to be emailed the Zoom link. Kits providing materials and tools to be used in the workshop will be provided for the first 12 Franklin residents. 

Shortly before the workshop, instructions to pick up your kit at the library and the zoom link will be emailed to you. Anyone who registers but does not receive a kit will be emailed a supply list to gather materials for the project and the zoom link. 

To register please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at 508-520-4941, or email her at kshipala@minlib.net . For more information, visit Jacqueline at www.thecreativitycurator.com and email questions to her at Jacqueline@thecreativitycurator.com. 

This program is funded by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council.

 

Shared from the Library page  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/kitchen-table-art-workshops-altered-book-box-sunday-june-6-400-pm

Spear Phishing hits authors with books about to be published

From The New York Times:

"Earlier this month, the book industry website Publishers Marketplace announced that Little, Brown would be publishing “Re-Entry,” a novel by James Hannaham about a transgender woman paroled from a men’s prison. The book would be edited by Ben George.

Two days later, Mr. Hannaham got an email from Mr. George, asking him to send the latest draft of his manuscript. The email came to an address on Mr. Hannaham’s website that he rarely uses, so he opened up his usual account, attached the document, typed in Mr. George’s email address and a little note, and hit send.

“Then Ben called me,” Mr. Hannaham said, “to say, ‘That wasn’t me.’”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/21/books/publishing-manuscripts-phishing-scam.html

2020 National Book Festival Highlights: Mo Willems

 

"Mo Willems, he of the wildly popular books for young people like the Pigeon series and Elephant & Piggie Biggie series, thinks the kids are all right.

“I think the kids are fine. I really do,” he said to Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in an exclusive video interview. I think it’s us, the old people, that need some help, that need to stop and look and listen to these ambassadors, these ambassadors of exploration, of creativity, of asking questions.”

The three-time Caldecott Medal winner spoke about his creative process and the “idea garden” of random doodles that inspires his stories and art. He launched his recent books, “An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3” (Hyperion) and “Unlimited Squirrels: I Want to Sleep Under the Stars” (Hyperion), at the 2020 National Book Festival."

Continue reading the article online

https://blogs.loc.gov/national-book-festival/2020/11/2020-national-book-festival-highlights-mo-willems/

 

2020 Library of Congress National Book Festival: Celebrating American Ingenuity

The 2020 Library of Congress National Book Festival will celebrate its 20th birthday this year! And, for the first time in its history, the event will be completely virtual. Join us next weekend for an interactive, online celebration of American Ingenuity featuring more than 120 authors, poets and illustrators. The festivities will culminate with a PBS television special “The Library of Congress National Book Festival: Celebrating American Ingenuity,” hosted by Hoda Kotb on Sunday, Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings).

Register Today! 

2020 Library of Congress National Book Festival

Create your FREE account now at loc.gov/bookfest to access on-demand videos, live author chats and discussions during the Festival weekend, Sept. 25 – 27. You’ll have options to personalize your own festival journey with timely topics, and to explore book buying possibilities through the festival’s official bookseller, Politics & Prose.

Check Out the Author Lineup

Collage image of authors participating in the 2020 National Book Festival

More than 120 renowned authors, poets and illustrators are taking part in our virtual festival! Connect with your favorite writers across all genres at our virtual “stages” including, Children, Teens, Family, Food & Field, Fiction, Genre Fiction, History & Biography sponsored by Wells Fargo, Poetry & Prose sponsored by National Endowment for the Arts, Science and Understanding Our World.

View the full author lineup: loc.gov/events/2020-national-book-festival/authors/ 

“It’s uncomfortable for a lot of parents, so a lot of times they just skip over it"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

It’s been two years since Sam Gouveia was teased by some of his kindergarten classmates for painting his nails red.

Now a month shy of his seventh birthday, he still paints his nails. He also started experimenting with make-up to recreate looks based off of YouTube tutorials. He started with his mom’s products, but now he has his own bag of make-up.

“He hasn’t had a problem (with being judged) since then,” said his father Aaron Gouveia, writer of the nationally-known “Daddy Files” blog, about that day in 2018.

When Gouveia started a thread on Twitter supporting Sam wearing nail polish, it went viral, receiving more than 35,000 likes and support from celebrities like former New England Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, and voice actress Tara Strong, who has voiced popular characters like Timmy Turner from the “Fairly OddParents.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200630/his-three-sons-franklins-daddy-files-blogger-publishes-book-on-raising-boys-to-be-good-men

Listen to my interview with Aaron. We met on the Town Common, and socially distanced for our conversation.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-292-aaron-gouveia-daddy-files-52120.html

FM #292 Aaron Gouveia - Daddy Files - 5/21/20 (audio)

In the News: Annie's book store closes; planning underway to allow visitors to long-term care facilities

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Books hold a special place in the heart of Ann Durant -- so much so that they are like members of her family, each variously holding within its whispering, ink-fragrant pages memories of past times spent together or promises of new friendships, new discoveries and new adventures.

So it should come as no surprise that Durant, owner of Annie’s Book Stop on Plainville’s Man-Mar Drive, has been on a very determined mission the last couple of weeks: To leave the collection of books in her second-hand bookstore in equally loving hands.

Durant has found herself in the difficult position of having to close the business her mother -- the late Eleanor Arnold -- opened nearly four decades ago, and that she herself has been operating for nearly 25 years. While she has overcome some significant business challenges over the years, including competing with big box book stores and online book purveyors, the coronavirus pandemic has proven to be too much to surmount.

“Basically, my decision to close is directly because of the pandemic, when you count what it would cost me to stay open,” she said. “I have jumped hurdles -- the big box stores, the online stuff. I’ve always found a way around it, but this ... whether it’s my age or the length of time I’ve done this ... this I couldn’t find a way over it or under it or around it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200526/a-wonderful-journey-comes-to-end-in-plainville-as-annies-book-stop-closes-amidst-coronavirus-pandemic

"As the state’s economic reopening gets underway in earnest this week, Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday that COVID-19 public health data indicates “that we are trending in the right direction,” and the head of the state’s COVID-19 Command Center said plans are in the works to allow people to once again visit their loved ones in long-term care settings.

Opening his first press conference since many consumer-facing businesses were allowed to reopen Monday, the governor highlighted two of the metrics that he has said will be key considerations when deciding when to launch subsequent phases of the reopening plan.

Baker said the average positive test rate is down to about 9% and has “been pretty much in that general vicinity now for about a week.” And the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has shown “a significant decrease over the course of the past two or three weeks,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200526/medical-advisory-board-working-on-plan-to-allow-visitors-to-long-term-care-facilities-in-massachusetts-again-visitors-were-banned-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak

Video link for May 26 update by Gov Baker: https://youtu.be/X1Dq6fENwtI

Podcast Recommendation: Neil Pasricha's 3 Books

In these pandemic times, it is a challenge with so many changes yet uncertainty looming around us. Opening a book can take us to another world, away from this. We can escape for the time the book is open and we're able to devote time to it. A book from Stephen King,  or JK Rowling, or Philip Pullman can take us away. 

On the other hand, I recently finished "The Great Influenza" by John M Barry to help understand the time we are in. The book is thoroughly researched. It was an easy read albeit a tough topic. I was glad to have reached the end sooner than I thought. According to Kindle, 35% of the pages were notes, bibliography, etc.

Two key quotes from the book to share:

"And a severe influenza pandemic would hit like a tsunami, inundating intensive-care units even as doctors and nurses fall ill themselves and generally pushing the health care system to the point of collapse and possibly beyond it. Hospitals, like every other industry, have gotten more efficient by cutting costs, which means virtually no excess capacity—on a per capita basis the United States has far fewer hospital beds than a few decades ago. Indeed, during a routine influenza season, usage of respirators rises to nearly 100 percent; in a pandemic, most people who needed a mechanical respirator probably would not get one."

"For if there is a single dominant lesson from 1918, it’s that governments need to tell the truth in a crisis. Risk communication implies managing the truth. You don’t manage the truth. You tell the truth."

So having read that, I needed to escape. I turned to listen to a podcast and Neil Pasricha's 3 Books came up in the queue. This episode was released a couple of weeks ago and while I am close to current, I am still behind. This episode was an emotional one because it acknowledges where we are, how we are dealing with this pandemic.It was timely to listen to.

"Look up to the sky.

It’s a slowly waning crescent before Chapter 52 arrives on the exact minute of the new moon next week.

So why this special episode of 3 Books?

Well, like the “cultivating calm during coronavirus chaos” episode we released a month ago, it’s because we are swimming in wholly unprecedented seas. I am feeling stress around coronavirus and I can tell by your DMs, tweets, comments, and voicemails to 1-833-READ-A-LOT that you're feeling it, too."

Episode page https://www.3books.co/chapters/corona2

This as you heard, is not a 'normal' session of 3 books. I will recommend subscribing to the podcast. You can go back to the beginning and come forward if you have the time and desire. So many of the people he talks with are not 'well known', yet the conversation is an adventure into books, and life, and what those three books mean for the person being interviewed.
 
Neil's home page  https://www.3books.co/

"The Great Influenza" page at Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Influenza-Deadliest-Pandemic-History-ebook/dp/B000OCXFWE

Podcast Recommendation: Neil Pasricha's 3 Books

Franklin Public Library February 2020 News & Events

Franklin Public Library February 2020 News & Events

February Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 17 for Presidents Day. The Library's regular 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 Sunday, 1:30-5:00 p.m.
  
Drop-In ESL Conversation Class, Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Starting this February at the Franklin Public Library, join us every Tuesday night for a drop-in conversation class for all levels of English language learners. This class will focus on helping students become more comfortable using English in everyday life. We call it a class, but it's really more of a group. Proctored by a certified ESL instructor, we will spend each session discussing a different topic--or wherever the conversation takes us! Resources will be provided by the Franklin Public Library so all you need to bring is a willingness to participate and learn. This program is free and open to all who wish to join.

New Pass Available
Library patrons can use the Franklin Public Library's pass to visit Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries across the state at the discounted rate of just $2 per person, for up to four people per pass. Sites include Stony Brook in Norfolk, Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton, Moose Hill in Sharon, and Wellfleet Bay in South Wellfleet. To reserve the pass, visit our website and click on the link for Museum Passes.

Library Now Subscribing to NoveList Plus and NextReads Newsletters!
Can't get enough of fiction, nonfiction, or audiobook recommendations? Use NoveList Plus to help you discover your next favorite read! This resource provides recommendations for all ages. Created by passionate book lovers who understand what readers want, NoveList Plus is a bibliophile's paradise, perfect for readers to explore. Access NoveList Plus from our website on the Databases & Research Resources page.
NextReads Newsletters alert you to the latest releases in your favorite subjects and genres. Reading recommendations for adults, teens, and kids can be sent directly to your inbox! You can even receive the weekly New York Times bestseller lists! The titles in the newsletters are linked directly to our catalog, so you can check availability or place holds. To sign up, visit our website.

Provincetown and the Pilgrims, Thursday, February 6, 6:30 p.m.
The Pilgrims are often linked to Plymouth, but their story in America began in Provincetown, and after two decades, many of them returned to the shores of the Outer Cape. Join Don during the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims' landing for this look back from the 1620 voyage of the Mayflower to the 1644 settlement of Nauset, as well as the story behind Provincetown's famous Pilgrim Monument. This program is free and open to the public.

Nerds To Go Technology Help, Saturday, February 8, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
Staff from Nerds To Go Computer Service will be available to assist patrons with common technology issues such as email access, password reset/recovery, cell phone feature usage, getting onto public Wi-Fi, and accessing information on line. This service is free and is on a first come, first serve basis.

Burn Boston Burn Author Talk with Wayne Miller, Saturday, February 8, 2:00 p.m.
In the early 1980s, Boston was set ablaze. Two hundred sixty-four buildings were burned, intentionally set on fire, resulting in millions of dollars in damages and hundreds of injuries. This is the true story of the deep conspiracy of nine men, determined to wreak havoc on the city and the relentless investigators who uncovered them. Told from the perspective of the head ATF Special Agent in charge of the investigation, Wayne Miller, Burn Boston Burn is a tale of political deceit and internal corruption. The book details the series of crimes that shook the city of Boston and became known as one of the largest arson cases on record in the history of the country.
Wayne Miller was a Special Agent, Criminal Investigator and Certified Fire Investigator for the U. S. Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for 25 years. He has been involved in numerous high profile criminal cases involving illegal firearms, bombings and arsons. He was also a member of the ATF National Response Team, responding to major fire and explosion incidents. For the past 17 years, in the private sector, Mr. Miller has been a fire and explosion analyst for the Massachusetts - based Wright Group, Inc.
During his career, Mr. Miller examined more than 2,300 fire and explosion scenes, responded to over twenty-five major incidents, as well as testified as an expert in more than forty cases in Federal and State courts in civil and criminal cases. 
This program is free and open to the public.

Renaissance V Brass Valentine's Concert, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 6:30 p.m.
Romance will be in the air when the Renaissance V Brass perform an evening of swoon-worthy tunes at the Franklin Public Library. Treat your sweetheart to a night of music that will put you in the mood for love. This performance is free and open to the public.

Avoiding Age Discrimination: A Workbook for Baby Boomers, Tuesday, February 18, 6:30 p.m.
People often worry about age discrimination when seeking new employment, spending an inordinate amount of time convincing themselves that they are no longer relevant in the workforce. We will address how job seekers can overcome age bias and turn their fears into selling points. This workshop is free and open to the public.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, February 25, 7:00 p.m.
The book for discussion is Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead.  In this bravura follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize, and National Book Award-winning The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. A limited number of copies of the book will be available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .

Genealogy Club, Research Plan Workshop with Marian Pierre-Louis, Thursday, February 20, 6:30 p.m.
Develop a research plan to help overcome your genealogy obstacles.  Using this tool you will learn how to approach a genealogy problem to find the best solution.   

Library Tech Time,Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Need help downloading ebooks to your Kindle? Trouble downloading the Libby or Minuteman apps? Curious about hoopla, Kanopy, or the many databases available to Franklin residents? Stop by or make an appointment during Tech Time now available on Thursdays 2:00-3:00 p.m. Can't make that time? Don't worry, technology assistance is always available at the Reference Desk. Please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala or Reference Librarian Vicki Earls for more information.

Proctoring Services
The Franklin Public Library will now be offering proctoring services to its patrons. Proctoring will be free of charge, and by appointment only. Contact Library Director Felicia Oti or Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala for more information. 

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, February 14, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, February 15, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, February 15, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Public Library February 2020 News & Events

Franklin Author Book Sale Specials

Franklin author Susan K Hamilton has some book sale specials announced that I found via the Twitter stream. We had shared the release of Shadow King in November 2018.

Franklin Author: Susan K. Hamilton fantasy genre novelist

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/franklin-author-susan-k-hamilton.html

"The ESCAPE! Anthology released yesterday and is currently in the Top 50 on Amazon for both Short Stories and Anthologies. Special $2.99 price until Jan. 6! Grab your copy today, you'll be glad you did!#shortstories #anthologies #amreading #books"

The ESCAPE! Anthology released yesterday & is currently in the Top 50 on Amazon for both Short Stories & Anthologies. Special $2.99 price until Jan. 6! Grab your copy today, you'll be glad you did!#shortstories #anthologies #amreading #books #indieauthorshttps://t.co/DU449JXSNV pic.twitter.com/wSXXCXVy4H

— Susan K. Hamilton (@RealSKHamilton) January 2, 2019

"Buy the Amazon Kindle version of Shadow King for just $0.99 through 12/12/19!
Grab a copy today!"

Buy the Amazon Kindle version of Shadow King for just $0.99 through 12/12/19!
Grab a copy today! https://t.co/FgvS5Z7On6 …#booksonsale #ShadowKing #amwriting #kindledeals #kindlebooks pic.twitter.com/mrH8IJamkZ

— Susan K. Hamilton (@RealSKHamilton) January 2, 2019

SUSAN K. HAMILTON

Newcomers and Friends Club: Book/White Elephant Swap - Jan 16

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Since it’s the New Year, why not start fresh! The Newcomers are cleaning off our bookshelves and emptying our closets. We’re having a Book and/or White Elephant Swap. Whatever you bring, you’ll bring home something similar. So, if you want to participate, bring a wrapped (brown paper or foil will do!!!) book and/or unwanted Holiday Gift to swap. Books of fiction or cookbooks are suggested.

We’re also doing a collection drive for the Franklin Food Pantry. We’re collecting bars of soap . . . please bring wrapped bars of soap to donate if you’d like to participate.

Newcomers and Friends Club:
Book/White Elephant Swap - Jan 16

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30. Due to a conflict, we had to change our January date.

No need to RSVP, just join us to have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to hear them!

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Author: Susan K. Hamilton fantasy genre novelist

Dark fantasy readers will find themselves spellbound by Susan K. Hamilton’s Shadow King (Oct. 2, 2018, InkShares). In the midst of a tumultuous Boston, a Fae Seer, Seireadan, begins to fall for Aohdan, the Fae Patriarch of the city’s criminal underworld. Despite her best intentions to stay away from him, the fierce passion begins to consume them both. While Aohdan to expand his power base, Seireadan searches for the Fae who killed her family, straining their still-new relationship. Soon, they’ll both have to make choices that will drastically change the course of their lives.

SUSAN K. HAMILTON: Susan K. Hamilton is the author of three novels in the fantasy genre: Shadow King, Darkstar Rising, and The Devil Inside (forthcoming in 2019). Shadow King landed on the Top Ten finalist list of the 2016 Launchpad Manuscript Competition out of over 1,000 entrants from 24 countries, and was published by Inkshares in October 2018. 

SUSAN K. HAMILTON

The Devil You Don’t reached the Top 25 finalists list the following year and will be published under the name The Devil Inside. Susan lives near Boston, Massachusetts with her husband and cat. An avid equestrian, you can often find her at the barn when she’s not writing. She rediscovered her love for writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst when her writing teacher freshman year told the class that their last assignment was “to write something creative.”

You can find Shadow King on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-King-Susan-K-Hamilton-ebook/dp/B07H84LK7Z

and Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40250160-shadow-king

FM #142: Ben's Books return to the Franklin Library (audio)

FM #142

This internet radio show or podcast is number 142 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the brief ceremony at the unveiling of the new display case for Benjamin Franklin’s books. The case was ordered as part of the Library renovation project was delayed in delivery but the books were safely installed this week. The ceremony was held on Sunday, April 8, 2018.

The ceremony itself runs about 12 minutes. Photos of the ceremony and of the books in the display case can be found on FranklinMatters.org/

Without further ado, here is the audio recording.

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

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

How can you help?

• If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit 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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

FM #142: Ben's Books return to the Franklin Library (audio)

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Ben's books return to display at the Franklin Public Library

Photos from the unveiling of Ben's books at the Franklin Public Library on Sunday, April 8, 2018.

well said

Building Committee Chair Judith Pond Pfeffer

Mary Olsson, Franklin Historical Commission

in the middle of the unveiling

voila!

you can walk around the display to view the books

You can see the stitches on the leather book covers

For more photos, visit this link:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/BuBL0ZVshZR0vxXP2

The audio recording of the brief unveiling ceremony can be found here
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6qQy7Jk

In the News: Ben's books return to display; Smith family appear in "Little Mermaid, Jr"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Sometime in 1782 or early 1783, Benjamin Franklin received a curious request from “a new town in the state of Massachusetts” that “having done me the honor of naming itself after me, and preparing to build a steeple to their meeting house,” asked if the statesman would give them a bell. 

But, being a practical man, the 77-year-old Ben Franklin “advis’d the sparing themselves the expense of a steeple” and suggested “books instead of a bell, sense being preferable to sound.” He explained as much in a March 18, 1783 letter to his friend Dr. Richard Price, directing him to collect a list of “a few good books to the value of about 25 pounds” - including Price’s own works - to be delivered to the town. 

Fast forward about 235 years to this Sunday, April 8, when the Franklin Public Library will unveil a new display of those books - the volumes that inspired creation of what is thought to be the nation’s first public library. The exhibit is one of the new features in the newly renovated reading room in the old part of the library building at 118 Main St. 

“This will be the first time the full collection of books will be on a 360-degree display,” noted Deputy Town Administrator Jaimie Hellen in an email about the event, which takes place from noon to 2 p.m.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180406/franklin-library-to-unveil-new-exhibit-of-books-donated-by-towns-namesake

The Ben Franklin books are back at the Franklin Library - April 8

"It’s all in the family when the curtain rises on “Little Mermaid, Jr.” April 6 at Bellingham’s Marketplace Theatre. 

Franklin High sophomore, Rosalyn Smith, leads the company, starring as love-struck mermaid Ariel, who pines to leave her home fathoms below and join Prince Eric and become part of his world above the sea. Supporting her in her quest is fishy side-kick (and real life younger brother), Noah Smith, who portrays Flounder. Noah is a 8th grader at Horace Mann Middle School. 

Not to be forgotten is another member of the Smith family, little sister Delaney, a 4th grader at Oak Street Elementary School, who plays swashbuckling Grimsby, part of Prince Eric’s loyal crew. 

In addition to the contributions of the Smith family, there are also 20 more young actors from Franklin -- including Andrew Falanga as Chef Louis, Caitlin Hickey and Mackenzie Atwood as Mersisters -- and from surrounding communities, including Medway, Bellingham, Holliston, Framingham and towns in Rhode Island."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20180403/franklins-smith-family-featured-in-local-little-mermaid-jr-show

The Ben Franklin books are back at the Franklin Library - April 8

Please join us for the unveiling of the books Benjamin Franklin gifted to the Town of Franklin in 1786 in a new exhibit in the historic Reading Gallery

Date: Sunday, April 8, 2018
Time: 12 Noon – 2:00 PM
Location: The Franklin Public Library (Please enter the Main St Entrance Only)



Program/Schedule

1. Welcome 

• Judith Pond Pfeffer, Chair, Franklin Public Library Building Committee
• Monique Doyle, Chair, Library Board of Directors
• Scott Nolan, Franklin Library Association
• Joe Mullen, Friends of the Franklin Library
• Felicia Oti, Director, Franklin Public Library

2. Brief History of Ben’s Books 

• Mary Olsen, Chair, Franklin Historical Commission and Nancy Rappa, Franklin Library Association

3. Unveiling of the Books

4. 1:00 PM -- Tour  
Murals and Archive Room by Nancy Rappa (Meet in Memorial Hall)

5. Light Refreshments – All

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb3BCWWtVcXNnc0FvVE5xbW1Cd2gzYUVuTjlZ/view?usp=sharing

The Ben Franklin books are back at the Franklin Library - April 8

In the News: Tri-County needs repairs funded; Citizen proposals confirmed for ballot; author donates book

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is in a quandary about how to fund at least $12 million in repairs to the school’s roof, windows, doors and parking lot. 

Officials noted that many things at the school are original to the more than 40-year-old building, and are in dire need of replacement or repair. Facilities Director Thomas Shanahan said the building is the same age as the old Franklin High School, which the town tore down and replaced with the current $100 million structure a few years ago. 

Superintendent Stephen Dockray said this week that the school had applied to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for help, but had been denied. School officials, he said, are considering ways in which the needed projects might be funded."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171221/franklin-tri-county-voke-seeks-12m-for-building-repairs

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

"Citizen proposals calling for a $15 minimum wage, a paid family and medical leave program, a sharp reduction in the sales tax, nurse staffing requirements in hospitals, and a Citizens United commission have garnered enough certified signatures to qualify for the 2018 ballot, Secretary of State William Galvin’s office confirmed Thursday morning. 

Two other proposals -- imposing a 4 percent surtax on household income above $1 million and repealing the 2016 transgender anti-discrimination law -- had previously met 2018 ballot eligibility requirements, although the income surtax is being challenged in the courts by opponents. 

Petitioners behind the proposals deemed newly eligible for next year’s ballot submitted more than the 64,750 signatures required by the constitution. The measures will now be transmitted from Galvin’s office to the Legislature for their consideration."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171221/galvin-confirms-potential-2018-ballot-question-lineup

"Phyllis Calvey, author of “The Butterfly Club: Is That You?”, recently donated her book to the newly renovated Franklin Public Library. Over the years she presented many programs in Franklin and has great memories of the warm community there. 

Reading a particular book is often inspired by the feelings a season brings, and Calvey’s book is a perfect read as winter ushers in the season when nature is dying and returning back to the earth. 

And yet winter can tell things that summer will never know as we see and experience how that life returns again in the spring."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20171220/author-donates-book-of-true-life-stories-to-franklin-library

MISSING 100 Sculptures at Sculpture Park

Please help. If you know or saw something at the Sculpture Park from Sunday, Nov 26 through Friday, Dec 1, please call the Franklin Police Dept.




I can confirm the books were hanging from the trees as I took photos of them Sunday morning, Nov 26 on my walk

some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus

Franklin Public Library: Teen Book Brunch - Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party

Two events are scheduled at the Franklin Public Library for Friday, August 18. The Teen Book Brunch, Friday, will be held at 10:30 AM and the Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party begins at 3:00 PM

Franklin Public Library: Teen Book Brunch

Franklin Public Library: Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpages
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/teen-book-brunch-friday-august-18-1030.html

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/summer-reading-wrap-up-party-friday.html