Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

There is no fooling around with what's happening at the Library in April 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1697 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1697 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, March 17, 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, April 20 for Patriot’s Day

  • Library events for April 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 19 minutes, so let’s listen in.


Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uk0vR3tdKg




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


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 


April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/109 


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

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"


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.


Monday, March 2, 2026

Monday, January 12, 2026

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House - Wednesday, Jan 21

Do you live in Franklin?

Are you looking for a preschool program for your child? 

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House - Wednesday, Jan 21
Franklin ECDC New Student Open House - Wednesday, Jan 21
Is your child going to be 3 or 4 by August 31st and not yet eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2026?

Parents and children are invited to join us at ECDC for a tour of the school, to meet our teaching team and learn about our wonderful preschool program!

Wednesday, January 21st 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM

If you are unable to attend the OPEN HOUSE, you can contact Julie Felton to schedule a tour:

PLEASE SCAN HERE to register

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

Thursday, December 25, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, December 25, 2025 ???

Time for family and friends to celebrate Christmas in whatever manner you wish.

If you travel, please be safe and courteous.

I plan to spend the time with family and will resume event and news reporting with Friday's postings.

I will share these 2 similar views of the Town Common taken on a snowy December day in 2019 and 2020.

Of note: the trash/recycle curbside pick up is not happening today
  • Those scheduled for Thursday will get picked up Friday
  • Those scheduled for Friday will get picked up Saturday


Franklin Town Common, Dec 6, 2020
Franklin Town Common, Dec 6, 2020

Franklin Town Common, Dec 4, 2019
Franklin Town Common, Dec 4, 2019

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BFCCPS Technology/STEAM Night scheduled for Jan 14, 2025

BFCCPS Technology/STEAM Night scheduled for Jan 14, 2025
BFCCPS Technology/STEAM
Night scheduled for Jan 14, 2025
TECHNOLOGY/STEAM NIGHT

Come for a night of technology and building fun on Wednesday, January 14th from 5:00 - 6:30 pm.

There will be multiple stations for children to participate in. Stations include: Ozobots, Magnetic Minecraft, Quiver, Pixel Art, Sticker Station, Snap Circuits, Magnatiles, Keva Blocks, and STEAM Build Instant Challenge: Machine to the Moon. The Quiver App is a way to make drawings interactive. Ozobot Bits are robots that respond to coloring a map for it to follow.
This event is for grades K-8. Families can enter through the commons directly and are to accompany their child station to station.
This event is free! We look forward to seeing you soon.







Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity: Meet the Family You’re Helping - Dec 6 (RSVP requested)

Behind the Build: Meet the Family You’re Helping

Your community is growing in the best way possible. Meet your new neighbor, the Marmol Family. 

Check out this special build and have the opportunity to meet Sally and her children: Amelia, Evani, and Jonathan! They are thrilled to join the Franklin community, so join us by giving them a warm welcome!

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity: Meet the Family You’re Helping - Dec 6
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity:
Meet the Family You’re Helping - Dec 6

Saturday, Dec. 6 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
762 Washington Street, Franklin MA


Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->


Sunday, November 16, 2025

Mark Your Calendar for these Key Events at the Franklin Public Library for December 2025

New Homebound 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.

Mark Your Calendar for these Key Events at the Franklin Public Library for December 2025
Mark Your Calendar for these Key Events at the
Franklin Public Library for December 2025


Special Events for Kids
Mike Bent's Ho Ho Hocus Pocus Magic Show, Saturday, December 6 @ 10:30am
Join us for an exciting and fun comedy magic show developed especially for kids and families! AbraKidabra!™ combines amazing magic, big laughs, audience participation and hilarious surprises for a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience that will leave the whole family impressed!

Pancakes and Pajamas! Saturday, December 13 @ 10:30am

Keep your jammies on and join us for a cozy pancake breakfast, hot cocoa, and holiday music with Jamie Barrett! What better way to celebrate the warmth of the season than in the coziest way we can think of!

Pumpernickel Puppets, Friday, December 26 @ 10:30am
Join us for a fun show, including a cast of colorful puppet characters, live voices and sound effects!

Fairytale Fun, Saturday, December 27 @ 10:30am
Bundle up in your winter finest and join us for a special visit from our favorite royal sisters. After all, the cold has never bothered us! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest.

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show, Monday, December 29 @ 10:30am
Join us as we welcome Ed Popielarczyk for a one-of-a-kind magic show that is guaranteed to leave the whole family impressed!

Noon Year’s Eve Party, Wednesday, December 31 @11am
Let’s send off 2025 in style! Join us for an end of the year bash as we ring in 2026 early! We’ll have music, snacks, games, and a super new year’s celebration! See you there!

Special Events for Adults
Maker Moment: Painting Silk Scarves, Saturday, December 6 @ 3pm
Registration Required
Take on a small project to try a new skill! Beginner friendly instructions and coaching is the focus, but veteran makers are always welcome to share their expertise!

Special Events for All Ages
Winter Sing-Along with Dean College Vocal Ensemble, Wednesday, December 3 @ 4pm
Join us for a musical afternoon! The Dean College Vocal Ensemble will perform a wide variety of musical selections for a fun concert at the Franklin Public Library. The program will feature winter carols you know and love with many more eclectic song choices from throughout history.

Swiftmass Celebration! Wednesday, December 17 @ 1pm
Join us for a Taylor Swift birthday celebration! Snacks and sing-alongs!

Copley Cats Holiday Concert, Saturday, December 20 @ 3pm
Groove to the harmonies of the Copley Cats! Featuring popular tunes from various decades this A Capella group with a 30-year history is coming for a Saturday afternoon to remember.

Coco and Coloring, Wednesday, December 24 @ 12pm
Enjoy some warm cocoa, a holiday classic movie, and coloring sheets for a relaxing afternoon.

Franklin Library Book/Books by the Bag Sale
Stuff your stockings with books and more from the Book Sale!

  • Friday, December 12 @ 1-5pm
  • Saturday, December 13 @ 9am-12pm
    • All books are just one dollar!
  • Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
  • Saturday, December 13 @ 1-4pm
    • Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!


Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Get insights on the special events at the Franklin Public Library for Sep 2025 with Mitzi (audio)

FM #1503 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1503 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, August 25, 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 September 1 for Labor Day

    • Book sale weekend September 19 & 20

    • A new program “Community Song Circle” on Sep 10 & Sep 24

  • Library events for September 2025

    • Family events

    • Kiddos, or “littles”

    • Teens

    • Adults


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 23 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1503-franklin-public-library-sep-2025-highlights-08-25-25/



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


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 


September Library newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=77 



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

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"


Get insights on the special events at the Franklin Public Library for Sep 2025 with Mitzi (audio)
Get insights on the special events at the Franklin
Public Library for Sep 2025 with Mitzi (audio)

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Franklin Public Library: News & Monthly Events for Kids - September 2025

**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. 


2025 Reading Challenge

September: Get inspired

Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's 2nd Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that you can redeem 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.


VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Site Opening Saturday February 7

We Need You! Volunteers are always needed 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 or an interpreter, but most of all we need tax preparers. Training for certification is provided! Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net.


ESOL 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.


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, September 20: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, September 21: 9am - 12pm

All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, September 21: 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 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.

Terrific Toddlers, Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 18mo-3)
Dance, sing, clap, and play along with Miss Mitzi for a story time party! Enjoy 30 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 to 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.

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.

Tot Bop, Thursdays, @ 4pm (Begins September 11) (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 (Begins September 11) (Ages 6-11)
Registration Required
Join Ms. Cindy for a step-by-step art project specifically for kids! All materials will be 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.