Franklin Public Library: A preview of the top events for January 2026

New Service

Can't make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door. Home Delivery Service ensures 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.

 

Special Events for Kids
K-Pop Demon Hunters Party, Friday, January 2 @ 10:30am
Calling all Demon Hunters! Join us for an epic celebration of everyone's favorite movie, with music, crafts, games, and a few surprises!

Rainforest Reptiles! Saturday, January 3 @ 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!

Stuffed Animal Village, Saturday, January 10 @ 10:30am
Bring your favorite stuffed animal for a special day trip to our stuffed animal village! Visit the bakery, post office, gym, library, doctors, and more.

Hairstyling Workshop for Grown-Ups & Kiddos! Friday, January 16 @ 3:30pm
Join us for a special hairstyling workshop, perfect for learning something new in the New Year! Learn a few special styles and leave with a kit to continue building your skills at home.

Ben Franklin Birthday Bash, Saturday, January 17 @ 2pm
Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Ben Franklin himself! Music, games, and more.

Vision Board Making, Wednesday, January 21 @ 1pm
Families- set your intentions for 2026! Join us as we get crafty, creating vision boards AND setting our reading resolutions.

Tape Town! Saturday, January 24 @ 10:30am
Spend an imaginative afternoon at the library! Bring along a small toy vehicle (or borrow one of ours) and cruise along our "roads" made of tape all through our program room, and enjoy a series of interactive pretend play stations all through the town.

Special Events for Adults
The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution, Thursday, January 8 @ 6:30pm
As part of the town's annual Ben Franklin Month, Harvard Professor Joyce Chaplin will be at the Franklin Public Library to discuss her new book, The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution. Kirkus Reviews said: "Historian Chaplin focuses on Benjamin Franklin's multiple renditions of an innovative stove to examine the intersection of scientific inquiry, race, class, politics, and economics at a time of climate change and resource depletion―a period, she underscores, not unlike our own."

Go/No Go? Launching your Business w/ Mentors from SCORE, Thursday, January 22 @ 6:30pm
Registration Requested
Hey there, future small business owner! This one hour guided conversation will introduce you to the tools you need to confidently decide if your idea for a new business is ready to launch. Get your questions answered, avoid mistakes, and find FREE mentorship with SCORE.

Special Events for All Ages
Live Reading of the Franklin Biography, Thursday, January 15 @ 9:30am-7:30pm

Franklin Public Library: A preview of
the top events for January 2026 

A tradition returns home! Join us for a live reading of Ben Franklin's Autobiography at the Franklin Public Library. Everyone is welcome to read, listen, and comment on the life of our favorite Founding Father.

Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-west Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, January 17 @ 11am
Benjamin Franklin: statesman, entrepreneur, scientist… composer?! Yes, our beloved Ben even dabbled in composing his own music. Join us to explore this aspect of our namesake with the help of the Metro-West Symphony Orchestra.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, January 16: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, January 17: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, January 17: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Mitzi & I talk about the Library December 2025 event highlights (video or audio)

FM #1596 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1596 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, November 26, 2025.

 

We talk about 

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

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closing early Weds, Dec 24 and all day on Thursday, Dec 25 for Christmas

• Closing early Weds, Dec 31 and all day on Thursday, Jan 1 for New Years

• Book sale weekend December 12 & 13

• Library events for December 2025

• 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 14 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link -> https://youtu.be/Yaoze4TZtVE

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1596-franklin-public-library-december-2025-highlights-11-26-25/

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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 

December newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7735  

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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"

George Swartz talks about the events at Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions (audio)

FM #1595 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1595 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with George Swartz on Thursday, November 20, 2025 in the Pour Richard’s Wine & Provisions store. 

We talk about

• George’s road to this role

• Wine tasting events, usually 6-8 tables, 6 wines each to sample before purchase (or not)

• Floral arrangements, book club, and yoga are some events paired with wine testing

• Pop up events bringing local crafts as well as cheese & prepared foods, charcuterie boards, etc.

The recording runs 32 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1595-pour-richards-events-with-a-twist-11-20-25/

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Web page -> https://pourrichardswine.com/ 

On Facebook at -> https://www.facebook.com/pourrichardswine 

On Instagram at -> https://www.instagram.com/pourrichardswinema/ 

George Swartz talks about the events at Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions (audio)

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

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 shares the events scheduled for November 2025

Library Hours

The Library’s 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. The Library will be closed November 11^th for Veterans Day, close early at 2:00 PM on the 26^th, and closed on the 27^th for Thanksgiving.

Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!

November: Cultivate Kindness!
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's second Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

We Need You! for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs… better known as VITA and TCE.
Many volunteer roles are available. You can help as a greeter, an interpreter, and many other roles, but most of all, we need tax preparers. Training for certification is provided!

Franklin Public Library shares the
events scheduled for November 2025

Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net

ESL & Adult Literacy Program

The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities.  Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

Special Events for Kids

DINO-vember Party Saturday November 15 10:30 AM

Families! Celebrate DINOVEMBER at the library with an epic dinosaur themed party! We'll have games, crafts, snacks, and a few surprises!

Petite Picassos Monday November 17 4:00 PM

Registration Required.

Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of some silly stacked pumpkins! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12! All materials will be provided.

Fairytale Fun Saturday November 22 10:30 AM

Join us for a special visit from a special royal guest!

There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest!

Special Events for Teens

FHSTC November Musical Teaser! Saturday, November 15 @ 1:00PM

Join the Franklin High School Theatre Company for a special sneak preview of their upcoming November Musical! Enjoy songs, dancing, and a few surprises from Mean Girls: the Musical!

Teensgiving Wednesday November 19 5:00 PM

Teens! Join us in the teen room for a potluck celebration of thanksgiving! Bring along your favorite snack and your appetite and kick off the thanksgiving holiday with friends!

Special Events for Adults

Painting for Adults Saturday November 1 1:00 PM

Registration Required.

Grown-ups! Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting! All materials will be provided.

Watercolors Workshop Monday November 3 & 24 6:00 PM

Registration Required

Relax with a Monday watercolor class with local artist Sharon Carloni for adults 18 and over!

Restoring the Promise: A Discussion About Immigration Policy & the Path Forward Tuesday November 4 6:30 PM

Immigration Attorney <> speaks on the immigration process and answers questions on the path to citizenship.

Craftalong for Adults Saturday November 8 2:00 PM

Registration Required.

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

Special Events for All Ages

Chess Club Saturday November 1 2:30 PM

Chess - The Game of Kings has resumed play! All ages and ability levels are welcomed. If you would like to learn how to play chess, you are welcome as well! Learn an opening, develop strategic & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Sets will be available.

Slime Time November 12 1:00 PM

Make your very own slime at the library! No registration required!

Holiday Heroes! An Interactive Adventure! November 13 1:00 PM

Join our local heroes from the Franklin Fire Department for an interactive adventure to prepare for a safe and healthy holiday season! Grown ups and kids can learn basic safety skills, and explore ways to keep ourselves safe, healthy, and merry over the next few months! Kids can enjoy interactive activities, and the Franklin Fire Department will be on hand to teach grown-ups the basics of infant CPR and more!

Science Chefs Make Butter Saturday November 22 2:00 PM

Wiggle and Shake! Dance and Make for SCIENCE! Join us for an active experiment to make your own butter! Participants will learn how butter is made and will get to take home some of their own butter for the dinner table!

Santa Story Walk Saturday November 29 10:30 AM

Families! Join us at the library for a special indoor version of a beloved tradition! Follow the pages of a cozy winter story, enjoy crafts and activities as you move through our winding line of holiday fun, and make your way up to meet the big guy himself!

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, November 14^th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, November 15^th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, November 15^th, from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Mitzi shares the Event Highlights for October 2025 at the Franklin public Library (audio)

FM #1518 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1518 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, September 22, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

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

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closed October 13 for Columbus or Indigenous People’s Day

• Book sale weekend October 17 & 18

• Library events for October 2025

• 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 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1518-franklin-public-library-oct-2025-event-highlights-09-22-25/

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

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 

October Library press release  ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/franklin-library-news-events-for.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 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"

Mysterious Massachusetts is Saturday, October 4 from 2:00—3:00 PM