Franklin Public Library: Event Highlights for March 2026

VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

It's tax season and volunteers at Franklin Public Library are here to help! If you made $67k or less as a household in 2025, have a disability, or limited English, our volunteers are prepared to work with you to file your federal and state taxes for free. Be sure to bring all of your tax documents (such as W-2, 1099s, 1099HC, etc.), valid government issued photo ID, and social security cards (photocopies and previous returns accepted). Learn more about the VITA program and what documents you need at www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net.  

ESOL Tutoring Volunteers Needed
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! No prior teaching experience needed and volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the volunteer form on our website.

Homebound Delivery Program
Can't make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door! Franklin Public Library is pleased to offer 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.

Special Events for Kids & Teens
Irish Dance Showcase, Saturday, March 7 @ 10:30am
Join us for a spectacular showcase of Irish dance, featuring an awesome lineup of local talent. You'll have the opportunity to watch these incredible dancers and then learn a few steps yourself!

Petite Picassos! Monday, March 16 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of some tasty berries! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials provided.

Special Events for Adults
Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, March 14 @ 11:30am

Registration Required
Get crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this program. One Saturday each month, we'll complete a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too!

Painting for Adults, Saturday, March 28 @ 1pm

Registration Required
Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a birdhouse! All materials provided. 

Special Events for All Ages
Irish Harp Orchestra Concert, Saturday, March 14 @ 3pm
Come enjoy the New England Irish Harp Orchestra, performing a selection of toe-tapping Irish dance tunes, some fun and soulful ballads, waltzes, poetry, and Irish dance. With many harps, fiddles, bodhran, and voices, their music is sure to leave you smiling.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, March 20: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, March 21: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag
Saturday, March 21: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Sarah & Jillian give us the scoop on what's happening at the Senior Center in Feb 2026 (audio)

FM #1651 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1651 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral and Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for February 2026

• Van day trips planned for the year, touting those for March, April

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1651-franklin-senior-center-feb-2026-highlights-01-21-26/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

February 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8145/February-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

Sarah & Jillian give us the scoop on what's
happening at the Senior Center in Feb 2026 (audio)

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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

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 it!

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

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

Franklin Library News & Events for February 2026 (part 2 of 3)

**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!)  

Franklin Library News & Events
for February 2026 (part 2 of 3)

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 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.

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. 

Terrific Toddlers! Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 18mo-3)
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. 

Special Events for Kids & Families

Petite Picassos, Monday, February 2 @ 4pm (Ages 6-12)
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a Valentine's Day cookie! All materials provided.

Interactive Movie! Thursday, February 5 @ 1pm
Families - join us for a special Interactive movie screening! Enjoy popcorn and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Scott Martell Magic Show, Wednesday, February 18 @ 10:30am (Ages 4-12)
Join us as we welcome magician Scott Martell and enjoy a family magic show featuring lots of comedy and surprises! No registration required.

Slime Time, Wednesday, February 18 @ 4pm
Make your own slime at the library! No registration required.

Mr. Vinny Shadow Puppets, Thursday, February 19 @ 10:30am
Mr. Vinny from the Toe Jam Puppet Band presents a dynamic and hilarious family show! Get ready for lots of jokes and audience participation, and a few fun surprises. No registration required.

Lunar New Year Celebration, Thursday, February 19 @ 1pm
It's the year of the horse! Come celebrate at the library with crafts, games, snacks and more. No registration required.

Winter Beach Party! Saturday, February 21 @ 10:30am
Let's bring a little summer warmth to this cold month! Join us as we turn our big program room into an indoor summer oasis. Grab a cold drink and hit the play sand, enjoy beach balls, sand castles, snacks, and groovy tunes. No registration required.

Franklin Library News & Events for February 2026 (part 1 of 3)

January 20, 2026 February 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 on Monday, February 16 in observance of President's Day.   New! Access The Boston Globe with Your Library Card Franklin Public Library, through its Minuteman Library Network membership, now provides free, unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com to resident cardholders of all member libraries through a 72-hour access pass, for up to 500 users at a time. Enter your library card number, then follow-up the steps to create or login with a BostonGlobe.com account. If successful, that account will receive a welcome email and have 72-hours access to all subscriber content. 2026 Reading Challenge February: A Book Outside Your Usual Genre 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 reward your reading with a coupon for a free book from our book sale! Check out the details on our Reading Challenges page.  VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Beginning Saturday, February 7 It's tax season and volunteers at Franklin Public Library are here to help! If you made $67k or less as a household in 2025, have a disability, or limited English, our volunteers are prepared to work with you to file your federal and state taxes for free. Be sure to bring all of your tax documents (such as W-2, 1099s, 1099HC, etc.), valid government issued photo ID, and social security cards (photocopies and previous returns accepted). Learn more about the VITA program and what documents you need at www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net.   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, February 20: 1 - 5pm Saturday, February 21: 9am - 12pm All books are just one dollar! Bag Sale - $5 A Bag Saturday, February 21: 1 - 4pm Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting Jan 12, 2026 (audio)

FM #1629 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1629 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Monday, January 12, 2026. The meeting was conducted via remote only. 

Al Charles (Chair), and members Stephen Karunakaran and Nadia Mausolf participated. Operations Director Colin Boisvert also participated, representing the Central Office. 

• Discussion around Mission Statement / 2026 Goals

• Potential 2026 Engagements & Activity Brainstorming

• Discussion around newsletter planning

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting of January 12, 2026.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1629-schcmte-community-relations-subcmte-mtg-01-12-26/

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School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting Jan 12, 2026 (audio)

School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

Subcommittee agenda

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-2082 

Unable to locate my notes for this session (odd, and a first)

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

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/

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"

We get an inside view on all the special events for January 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1615 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1615 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat from the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for January 2026

• Key teasers for February

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1615-senior-center-jan-2026-highlights-12-17-25/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

Franklin Senior Center

January 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7918/January-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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

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 it!

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

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