Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts

Monday, March 23, 2026

April 2026 Franklin Library News & Events (P2 of 3) Children, Kids & Families

LIBRARY EVENTS
Weekly/Monthly for Children
Move Along, Mondays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Doggie Tales! Mondays @ 4pm
Registration Required
Kiddos who are working on their reading skills will be able to sign up for a time slot to practice reading to a trained therapy dog. Bring your favorite book or read one of ours. Registration is required, and once attendees arrive they will get their time slot on a first come, first served basis. (We'll also have a greeter dog to keep you company while you wait!)

Cool Cruisers, Tuesdays @ 9:30am
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time. No registration required.

Pre-K Pals, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5)
This 30 minute program is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Wiggle Worms, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5)
Beat the afternoon witching hour craziness with a dynamic program for littles! Enjoy music, movement, and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Mini Masterpieces, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 6-12)
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily to make your own mini masterpieces! Each week will be a new, small scale, step-by-step watercolor project. All materials provided. 

Bubbles, Books, & Boogies, Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Dance, sing, clap, and play along for a storytime party! Enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities. No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pm
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30am
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library. Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort. No registration required.

Tot Bop, Thursdays, @ 4pm (Ages 3-5)
Get ready to dance around to an energetic playlist in a class that offers littles a chance to play with musicality, coordination, and creativity - all while practicing listening and learning skills! No registration required.

Artsy Afternoons, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 6-11)
Registration Required
Join Ms. Cindy for a step-by-step art project specifically for kids! All materials provided.

Bubble Buddies, Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Enjoy a Friday bubble dance party with music, movement, and fun surprises! No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles, Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Littles and their grownups are invited to an epic dance party to kick off the weekend! Get those wiggles out with fun music, exciting surprises, and plenty of joy and laughter. No registration required. 

Special Events for Kids & Families
Science Night, Wednesday, April 1 @ 5:30pm
Families! Join our awesome teen volunteers for a special science night No registration required.

Eid Celebration, Saturday, April 4 @ 1pm
Join us for a special celebration of Eid, complete with crafts, music, snacks, and more! For questions and/or to get involved, email Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net. No registration required.

Petite Picassos! Monday, April 13 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a baby piglet! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials provided.

Poem Explosion, Thursday, April 16 @ 1pm
Calling all poets! Join us for an afternoon of creative fun as we make all kinds of poems from cut out magazines, old book pages, and even book spines! Bring your creativity! No registration required.

Music At The Blissful, Saturday, April 18 @ 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. No registration required.

Favorite Poem Reading, Saturday, April 18 @ 1:30pm
Registration Requested
Come celebrate National Poetry Month at the Franklin Public Library! Choose a favorite published poem, whether it's one you have long treasured or recently discovered, and share it by reading it to those gathered for this event.
 - Poems may not be ones you or family members, or friends have written.
 - Limit: Five minutes reading time.
Favorite Poem Project™ hosted by Steve Sherlock

Local Hero Storytime, Tuesday, April 21 @ 10:30am
Join the library and our friends from the Franklin Fire Department for a special storytime celebrating our local heroes! Be prepared for fun and surprises. No registration required.

Superhero Party, Wednesday, April 22 @ 10:30am
Join us for an epic superhero bash! Feel free to wear your favorite superhero outfit and join us for a series of games, crafts, and hero activities. No registration required.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Wednesday, April 22 @ 6pm
What kind of trouble can a bunch of stuffed animals cause in an empty library? Here’s our chance to find out! Bring one of your favorite stuffed friends to the library for a cozy storytime, then leave them in our care for the evening. When you pick your friend up on Thursday, see what antics they might have caused! No registration required.

BenAnna Band, Thursday, April 23 @ 10:30am
Join us for this super-fun, high energy, interactive music concert that is sure to have the whole family up dancing! No registration required.

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show, Friday, April 24 @ 10:30am
Join us as we welcome Ed Popielarczyk for a one-of-a-kind magic show that will spellbind the whole family! No registration required.

Rainforest Reptiles, Saturday, April 25 @ 10:30am
Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the critters, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home. Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages! No registration required.

Boston Typewriter Orchestra Concert, Saturday, April 25 @ 2pm
It’s time for different type of music in a whole new key! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra (BTO) is a collective performance of rhythmic typewriter manipulation. Enjoy music, comedy, and satire while exploring the definition of ‘musical instrument’. Funding for this program is provided by, The Franklin Cultural District, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. No registration required.


Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Magic Show for children of first responders and military families, Sunday, March 15

Magic Show for children of first responders and military families, Sunday, March 15
Magic Show for children of first responders
and military families, Sunday, March 15
Did you miss Tyler Lawton’s interview with Mike Shain from Thanks To Yanks?

No worries — listen to the full conversation here:

Tyler talked with Mike about their upcoming Magic Show for children of first responders and military families, what families can expect at the event, and how the organization continues to give back in meaningful ways.

Read the full Good News article here:



Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Tri-County Children’s Center: Registration is OPEN for 2026–2027 !!

Tri-County Children’s Center: Registration is OPEN for 2026–2027!! 
We’re excited to announce that registration for the Tri-County Children’s Center preschool program for the 2026–2027 school year is officially open!.

Families can access applications on the preschool’s website at www.TCChildrensCenter.com or through the Tri-County webpage: https://www.tri-county.us/page/tri-county-childrens-center.  

Apply today and join us for another amazing year of learning, exploration, and fun at the Tri‑County Children’s Center!

#WorkHardTodayCounts






Sunday, January 25, 2026

Tri-County Children’s Center: Registration & Open House for 2026–2027

We’re excited to announce that registration and Open House for the Tri-County Children’s Center preschool program for the 2026–2027 school year will begin on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Appointments to view the preschool will be available by pre-registration at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45A8A92CA3FFCF8-61848005-open#/

Open House will be held on Monday, February 2 from 9:15-9:45 or from 10:15-10:45 a.m. at the Tri-County Regional High School in Franklin at 147 Pond Street. 

Families can access applications on the preschool’s website at  www.TCChildrensCenter.com  



Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Franklin Children's School schedules Open House Saturday, Jan 10 for prospective parents/students

Franklin Children's School schedules Open House Saturday, Jan 10 for prospective parents/students
Franklin Children's School schedules Open House
Saturday, Jan 10 for prospective parents/students
Franklin Children's School is currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year!

All those interested in applying must complete an application and program selection form by Friday, January 30, 2026.

Applications may be mailed to the school with a $60 registration fee or dropped off in the white mailbox at the front door.


**** Applications can be found ->  https://www.fcskids.com/enrollment

Friday, October 10, 2025

Is your child turning 3 soon?

Is your child turning 3 soon?
Is your child turning 3 soon?

See the flyer for pre-school placement with the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) on Oak St.


Download the flyer ->

Monday, September 8, 2025

Town of Franklin, MA: flu clinic scheduled for children Oct 8, 2025; sign up today !!!

Town of Franklin, MA: flu clinic scheduled for children Oct 8, 2025; sign up today !!!
Town of Franklin, MA: flu clinic scheduled
for children Oct 8, 2025; sign up today !!!
The Franklin Health Department will be hosting a flu vaccine clinic for children 18 and under on October 8th from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center. 

All flu shots are free! (no insurance required).


Sign Up Here:
https://t.co/AI8AGZgsND 






Friday, September 5, 2025

Disney settles charges that it violated children’s online privacy protection law


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) gives parents control over the online collection of their children's personal information.

Before a website or app collects personal information from a child under the age of 13, it must notify the parents and get their approval. 

Under a settlement with the FTC, Disney has agreed to pay a $10 million penalty for violating the COPPA Rule.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/disney-settles-charges-it-violated-childrens-online-privacy-protection-law?utm_source=govdelivery


    
Disney settles charges that it violated children’s online privacy protection law
Disney settles charges that it violated children’s online privacy protection law

Sunday, June 22, 2025

July 2025 Franklin Library News & Events for Franklin, MA - Children

**LIBRARY NEWS**

Library Hours
The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm.  The library is closed on Sundays. The library will be closed on Friday, July 4th in recognition of Independence Day.

Summer Reading is HERE
2025 Reading Challenge
2025 Reading Challenge
Join in the adventure and Level Up this summer at the library! Be sure to sign up on the library website (or by clicking the button above). Grab your ‘gear’ and ‘quests’ from library staff, and make this summer the ‘Quest for More Fun!’ by checking out the daily events planned on the Calendar of Events.

Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge
July: Take a stand
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library.



Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!   Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

Museum Passes
Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area’s most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

Franklin Library Book Sale
  • Friday, July 18: 1 - 5pm
  • Saturday, July 19: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 per Bag
  • Saturday, July 19: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

  **LIBRARY EVENTS**
Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along, Mondays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Cool Cruisers, Tuesdays @ 9:30am
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time. No registration required.

Pre-K Bootcamp, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Summer Skill Up, Tuesdays @ 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. No registration required.

Wiggle Worms! Tuesdays @4PM (Ages 0-5)
Beat the afternoon witching hour craziness with a dynamic program for littles! Enjoy music, movement, and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5)
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Summer Concert Series, Wednesdays @ 6pm
Join us Wednesday evenings on the library patio all summer long for live music for all ages!
July 2: Jamie Barrett
July 9: Kat Chapman
July 16: DJ Sam & Andy
July 23: Jeff Roy
July 30: The Oh Mys Band

Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30am
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library. Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort. No registration required.

Bubble Buddies, Fridays @10:30AM
Enjoy a Friday bubble dance party with music, movement, and fun surprises! No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles, Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups. Let’s play some music and dance! Laughter and giggles are definitely expected during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class. No registration required.


Saturday, May 24, 2025

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2025 (part 2 of 5)

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along, Mondays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens, Mondays, 4 – 6pm (Ages 9+)
Registration Required
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets. (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up.) This program will be on summer break after Monday, June 16.

Cool Cruisers, Tuesdays @ 9:30am
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time. No registration required.

Pre-K Pals/Bootcamp, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5)
This thirty-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Toe-Tapping Tots, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 2-5)
Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. From tip toeing, twirling, and skipping to jumping and tapping, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required.

StoryTots, Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required. This program ends Wednesday, June 18 for the summer.

Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pm
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required.

Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30am
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library. Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort. No registration required.

Rockin’ Rhythms, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5)
Put on your dancing shoes and join Miss Bree for 30 minutes of dancing fun for the whole family! This upbeat, high-energy and interactive program will help kids develop coordination, rhythm and flexibility in a fun and engaging way. No registration required.

Barefoot Ballet, Thursdays @ 5pm (Ages 6-8)
Registration Required
Calling all aspiring ballet dancers! Join Miss Bree for this special 6-week introductory Ballet class. Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes. Registration is for all 6 dates. Dates for this session are: May 1, 8, 15, 29 and June 5, 12.

Happy Feet, Alternating Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Let’s play some music and dance! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required.

Move Along, Alternating Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles, Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups. Let’s play some music and dance! Laughter and giggles are definitely expected during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class. No registration required. 

Friday, March 28, 2025

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/


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


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"


Monday, February 10, 2025

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