Mitzi and I talk about the Library event highlights for August 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1785 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1785 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

 

We talk about 

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

• Book sale weekend Aug 14 & Aug 15 

• Library events for August 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

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 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1785-franklin-ma-library-events-for-august-2026-07-21-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/E-jp8MOjcxM

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

Mitzi Gousie’s email - mgousie@minlib.net 

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

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

August 2026 newsletter -  https://myemail.constantcontact.com/August-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=5J_z2wkCZcU 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Franklin Public Library's event highlights for August 2026

August 2026

Summer Reading 2026

Plant a Seed...Read!

Summer is here and that means Summer Reading is waiting for YOU at the Library! Summer reading is for all ages. Sign up at the Franklin Public Library or on the Library website; then set your sights on reading goals and summer adventures.

Special Events for Kids & Teens

Mobile Mini Golf! Monday, August 3rd @ 1pm

Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages*!! *Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Plush Pet Adoption Day! Friday, August 7th @ 1pm

Come adopt a reading buddy at the library! Decorate a collar, make an adoption certificate, and enjoy a dog-themed story time with your new best friend.

Messtival! Saturday, August 15th @ 10:30am

Join the Franklin Public Library for an epic morning of mess-making and chaos! Enjoy ooblek, bubbles, sensory bins, and more! Bring your enthusiasm and a change of clothes.

Parody Playhouse! Monday, August 17th @ 4pm

Join us for a special kid-friendly spin on your favorite musical hits! Parody Playhouse features child-appropriate parodies of popular songs by a range of artists, which are educational and entertaining. It's sure to be a blast!

Community Canvas: Flower Field, Monday, August 24th @ 1pm

Design and decorate your own unique flower, add it to the field, and watch it grow!

Summer Reading Wrap Up! Saturday, August 29th @ 10:30am

Celebrate the end of summer reading at the library with a special celebration, with music, balloons, games, and more!

Special Events for Adults

Diamond Art De-stress Thursday, August 6 @ 6pm & Saturday, August 22 @ 1pm

Registration Required

Give your day some Sparkle & Zen... Enjoy a meditative diamond art project! All materials provided. For ages 18+.

Learn To Mahjong, Tuesday, August 11 @ 6pm

Registration Required

This intro to mahjong session will introduce the suits, the rules, the card, and other basics of American Mahjong!

It’s a Wrap! Wire and Bead Bracelet Craft, Thursday, August 20 @ 6:30pm

Registration Required

Wrap up the summer with a braided wire and bead bracelet craft.

Teen and Adult Summer Reading Raffle Drawing! Friday, August 21 @ 4pm

Teens and Adults who have participated in the library's summer reading program, come celebrate the end of an epic summer with a special raffle drawing at the library!

After submitting your completed summer reading on 8/20 (through the QR code on your reading log) join us on Friday afternoon for the raffle drawing. Literary themed prizes, book bundles, and more - the perfect way to transition into a new season of reading!

Mahjong Meetup, Tuesday, August 25 @ 6pm

Whether you have a rudimentary knowledge of Mahjong or have been playing for years, we would love to have you join us for an evening of strategy, luck and fun. This is an opportunity for the novice to hone their skills and experienced players to share their knowledge. For ages 18+.

Special Events for All Ages

Concert: Sharks Come Cruisin’, Saturday, August 8 @ 3pm

The tides rise at the Library as The Sharks Come Cruisin' in for a concert! Enjoy an energetic mix of sea shanties and maritime music and be prepared to dance and sing along!

Wildlife Out Your Window, Thursday, August 13 @ 6:30pm

What if the most fascinating wildlife in New England isn’t far away in the wilderness— but right outside your window? Join wildlife ecologist and nature author Brad Timm for a lively, eye-opening presentation that will forever change how you see the natural world around you. You’ll discover surprising secrets about the animals you thought you knew all about.

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, August 14: 1 - 5pm

Saturday, August 15: 9am - 12pm

All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag

Saturday, August 15: 1 - 4pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

Creative Corner Arts & Crafts classes unleash your child's creativity

Creative Corner Arts & Crafts classes unleash your child's creativity

"Unleash your child's creativity with our Arts & Crafts class, designed for young artists aged 5-12.

Over four weeks, they'll explore new art materials, learn creative techniques, and craft keepsake projects inspired by real works of art.

Join us on Fridays from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Register now at franklincreativecenter.org for just $60."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/14dqeg77Zqp/

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2026 - Weekly/Monthly for Children

Library Hours

The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. The Library will be closed Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

Come Visit Us at the Strawberry Stroll!

This year the Library Strawberry Stroll table will have some fun crafts and summer reading sign-ups for all ages! We'll also have a strawberry pompom making craft before the festivities get started - check out the details in our events below. And you're not going to want to miss the Strawberry Stroll Kid Parade! All kids are welcome to dress up and/or decorate your bike/scooter/wheels in strawberry theme. Meet at the Dean College Quad at 5pm to join.

2026 Reading Challenge
June: A Book with a Sympathetic Villain

Looking for a way to expand your reading habits this year? Join the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge for adults and the library will reward your reading with a coupon for a free book from our book sale! Check out the details on our Reading Challenges page. 

ESOL Tutoring Program

The library is looking for more volunteer tutors for our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. If you want to make a difference right in your own community, this is a great opportunity! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed and volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the volunteer form.

Homebound Delivery Program

Can’t make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door. The Franklin Public Library is excited to offer Home Delivery Service ensuring that Franklin residents who are unable to visit the library due to aging-related limitations, illness, disability, or temporary mobility limitations can continue to benefit from library resources. Items will be delivered to and picked up from a homebound patron’s home by staff members approximately every three weeks. For more information, please visit the library 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, June 12 15: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, June 13: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag
Saturday, June 13: 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.

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!

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, and Boogies! Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Dance, sing, clap, and play along for a storytime party! Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities! 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.

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 2-5)
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 5-11)
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. 

Sensory Storytime, Saturday, June 13 @ 3pm
Sensory Storytime is designed for children who thrive in a low-stimulation environment. Kids can enjoy sensory bins, relaxing story times, gentle stretching, and other calming activities. This program offers a slower pace and supportive space where every child can feel safe, relaxed, and included. No registration required.

This is a portion of the full newsletter for June 2026   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9585/June-2026-Franklin-Library-News-and-Events---Franklin-MA?bidId=

Franklin Library Special Event Highlights for June 2026

2026 Reading Challenge

June: A Book with a Sympathetic Villain

Looking for a way to expand your reading habits this year? Join the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge for adults and the library will reward your reading with a coupon for a free book from our book sale! Check out the details on our Reading Challenges page.

Special Events for Kids & Teens

Minecraft Party, Wednesday, June 10 @ 1pm

Join us at the library for a block-tastic Minecraft Party! Get ready to play games, mine for treasure, and more fun surprises. No registration required.

Blanket Fort Family Night, Thursday, June 18 @ 6pm

Families are invited to bring blankets, pillows, and flashlights to create cozy forts throughout the library. Enjoy stories and tasty s’mores as we turn the library into the ultimate indoor camping adventure! No registration required.

Legendary Foam Party! Saturday, June 27 @ 10:30am

We're bubbling with excitement! Enjoy some tunes and sudsy fun with Legendary Foam. (Don't forget your towel!) No registration required.

Special Events for Adults

Crafter’s Circle, Thursday June 4 @ 6pm

New Program!

Gather round the circle to work your latest craft project and maybe learn something new as we enjoy each other’s company and the craft projects we love! No registration required.

Diamond Art De-stress, Saturday, June 6 @ 2:30pm & Thursday, June 11 @ 6pm

Registration Required

Give your day some Sparkle & Zen... Enjoy a meditative diamond art project! All materials provided. For ages 18+.

Learn to Mahjong! Tuesday, June 9 @ 6:30pm

This intro to Mahjong session will introduce the suits, the rules, the card, and other basics of American Mahjong! No registration required.

Mahjong Meetup, Tuesday, June 23 @ 6pm

Whether you have a rudimentary knowledge of Mahjong or have been playing for years, we would love to have you join us for an evening of strategy, luck and fun. This is an opportunity for the novice to hone their skills and experienced players to share their knowledge. For ages 18+. 

Special Events for All Ages

Strawberry Pompoms, Friday, June 12 @ 3pm

Start your Strawberry Stroll early at the library with a fun craft, making pompoms in the shape of a strawberry! No registration required.

Due Dolce Concert, Thursday, June 18 @ 7pm

Imagine a leisurely stroll down cobblestone streets with the sweet sounds of nostalgic, street-style jazz and European folk songs from the early 1900's as we welcome Due Dolce for an evening concert! A perfect start to a relaxing long weekend or summer date night along Franklin's Main Street.

Seed-Starting Workshop, Monday, June 22 @ 4pm

Summer Reading is here and we're Planting a Seed of imagination to read our way to adventure! Start off your summer reading journey with a workshop starting a veggie you can grow at home. Supplies are limited. No registration required.

The Library is collecting paper egg cartons for this event. Please consider recycling them with us!

Butterfly Garden, Saturday, June 27 @ 1pm

Explore a tunnel of adult butterflies, plants, caterpillars, eggs, and chrysalis! Come see a native species of New England up close! No registration required.

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, June 12 15: 1 - 5pm

Saturday, June 13: 9am - 12pm

All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag

Saturday, June 13: 1 - 4pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

 

The Franklin Library week is full of goodness !!!

Shared from https://www.instagram.com/p/DYafIOelRKp/

For Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

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

Mitzi shares the insights on the special events at the Library in May 2027 (video & audio)

FM #1733 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1733 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

 

We talk about 

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

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closed all day on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day

• Library events for May 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

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 17 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Franklin Public Library page

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKPfVe63_fU

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1733-franklin-public-library-may-2026-highlights-04-21-26/

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

Mitzi Gousie’s email - mgousie@minlib.net 

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

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

May 2026 newsletter - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/126 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Franklin Public Library: News & Events for Children - May 2026

April 20, 2026 May 2026 Franklin Library News & Events LIBRARY NEWS   Library Hours The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. The Library will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Come Play Mahjong at the Library! Have you heard? Mahjong is the new pickleball! Join us for our first Mahjong Meetup on Tuesday, May 26 at 6pm. This event will be for people who already know how to play, but stay tuned for instruction programs we'll be hosting in the future.  (Psssst! We're looking for volunteers to run a teaching table to help new people to learn the game. If that could be you, please contact Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net.) 2026 Reading Challenge May: A Book Set in Massachusetts Looking for a way to expand your reading habits this year? Join the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge for adults and the library will reward your reading with a coupon for a free book from our book sale! Check out the details on our Reading Challenges page.  ESOL Tutoring Program The library is looking for more volunteer tutors for our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. If you want to make a difference right in your own community, this is a great opportunity! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed and volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the volunteer form. Homebound Delivery Program Can’t make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door! Franklin Public Library is excited to begin offering Home Delivery Service for Franklin residents who are unable to visit the library due to aging-related limitations, illness, disability, or temporary mobility limitations. Items will be delivered to and picked up from a homebound patron’s home by staff members approximately every three weeks. For eligibility requirements, registration, and more information, please visit the library 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, May 15: 1 - 5pm Saturday, May 16: 9am - 12pm All books are just one dollar! Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag Saturday, May 16: 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. 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 thirty 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.  Get the full schedule - on the Library website - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/126

Voices of Franklin: Jim Downs on "5 Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention"

As adults, one of our most important responsibilities is to protect our children, something that feels more urgent than ever in today’s world.

In support of that responsibility, the Hockomock Area YMCA, alongside YMCAs across Massachusetts and the nation, will participate in the Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention, April 13–17. This campaign raises awareness and empowers adults to take an active role in protecting children from sexual abuse, with a focus this year on Keeping Kids Safe in the Digital Space. We invite community members to visit any of our branches and pledge to act year-round.

Throughout the week, our YMCA will share resources to help adults prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse. The need is real: according to Praesidium and the CDC, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the United States experience sexual abuse—most often by someone they know and trust. These are not just statistics; they represent children whose lives are forever changed.

Prevention starts with awareness. Through the Know. See. Respond. framework, adults can better understand how abuse occurs, recognize warning signs, and take action. By working together, we can foster safer environments and stronger, more informed communities.

We are proud to partner with schools, municipalities, and human service organizations across our region to advance this work. In 2024, our YMCA earned Praesidium Accreditation®, becoming the first YMCA in Massachusetts to achieve this distinction, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards in child safety.

Every child deserves a safe, healthy childhood. Protecting that future is a shared responsibility—one we must all embrace.

Jim Downs

CEO, Hockomock Area YMCA

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Jim Downs on "5 Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention"

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

LIBRARY EVENTS

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Library survey needs your input

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.

Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/109