Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity: Meet the Family You’re Helping - Dec 6 (RSVP requested)
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
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/
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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
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"
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/
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.
Monday, August 4, 2025
Mulliken Family History: A Connection to the American Revolution (audio)
FM #1487 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1487 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Peter Mulliken, Franklin resident with some relatives having a role in the American Revolution. We had our discussion on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in his residence here in Franklin.
We talk about
Nathaniel Mulliken and his story in Lexington
Lydia Mulliken, Nathaniel’s daughter and betrothed to Dr Samuel Prescott
Dr Prescott’s role completing the ride of Revere & Dawes
As Massachusetts celebrates the 250th anniversary, leading to the 250th anniversary of Franklin in 1778, there may be other family connections worth sharing with the community.
The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1487-mulliken-history-connection-to-american-revolution-07-29-25/
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Lexington Minutemen profile of Nathaniel Mulliken -> https://lexingtonminutemen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/natemulliken.pdf
Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker ->
![]() |
| Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker |
Tour Lexington and see the Mulliken house
https://www.tourlexington.us/listing/nathaniel-mulliken-house/
Dr Samuel Prescott background -> https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/samuel-prescott
And
https://www.americanhistorycentral.com/entries/samuel-prescott-midnight-rider/
Nathaniel’s deposition of the fighting at Lexington and along the battleroad can be found in “William Diamond’s Drum” by Arthur Bernon Tourtellot. Copies are available through the interlibrary loan from libraries in Concord, Lexington and others.
-------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Mitzi & I review all the big events and activities for the Library for August 2025 (audio)
FM #1486 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1486 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, July 21, 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 for summer, and winter due to budget reduction
Book sale weekend August 15 & 16
Library events for August 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 42 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1486-franklin-public-library-august-2025-highlights-07-21-25/
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| Whalemobile - Friday, Aug 1 |
Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library
Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
August Library newsletter -> (link to be added when available)
-------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"




