Another DePaolo family member continues Project PJ

"Hello everyone!  

My name is Ryan DePaolo and my family and I are continuing Project PJ this year! We have been running this organization since 2014 and are so excited to be doing it again!  

Project PJ is a community service project that aims to raise awareness for children placed in foster care through the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.  

We are asking people to donate NEW pajamas for children of all ages, infant to age 18. If you have any questions you can email us at project.pj.ma@gmail.com and make sure to follow us on Instagram @projectpj.ma for updates and information about the project!  

You can drop in person donations off to my house at 48 High Ridge Circle, we have a donation bin on our side steps, and I have attached a QR code with links to online registries at Amazon and Target if that is easier.  

Thank you all for your consideration and constant support of this project!  

Happy holidays!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3562135244056476/?mibextid=2JQ9oc

Another DePaolo family member continues Project PJ

Have you registered for the Turkey Trot? This fun family & community event helps the Food Pantry (audio)

FM #1100 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1100 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Erin Campbell, Franklin Turkey Trot organizer and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Major Gift Coordinator. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about the Turkey Trot coming up on Thanksgiving morning. 

We talk about how the race has evolved, sponsorship opportunities, the community event itself, and free raffle prizes in addition to awards by race age category & more.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I am happy to be a sponsor of this event, and that the recording is separately part of my overall public service effort for Franklin.News/Franklin Public Radio.

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Erin and Jen.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1100-franklin-turkey-trot-11-15-23

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Turkey Trot webpage (register online through Tuesday, and in person Wednesday night (7 - 9 PM) or Thursday morning (from 6:30 AM to race time)) http://franklinturkeytrot.org/ 

Food Pantry audio series

• June 2023 - grand opening audio https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/franklin-food-pantry-celebrates-grand.html

• August 2023 - Exec Dir Tina Powderly - campaign kick off https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html 

• August 2023 - campaign #2 - Anne McGillis & Yianna Zicherman https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 

• August 2023 - campaign #3 - Suzanne Gendreau & Donna O’Neill https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation_01022713506.html 

• September 2023 - campaign #4 - Laura Du & Amber Baur https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 

"The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org  to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors."

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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

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

 

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news or www.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!

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

Have you registered for the Turkey Trot? This fun family & community event helps the Food Pantry (audio)

"The Chestnut Street Review Variety Show" returns - Nov 11 at 7 PM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce The Chestnut Street Review is back after a two-year hiatus.  

The FUSF Community prides itself on its musical and artistic talent. Don’t miss this jam packed evening of music, singing, story-telling and more! Something for all families and the young at heart to enjoy.  All while sampling delicious treats from the Bake Sale Table made by our expert bakers. 

We look forward to seeing you!

November 11. 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin 

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

$10/person and $25/family 

Bake Sale at Intermission

For more information, please email the First Universalist Society’s Music  Director, Michele Kelly, at musicdirector@fusf.org

"The Chestnut Street Review Variety Show" returns - Nov 11 at 7 PM

Vacation? Spend time at the Library with 1 or more of their programs this week!

• Tuesday April 18 @10:30AM

Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rockin' concert at the Franklin Public Library! This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along!

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/toe-jam-puppet-band-tuesday-april-18-1030am

• Tuesday, April 18, 2:00 PM

Angora Rabbits: Fluffy Bunny to Luxury Yarn

All ages welcome and please be extra mindful with young children!

Coming down from Winterberry Homestead meet some of the fluffiest bunnies around! Brush an angora rabbit and slip them a carrot while you’re at it! Spin angora fiber on drop spindles made from recycled materials then take home spindles and fiber to keep on spinning!

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/angora-rabbits-fluffy-bunny-luxury-yarn-tuesday-april%C2%A018-200-pm

• Wednesday, April 19, 7:00 PM

Free Concert from Noteable Blend

Swing on down to the Library to put that April spring in your step! Enjoy 4-part a cappella renditions of show tunes including some ballads, up tunes, and songs from various movies and musicals!

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/spring-sing-fling-free-concert-noteable-blend-wednesday-april%C2%A019th

• Wednesday April 19 @7:00PM (virtual)

Creating a Compelling College Application

A virtual seminar for all high school juniors and their parents. Join Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, from Stand Out For College, LLC. as they help you understand how to use the summer productively and what students should focus on to create a compelling college application. For the zoom link, email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

• Thursday April 20 @10:30AM

Rockabye Beats Concert

Hands on learning through music, dancing, Spanish, and fun! No matter your age, this original music program is enjoyable for the whole family!

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/rockabye-beats-concert-thursday-april-20-1030am

• Friday April 21, 1:00-4:00PM

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.

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/mobile-mini-golf-friday-april-21-100-400pm

• Saturday April 22 @ 10:30AM

Music at the Blissful Concert

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!

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/music-blissful-concert-saturday-april-22-1030am

In case of updates, check the Library page => https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

Vacation? Spend time at the Library with 1 or more of their programs this week!

Franklin Library: Mobile Mini Golf! - Dec 30

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.

Other activities at the Library can be found on their schedule of events page

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

Franklin Library: Mobile Mini Golf! - Dec 30

VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 AM to 2 PM at the VA Brockton Campus

VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 

- 10 AM - 2 PM at the VA Brockton Campus

Vets, Troops, Family & Friends are Invited! NEW COVID Boosters!

Live Bands, Music, Free Food, Fun Prizes! Jobs & Career Fair! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-expo-saturday-september-24-10-am-2-pm-va-brockton-campus

VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. VA Brockton Campus!

MA Senate Passes Work and Family Mobility Act

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility. The Work and Family Mobility Act would allow Massachusetts residents who lack federal immigration status to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license, which does not include a REAL ID. The bill passed with a veto proof majority.

 

“We are a nation of immigrants, and our Commonwealth continues to be profoundly and positively shaped by immigrants from all over the world,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “They deserve to be able to safely get to work and school, care for their families and participate in the lives of their communities. I am thrilled that the Senate has moved forward with this proposal which will support families, improve public safety and be good for our economy. I’d like to thank Senators Crighton, Gomez and Lovely, as well as their staffs, for their work on this bill in the Senate. and the many members of the coalition who joined forces to make this a reality. I am grateful to the many members of the coalition for their advocacy and the immigrant community for sharing your stories with the Senate.”

 

“I am proud to work with my Senate colleagues to favorably move the Work and Family Mobility Act out of the Senate Committee on Rules today,” said State Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem). “This legislation will improve public safety on our roadways and provide accessibility for all Massachusetts residents. Thank you, Senate President Spilka and Senators Crighton and Gomez for your leadership on this bill.”

 

"The Work and Family Mobility Act will make our roads safer and, just as importantly, make the lives of more than 185,000 Massachusetts immigrants without status easier by allowing them to earn a standard driver's license,” said State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn). “In the absence of a robust regional public transportation system, it is impossible for many Massachusetts residents to get through their day without the use of a car. No one should fear detention or deportation over essential everyday tasks such as getting to work, school, doctor's appointments and grocery stores. It is time for Massachusetts to join the 16 other states who have passed this common-sense legislation.”

 

"The legislation passed today is one I have been proud to co-lead on since I first entered the Senate," said State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). "As a proud Puerto Rican, a Boricua, and the State Senator for a district that is rich in diversity, I know that this bill will benefit generations of families across the Commonwealth. Our state is rich in culture and has a deep-rooted sense of community. Today we are voting on behalf of a part of that community that has often been overlooked or forgotten. As elected officials, we represent our communities as a whole, whether or not they are able to vote for us. Thank you to my co-lead Senator Crighton, Senate President Spilka, the Driving Families Forward Coalition, and the countless advocates and immigrants who lent their voices to this legislation so that we could reach the finish line."

 

The bill has received widespread support from members of the law enforcement community, advocacy groups, and members of the immigrant community. It proposes strict identity documentation criteria, asking for applicants to present two valid, unexpired identity documents. It makes no change to existing law requiring that all driver’s license applicants prove that they live in the Commonwealth. The bill passed by the Senate is nearly identical to the version that previously passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.

A version of this legislation having previously passed in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the legislation moves back to the House for further consideration. 

MA Senate Passes Work and Family Mobility Act

MA Senate to Debate Work and Family Mobility Act Next Thursday (5/05/22)

Senate to Debate Work and Family Mobility Act Next Thursday

The Massachusetts State Senate announced plans today (4/28/22) to debate An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility at a formal session next Thursday, May 5, 2022. The Work and Family Mobility Act, filed by Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, would allow Massachusetts residents who lack federal immigration status to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver's license, the non-REAL ID license. 

The bill, which received a favorable report from the Senate Committee on Rules earlier today, has received widespread support from members of the law enforcement community, advocacy groups, and members of the immigrant community. It proposes strict identity documentation criteria, asking for applicants to present two valid, unexpired identity documents. It makes no change to existing law requiring that all driver's license applicants prove that they live in the Commonwealth. The bill advanced by the Senate Committee on Rules is nearly identical to the version that previously passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.

"As the granddaughter of immigrants, I have been a longtime supporter of allowing everyone, regardless of immigration status, to safely get to work and school, access health care, and participate in the lives of their communities, and so I am pleased to see this bill move forward today," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "All our residents and their families deserve to feel safe, and driver's licenses for qualified individuals is good for our economy, our families, and public safety. I'd like to thank Senators Crighton, Gomez and Lovely for their efforts to push this bill forward."

"I am proud to work with my Senate colleagues to favorably move the Work and Family Mobility Act out of the Senate Committee on Rules today," said State Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem). "This legislation will improve public safety on our roadways and provide accessibility for all Massachusetts residents. Thank you, Senate President Spilka and Senators Crighton and Gomez for your leadership on this bill."

"The Work and Family Mobility Act will make our roads safer and, just as importantly, make the lives of more than 185,000 Massachusetts immigrants without status easier by allowing them to earn a standard driver's license," said State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn). "In the absence of a robust regional public transportation system, it is impossible for many Massachusetts residents to get through their day without the use of a car. No one should fear detention or deportation over essential everyday tasks such as getting to work, school, doctor's appointments and grocery stores. It is time for Massachusetts to join the 16 other states who have passed this common-sense legislation."

"This important piece of legislation, which is long overdue, has received widespread support from law enforcement officials, municipal leaders, and advocacy organizations across our state," said State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). "These people are our neighbors, our friends, and our fellow community members. It's past time that we provide them with the ability to have reliable and accessible transportation where they don't have to fear deportation or separation from their families. This legislation gives undocumented residents the same opportunities that their documented counterparts may take for granted — the ability to drive freely across our state, find work in another community, drive their kids to school, run errands for their partner — not burdened with the worry that they may have negative interactions with law enforcement. That's what happens when people have access to reliable transportation: they can thrive, serve their communities, and succeed."

"There is a reason so many law enforcement leaders support this legislation, including a majority of my fellow sheriffs," said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. "I first spoke in favor of this issue as a state representative over 20 years ago. This bill would not only improve public safety by increasing the number of properly identified and insured motorists; but just as critically it will improve a family's ability to get to medical appointments, to the grocery store, and to their kids' school activities. I commend Senate President Spilka, Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, as well as the numerous legislators and advocates who have continued to support this vital issue."

In a formal statement, the leaders of the organizations co-chairing the Driving Families Forward Coalition, Brazilian Worker Center Executive Director Lenita Reason and 32BJ SEIU Executive Vice President Roxana Rivera said, "As co-chairs of the Driving Families Forward Coalition, made up of over 270 endorsers including business associations, labor unions, immigrant advocates, faith groups and many more supporting the Work and Family Mobility Act, we are overjoyed that the bill will be coming before a historic Senate vote. We extend our gratitude to Senate President Spilka, Senator Lovely, Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules and our bill lead sponsors, Senator Crighton, and Senator Gomez for their leadership in promoting everyone's safety in the Commonwealth by moving the bill through the legislative process. This includes law enforcement officials who need to know drivers' identities, Massachusetts motorists who benefit when every driver is tested and insured, and, of course, the diverse immigrant communities across the state who need to access doctor's offices, schools, and jobs. Many immigrants' lives would be transformed by this bill, and everyone in Massachusetts would have safer and more secure roads for it."

The legislation also includes layered protection for driver information, prohibiting the Massachusetts RMV from keeping records of citizenship or immigration status for standard license holders and applicants. Safeguards are also put in place for voting, above and beyond the extensive existing protections, directing the Registry of Motor Vehicles and Secretary of State to establish procedures to ensure that drivers without lawful immigration status are not erroneously registered to vote.

MA Senate to Debate Work and Family Mobility Act Next Thursday (5/05/22)

Franklin Diaper Drive - April 9

"Looking for a way to help your neighbors!?

🚙 Come on down to support our FHS National Honor Society students with their senior project on April 9th to donate diapers and wipes! These diapers will be shared to families working with the SAFE Coalition! "

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CbvY2yhuhQR/

For more information about the SAFE Coalition and their programs
https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

#FranklinCANDoDiapers

Franklin Diaper Drive - April 9

Franklin Public Library: January 2022 - News & Events

January 2022 Franklin Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Saturday, January 1st for New Year's Day, and on Monday, January 17th for Martin Luther King Day. The Library's regular 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., and Sunday 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, January 14, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, January 15, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, January 15, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Homework Help Program

The Franklin Public Library is now offering its free Homework Help program for grades 1-8. The program takes place Monday through Thursday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Students will be assisted by either retired teachers or high school students. Application forms for both participants and volunteers are available at the Circulation Desk.

Featured Database: FamilySearch

FamilySearch • Free Family Trees and Genealogy Archives. FamilySearch.org is one of the most popular genealogical resources in the world. The site is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is free and available to the public. Search billions of digital images and indexes of records from all over the world. These records include government and church records for births, marriages, and deaths; censuses; probate records, land records, draft cards; etc. Millions of new records are published on a weekly basis. Franklin Public Library is a Familysearch.org Affiliate Library. When using Familtysearch.org from the library's computers, you will have access to 400,000,000 additional images, not available to you when using Familysearch.org at home.

One Book, One Community Winter 2022

The Franklin Public Library is having a Winter 2022 One Book, One Community program as a way to have the community come together through the reading and discussion of a common book. Beginning January 3rd, we'll be reading The 7  1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.  Turton's book is a mixture of "Locked room mystery" (a la Agatha Christie), psychological thriller, romance, and...maybe...time travel? That's for you to find out!

Print copies of the book are available at the library, and it is also available through interlibrary loan.  If you'd prefer a digital copy, it's available as both and ebook and audiobook through the Hoopla and Libby apps. Please visit our One Book, One Community webpage to learn more about author Stuart Turton, read the book discussion questions, and experience the online escape room challenge! The library will be hosting a discussion of the book on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

Rectifying a Regrettable Ray Oversight, by Alan Earls. Published in the Franklin Observer, December 22, 2021

It took much more than a century, but finally, the women benefactors who actually made the Ray Memorial Library a reality – sisters -- have gotten their due in the form of a handcrafted mahogany pedestal and a modern kiosk and slideshow recently installed facing the Main Street entrance.

Who were these remarkable philanthropists?

In the 19th century, the industrious Ray family rose to prominence in Franklin, building an empire of more than a dozen textile mills, a railroad, and later having a dominant position in the "street railways" (aka inter-urban trolley lines) that linked nearly every community in the region before the automobile came to rule the road.

The Ray men made themselves wealthy and brought widespread prosperity to Franklin and beyond. But it was Annie and Lydia, daughters of Joseph Gordon Ray and Emily Rockwood Ray, who brought a focus on culture to the town and invested their wealth in projects for the public – in particular the 1904 Ray Memorial Library, built for the town in honor of their parents. But their names – the movers and shakers who paid for the structure and established an endowment that kept it functioning at little cost to the town for nearly 80 year – were absent.

Some of that was a result of their own modesty. But the rest is pure historical neglect, particularly after the town took ownership of the library in the 1980s, changing it officially to the Franklin Public Library, though "Ray Memorial" is still the acknowledged name for the great granite landmark that is the distinguishing feature of the institution.

The cure, it turns out, came in part from another long-standing town institution--the Franklin Library Association (FLA), which dates back nearly 150 years. It was the private philanthropic corporation that long funded library operations for the town. Still disbursing funds, now focusing especially on preserving the library's key collections and artifacts, FLA member Nancy Rappa has long been bothered by how little library patrons and people in Franklin in general knew about Lydia and Annie. So, she proposed to do something about it, convincing her fellow FLA trustees to support an interpretive exhibit researched and authored by Reference Librarian Vicki Earls.

The final partner in the project was Rocco Cavallaro, a Franklin-based sign maker and a passionate worker of wood. With cues from Rappa and Earls, he laboriously crafted a pedestal of solid mahogany, even incorporating design motifs from the library and the Ray family crest. That was topped, literally, with a built-in screen with PowerPoint slides created by Earls that displays the story of the Ray sisters, finally making them an integral part of the library.

"I'm so thrilled that this if finally done," said Rappa. "It's long overdue," she added.

Weekly Events for Families!

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM

This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Idea Club! Mondays @4:00PM

Join us for a weekly storytime celebration of all the ways we are different and wonderful! We'll read, sing, play and learn about our diverse world and talk about how we can make it kinder and more inclusive!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids! Mondays, 4:00-6:00PM (7+)

Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 10 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!

Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (7+)

Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!

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 fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

Get Ready for Kindergarten! Tuesdays @10:30AM (3–5)

This 45 minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and crafts will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten.  Parents and caregivers can attend with their child if they wish.  No registration required!

Homeschool Hangout! Tuesdays from 12:00-2:00PM

Join other local homeschool families in a space dedicated to you! Each Tuesday between 12-2PM, the Friends of the Franklin Library Room will be available for homeschool families to hang out, get work done, and connect!

Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM

Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.

Girls Who Code! Grade 3-5 Meeting time Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM

Spring 2022 Session Sign ups start January 1st on the library website!

This club is a great introduction to coding languages and concepts while building the community and group work skills needed to excel! Whether you want to try something new, build on skills, make friends, or help someone else grow... Welcome to our club!

Terrific Toddlers! Wednesdays @10:30AM  (18 mos–3yrs)

Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities for families and children from birth to age 3. No registration required!

Science Junction! 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month @4:00PM

(Also 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the Month for Homeschool families @2:30PM)

FHS Seniors Mani and Vedika are so excited to share their love for science and foster that love in elementary-level kids! Join them once a month for fun science experiments, activities, and more! From dinosaurs to chemical reactions the possibilities are endless!

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!

Story and Craft, Thursdays @10:30AM (3+)

Join us for 30 minutes of themed stories, songs, and movement followed by 30 minutes of craft and sensory play. For children ages 3 and up that can attend on their own. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room.

Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @ 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Doggie Tales! 1st Thursday of the Month @4:30 PM (1st grade +)

Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Register on our website to reserve your spot.

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (3-5)

Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using very basic ballet moves. We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected!

Silly Songs and Stories! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (0-5)

This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Lego Free-Build Friday! Alternating Fridays @2:30 (0-5)

Let imaginations run WILD! Enjoy 2 hours of Friday fun time to build what you like with the Library Legos! Cool builds will be displayed on the Library Website & Facebook! ALL Legos are washed in between sessions!

Special Events for Kids & Families

Take & Makes: Book Journals!

Starting Monday January 3rd stop by the library to pick up your very own book journal kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own book journal! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Book Journal Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Tape Town! Saturday January 8th, 10:30AM

Families! Spend an imaginative morning 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 big meeting room, and enjoy a series of interactive pretend play stations all through the town!

Animation Nation Presents: Saturday Binge! Saturday January 8th 1:00-4:30PM

Animation Nation is Proud to Present "The Saturday Binge"! Multiple hours of a chosen anime on the big screen! Watch the Library Facebook for updates on what title we will be binge watching!

Girls Who Code Parents Open House Tuesday January 11th, 7:00PM

Hey Parents! Are you interested in Girls Who Code? Com to an "open house" hosted by Mrs. Mitzi to ask questions, see the curriculum, learn about the program, and even get signed up! If you want to attend virtually email Mrs. Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net

"Drive-In" Movie! Saturday January 22nd, 10:30AM

Families! Join us for a "Drive-In" movie (indoors of course!) in our big program room! First we'll decorate our "cars" (aka boxes we've been saving up for the event) then we'll relax and enjoy a movie and some popcorn in our spiffy new rides! You're welcome to bring your own box to decorate, or use one of ours!

The Python Problem! Saturday January 22nd 2:00-3:30PM

Join Miss Mitzi and work on a Python challenge to learn some new expressions, code new applications, or fix broken code. Each session starts with an explanation of a concept or code piece followed by a challenge using that code or concept! Best for grades 5 and up! Previous coding experience encouraged, not required.

Baby Sensory! Saturday January 22nd @9:30AM

Join us for a 45 minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!)

Weekly / monthly Events for Teens

Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (7+)

Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!

Girls Who Code! Grade 6-12 Meeting time Tuesdays @ 6:00 PM

Spring 2022 Session Sign ups start January 1st on the library website!

This club is a great introduction to coding languages and concepts while building the community and group work skills needed to excel! Whether you want to try something new, build on skills, make friends, or help someone else grow... Welcome to our club!

Teen Book Bites! Weekly on Wednesdays, 5:30-PM

Teens! Bring along a snack and join us in the teen room each Wednesday for a casual chat about what we're all reading!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30PM

Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!

VolunTeens! 2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month, 6:00-7:00PM (6th-12th Grade)

An elite volunteering program for dedicated library volunteers, this program is designed to facilitate unique volunteer opportunities for committed teens to work on special library projects. You will learn all about event planning and execution, hone your creative and crafty skills, and build your resume!

For more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

Special Events for Teens

Teen Take & Makes: Bullet Journals!

Starting Monday January 3rd stop by the library to pick up your very own bullet journal kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own bullet journal! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Bullet Journal Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Teen Yule Ball! Wednesday, January 5th @6:30PM

Join the Volunteens for a night of Harry Potter-themed crafts, games, and dancing!

Animation Nation Presents: Saturday Binge! Saturday January 8th 1:00-4:30PM

Animation Nation is Proud to Present "The Saturday Binge"! Multiple hours of a chosen anime on the big screen! Watch the Library Facebook for updates on what title we will be binge watching!

Teen Vision Board Making! Friday January 14th @3:00PM

Teens! Join us for an afternoon of collaging as we envision our year ahead! We will provide all the supplies you need to make an epic 2022 vision board! Just bring your creativity!

Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday January 15th @2:00PM

AGES 13+ Join us for an immersive murder mystery game from "Hunt a Killer" that is told over the course of six "episodes." Each episode contains different clues that you'll use to solve the ongoing investigation! Examine the evidence to uncover critical clues, corroborate alibis, create timelines, and identify each suspect's means, motive, and opportunity! It is not required that you attend all 6 meetings, but since the episodes build on themselves, it is highly encouraged!

The Python Problem! Saturday January 22nd 2:00-3:30PM

Join Miss Mitzi and work on a Python challenge to learn some new expressions, code new applications, or fix broken code. Each session starts with an explanation of a concept or code piece followed by a challenge using that code or concept! Best for grades 5 and up! Previous coding experience encouraged, not required.

Events for Adults

Dark Journeys: Urban Legends with Jeff Belanger, Thursday, January 6, 6:30 p.m.

Have you ever heard a story you didn't think was true, but then thought… what if? Bloody Mary in the mirror? The Hook by Lover's Lane? White Lady ghosts? Stolen body parts? Why do similar stories pop up all over the world? Are they more than just stories?

Come take an entertaining and enlightening virtual journey through the graveyard at midnight with author and folklorist Jeff Belanger. For over 20 years, Jeff has been exploring the unexplained. He seeks out history, folklore, ghosts, monsters, and legends all over the world and in your backyard.

JEFF BELANGER is a storyteller, adventurer, journalist, and one of the most visible explorers of the unexplained today. The author of over a dozen books published in six languages, he is also the Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer of the PBS and Amazon Prime series New England Legends and the weekly New England Legends podcast. He's the writer and research for the Ghost Adventures series, and he's been a guest on hundreds of television and radio networks and programs, including History, Travel Channel, Biography Channel, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, BBC, and Coast to Coast AM. To learn more about Jeff, please visit https://jeffbelanger.com/ .

This program is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Girls Who Code Parents Open House Tuesday January 11th, 7:00PM

Hey Parents! Are you interested in Girls Who Code? Come to an "open house" hosted by Mrs. Mitzi to ask questions, see the curriculum, learn about the program, and even get signed up! If you want to attend virtually email Mrs. Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net

Bumbling Through the Hindu Kush: A Memoir of Fear and Kindness in Afghanistan by Author Chris Woolf, Saturday, January 22, 3:00 p.m.

Chris Woolf was a broadcast journalist with the BBC World Service for 34 years. He worked in London, Afghanistan, southern Africa, but mostly in the United States, where he became the News Editor of public radio's main international news show, "The World." (He was on-air for many years as the show's "History Guy.")  His 2021 book, "Bumbling Through the Hindu Kush: A Memoir of Fear and Kindness in Afghanistan" documents his personal experience of war and resilience, stuck behind rebel lines on the wrong side of the mountains, in 1991. In addition to writing, Woolf runs a voiceover company he co-founded here in Franklin in 2018, called The Voice Depot. This program is free and open to the public.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, January 25, 7:00 p.m.

The book for discussion is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce.              

Harold Fry is convinced that he must deliver a letter to an old love in order to save her, meeting various characters along the way and reminiscing about the events of his past and people he has known, as he tries to find peace and acceptance.

For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . Book Club meetings are now taking place both in-person at the Library and on Zoom. To participate through Zoom, please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kduuppj0oGd1riTUPnGfsy7Qph0W... .

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Take and Make Craft for Adults: Candle Making

Spark a little light this January with a homemade candle! We'll provide votive, wax, wick, instructions and more for a fun pour candle craft for the adult Franklin community. You will only need some basic home goods, and the scent of your choice to enjoy a relaxing craft in the warmth of you own home! Happy New Year! Kits will be available at the Circulation Desk starting Monday, January 3rd.

Shared from Town of Franklin library -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/january-2022-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library: January 2022 - News & Events

016 - The Holiday Season, The Importance of Family & Spending Time With Loved Ones

The new episode of "A Priest. a Minister, and a Rabbi" is appropriate listening for today. In this episode,  Dr. Pandora Carlucci is joined by Reverend Eric Cherry, Reverend Kathy McAdams and Rabbi Tom Alpert to discuss the holiday season, the traditions of family in religion, and spending the holiday season with your loved ones.

Audio file ->  https://priest-rabbi-minister.captivate.fm/episode/016-the-holiday-season-the-importance-of-family-spending-time-with-loved-ones

Or the embedded player  below-> 

016 - The Holiday Season, The Importance of Family & Spending Time With Loved Ones

Sen. Rausch on COVID emergency paid sick leave

Senator Becca Rausch: 

"Last month I filed a bill to provide paid time off for parents and caregivers taking children to COVID-19 vaccination appointments; today that provision is headed to the governor's desk to be signed into law. We cannot get to the other side of this pandemic without widespread vaccination, and we cannot force families to choose between putting food on the table and providing their children with life-saving preventive care. I am so proud that my proposal to uplift Massachusetts families was included in the Legislature's COVID emergency paid sick leave extension, and I remain fervently committed to advancing the data-driven public health policies we need to safeguard our communities.

Sen. Rausch on COVID emergency paid sick leave