Franklin Newcomers and Friends - meeting Sep 10

Hi Steve,

Our committee is gearing up for our first official meeting of the year.  We're reaching out to see if you'd be able to post our events on your Franklin Matters blog.  We all subscribe and we're big fans of your blog.  We're thankful for the time you take to keep us all in know about anything that "matters" in Franklin!  We'd appreciate your help and thank you in advance!

Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 10th  at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street in Franklin.  We gather at 7:30 for complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages.  A cash bar is available.  Our meetings start by 8pm.

We're a social gathering of local residents.  We welcome you whether you are new to the area or have lived here forever.  We meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month, September through May.  We have additional gatherings each month based on different interests.  We meet regularly for morning breakfasts, lunch or dinner.  We have Ladies Nights Out, Wine Tastings, movie nights, events for couples and families . . .singles too!  Everyone's input is valued and if you have something you'd like to do,  we offer a place to come together with your ideas and an opportunity to socialize with others.  We like to give back to the community so we hold events that raise funds that support local programs and organizations. Our goal is to provide friendship and promote camaraderie among local residents.

Giving back to the community is important to us.  The proceeds raised at our annual fundraiser, the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair, is donated to local charities and organizations.  We also look for opportunities to lend our support through volunteering.

For more information, check out our website www.franklinnewcomers.com.  For ease in communication, we utilize MeetUp.com for events outside of our regular monthly meetings.  If you have any questions, contact us by email at franklinnewcomers@hotmail.com.

Thanks for helping us spread the word . . . 

Karilyn Hammer

Franklin Newcomers and Friends

Board Member

Franklin Newcomers and Friends website

Friends of Franklin Library - Annual Meeting -- May 7

The Friends of Franklin Library will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room, located on the first floor of the library. 

The Friends is a nonprofit group advocating on behalf of both the library and the library's many loyal patrons. In the past year, the FOFL has helped fund the purchase of books and ebooks as well as furniture in the Children's Room. Also, the organization recently established a scholarship for college-bound graduates of Franklin High School. 

All are welcome to attend the annual meeting, whether you're a member or just a fan of America's first public library.

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Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com

Benjamin Franklin statue at the Franklin Public Library

Agenda for April 2 Friends of Franklin Library Meeting

FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday. April 1, 2014

Meeting time:  7PM

Meeting place:  Franklin Library, Community Room

·       Welcome and introductions

·       Guest - Alice Welch, President of the Massachusetts Friends of libraries (MFOL)

·       Library Director's comments

·       Comments and updates from the Library Board of Directors

·       Acceptance of minutes from last (March 5) meeting

·       Treasurer's report

·       Committee updates

o   Membership 

                         Annual meeting in May

o   Outreach – Facebook/Twitter

     Spring newsletter      

o   Downtown Partnership 

               Membership Renewal

               FDP event schedule

·       Continuing items

o   FoFL Bulletin board content

o   Program plans, and update

o   Status of new passes requested by community

·       New Items

o   New program suggestions

o   Monthly "theme" suggestions

o   Other  (open forum)

Benjamin Franklin statue outside the Franklin Public Library

Franklin Newcomers and Friends host 'Between the Peaks'

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends are thrilled to host two 2007 Franklin High School graduates, Jonathan Ronzio and Ethan Lee. Together with a third friend, they pursued their passions for adventure and combined them with humanitarian efforts to create Between The Peaks, a volunteerism based adventure. They've climbed numerous mountains in multiple countries and "between the peaks" they provided labor, donations and goodwill to underprivileged communities. Their website, betweenthepeaks.com reads like an adventure novel and details their adventure in pictures and words. They have filmed their adventure and put together a documentary film trailer that they will be presenting at numerous film festivals. 

Come meet these two outstanding men and hear their story!

Franklin Newcomers and Friends

Please join us on Wednesday, April 9th at 7:30 PM at "3" in Franklin. Light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. A cash bar is available.

The sneak peak of the film of their adventure

Friends of the Franklin Library - $5,000 donation

Maria Lucier's statement for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 12:

The Friends of Franklin Library is pleased to present a check for $5000 to the Franklin Public Library to be used for the purchase of library materials (Books, Dvds, and e-books). 

This brings the total the Friends have given to the library this fiscal year to just over $9000 ($9027.47). Since 2005, the FoFL has provided funding of over $184 thousand dollars to the library which has allowed purchase of “extras” not covered by the town budget, like museum passes, special programs, furniture, and more. 

The Friends are also pleased and excited to announce the creation of a $1000 annual scholarship in the memory of Wilma Winters, in recognition and honor of her dedication to and support of the FoFL. The first scholarship will be awarded to a Franklin High senior this spring. Part of the consideration for this is an essay indicating what the library has meant to them and how they envision the library of the future. 

Also, the FoFL recently became a member of the Massachusetts Friends of Libraries Association, and will be hosting the president of that group at our meeting on April 5. The MFOL sponsors workshops around the state and provides leadership on issues of regional, state and national concern to libraries. The meeting is open to anyone interested.

Benjamin Franklin statue outside the Franklin Public Library

Friends of Franklin Library: Agenda for February 5, 2014

FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday February 5, 2014
Meeting time: 7PM
Meeting place: Franklin Library, Community Room


Welcome and introductions
Library Director’s report
Comments and updates from the Library Board of Directors
Acceptance of minutes from last (January 8) meeting
Treasurer’s report
Committee updates

• Membership
• Outreach – Facebook/Twitter
• Downtown Partnership

Continuing items

• Memorial Scholarship
• Meetings with MBLC and MFOL representatives
• FoFL Bulletin board content
• Program suggestions
• Passes requested by members

New Items

• Passes requested by members
• Other (open forum)

February is Library Lovers Month - What is your favorite book?

To help celebrate February as "Library Lovers Month", the Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) would like to know what your favorite book is, and why (just a couple of sentences). It can be a book you read recently, or one you read years ago. Maybe you have a favorite author you can tell us about. Who knows, maybe we'll each find a new book or author to enjoy!

Ben Franklin reading outside the Franklin Library

Entries will be accepted until Feb 28, 2014.

As you submit your entry, you'll have the opportunity to view the other entries.

Editorial: Resolving the Library dispute

In my role as the self-appointed Community Information Director, I present the details and leave the opinions aside. For the Library Board of Directors vs. Friends of the Library issue, this has gone on long enough and I can no longer sit idle on the sideline.

When the Library Board of Directors canceled the Book Sale run by the Friends of the Library, this was the ultimate move in a disintegrating relationship. The bi-annual book sale which raised about $10-20,000 per year was no more. The event held at the DPW that was a great community gathering was no longer. The Library proceeded to conduct their own regular and now a monthly book sale to raise funds in lieu of what the Friends would have been providing.

I attended the Board of Directors meeting in September. I also attended the Friends of the Library (FOFL) meeting this January. While there have been some personnel changes on both sides, the discussion doesn't seem to be making progress. During this recent FOFL meeting, no matter which side was leading the conversation, it would go down one of the rat holes of he-said/she-said with disappointing body language exhibited by the other side.

In the he-said/she-said, there is disagreement about timeliness of delivery of funds from the Friends to the Library, and there is disagreement about information requested by the Friends and not provided by the Library as an example of some of the issues. There is more but suffice to say, there is no point in trying to resolve this he-said/she-said.

Suffice to say there when some one plays in the mud, everyone gets dirty. Both sides have room to improve their behavior.

It is time to for both parties (Library Board and FOFL) to put the past aside. The real issue is the Library budget over the years. There is not sufficient funding for the Library to operate the way it used to or the way it should. For both sides to continue to squabble over the $10-20,000 from the book sale diverts attention from the real issue.

The people of Franklin need a library that functions well, is open for convenient hours, and provides appropriate services to meet the needs of the library users. The needs will change as technology changes. There will be need for less hardcover books and more ebooks for example.

The chart below shows the total Franklin Library budget from fiscal year 2005 through 2014. The peak year was in fiscal 2008 at $925,000. This year's budget is $237,000 less and both sides are arguing about $10-20,000? Come one, get real. Ten years of maximum book sales don't make up this years delta from the peak.

Franklin Library Budget History - total dollars FY 2006 - 2014

Frankly, the $10-20,000 is insignificant compared to the real budget issue. The budget currently covers the only the daily operating expenses.

• What about the library renovations? That will need to come from the Franklin capital budget or perhaps the bonding capability that Franklin has. The proposal needs to be reviewed, discussed and supported. This seems to be on schedule for some time in March.
• What about digitizing the archives of microfiche? Where will that money come from? Are there collections that Franklin has that others would like access to?
• What about taking care of the original set of books from Benjamin Franklin that started the library as the first free and public library in USA? Do we really want our legacy and possibly most treasured possession to be "None of those books will ever be read again"? If you missed that story from November you can read it here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/none-of-those-books-will-ever-be-read.html

I respectfully encourage Franklin residents, taxpayers, and voters to talk with the members of Board of Directors AND the Friends of the Franklin Library. The next time you see one of them around town, tell them to put aside the past once and for all. Let's get on with solving the real mission of the library: providing a worthy resource center for all of Franklin residents young and old!

Let's not leave Ben wondering if he really did the right thing!

Benjamin Franklin statue outside Franklin Public Library

Information about both the Library Board of Directors and the Friends of the Franklin Library can be found here  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/about

Friends Of Franklin Library: Meeting Agenda - Jan 8, 2014

FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday January 8, 2014

Meeting time: 7PM
Meeting place: Franklin Library, Community Room


Welcome and introductions

Library Director’s report, and request(s) for funds

• Request for $10,000.00 for purchase of library materials (books, DVDs, and E-books)
• FY2014 budget status update

Comments and updates from the Library Board of Directors

• Overview of Strategic Plan

Acceptance of minutes from last (December 4) meeting

Treasurer’s report

• Discussion and vote on library funds requested

Committee updates

• Membership
• Outreach – Facebook/Twitter
• Downtown Partnership

Continuing items

• Memorial Scholarship
• Meetings with MBLC and MFOL representatives
• FoFL Bulletin board content
• Fundraising opportunities

New Items

• Passes requested by members
• Program suggestions
• Other (open forum)

Friends Of Franklin Library: Meeting Agenda for Wednesday December 4, 2013

FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday December 4, 2013

Meeting time: 7PM

Meeting place: Franklin Library, Community Room

• Welcome and introductions (Maria)

• Library Director’s report, and request(s) for funds (Felicia)
• Comments and updates from the Library Board of Directors
• Acceptance of minutes from last (November 6) meeting (Vidya)
• Treasurer’s report (Jan)

Vote on library funds requested, if applicable

• Publicity
• Committee updates

o Membership (Joe)
o Outreach – Facebook/Twitter (Phil)
o Downtown Partnership (Barbara)

• Continuing items

o Massachusetts Friends of Libraries (MFOL) membership (Maria)
o Memorial Scholarship
o MBLC meeting

• New Items

o FoFL Bulletin board content
o Session with MFOL representative
o Other (open forum)

Friends of Franklin Library: Fall 2013 Newsletter

As you are likely aware, recent events have been disruptive to The Friends of Franklin Library. What’s important to make clear, however, is that controversy and resistance have done nothing to weaken our organization.  

In fact, there’s reason to believe that The Friends is now stronger and more committed than it was before this recent turn of events. 

We were disappointed and frankly surprised to be told that the Library Board of Directors did not want us to conduct our planned October book sale. These semi-annual sales of donated books over the years have yielded funds that were used to help our library expand its collections, purchase museum passes, offer programs to the community, enhance library services, and even to buy furniture.  

On Sept. 23, The Friends asked the board to reconsider its decision. That appeal was rejected without a discussion or a vote. 

We disagree with the Library Board’s decision and would have welcomed —and expected— the chance to present data in support of these popular and profitable events, which since 2005 have generated net revenue of $153,734.  

Based on recent book sales, we anticipated our October sale would have raised roughly $6,000, after expenses. As with all of The Friends’ efforts, this profit would have been achieved without any cost to the library or town. 

Despite this setback, The Friends’ desire to support the library remains intact. We will continue to fulfill our mission as community advocates for the library, which we consider an important cornerstone of our community.  

Our organization remains strong and devoted to its mission. We have both the willingness and the resources to provide financial support, as requested, to our public library.

Read the remainder of the newsletter here:

Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com

Library Board "will not reconsider"

The Library Board of Directors held their September monthly meeting on Monday evening at the Library meeting room. The Board was outnumbered by citizens and members of the Friends of the Franklin Library who came to find out if the October Book sale suddenly canceled at the Aug meeting would be reinstated. 

The meeting began after Chairman Cindy Dobrynski arrived late apologizing for traffic having delayed her. She sternly outlined the requirements for citizens comments, need to be recognized by the Chair before speaking, use of appropriate language and failure to do so could result in removal from the meeting.

Maria Lucier, President of the FoFL, was recognized and read the following statement.

Since 2005 the semi-annual book sales held by the Friends of Franklin library (FoFL) have produced approximately $150,000 in net revenue that has been used to fund books, programs, passes, e-books and numerous other items for the library, including the chairs that everyone at this meeting is sitting on. 

That’s just from the book sales – the FoFL has also received considerable funds from other sources. The last 2 book sales have netted over $13K, and the October book sale would be expected to show over $6K in profits – and all of this is achieved without any cost to the library or town.

These funds have been realized because of the efforts of dedicated volunteers, who put in over 1500 hours a year to make the book sales happen, and who promote the library within their own sphere of influence.

The stated reason for this board’s decision is that the October book sale is not needed due to the popularity of the ‘on-going’ in-house book sale. But there is no reason for the two things to be mutually exclusive, and it makes more sense to supplement the semi-annual book sale revenues with the in-house revenues, resulting in the greatest benefit for the library. 

The FoFL respectfully requests that this board vote tonight to reinstate the October book sale.

After a couple of other members of the audience were recognized and added points to the overall question, Cindy made her statement. The Board's strategic planning process included a survey which began last year. The Board is encouraging the library to seek other sources of revenue. She stated that the quoted dollars of revenue from the ongoing monthly sales (reported at about $150/month) have increased substantially. The Board did not want to wait until this Sep meeting to make their decision. They chose to do so at their scheduled Aug meeting. The minutes from the Aug meeting will be available after they are scheduled for vote at tonight's meeting. She encouraged dialog to go forward preparing and planing for creative fund raising events in the future. The Board is looking to create opportunities to bring people to the Library. They have decided to suspend the Oct Book Sale. They are looking to develop creative events. They don't want to be dependent upon a twice a year book sale. Their objective is to increase patron visits to the Library. The Board will not reconsider their decision.

The Library Board of Directors on Monday evening:

Library Board of Directors: (left to right) Kathleen Gerwatowski, Susan Rittenhouse, Cynthia Dobrzynski (Chairman), Felicia Oti (Library Director), Monique Doyle (Vice Chair) and Sandra Brandfonbrener

Board information

Additional information on the Board can be found on the Library webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/about

Reading the minutes from meetings earlier this year was insightful.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/minutes2013/index

In Feb 2013, the Board acknowledged reviewing a gift policy the prior month
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/gift.doc

In March, the Board approved "a “books for sale” shelf in the Library"
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/minutes2013/MAR2013.doc

In April, the Board acknowledged "exploring the creation of a charitable foundation to develop alternative sources of funding." and that the he Board was scheduled to discuss the book sale "issue" at the May meeting.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/minutes2013/APR2013.doc


Survey
The survey was referenced as still being available on the Library webpage (I did not find it). The Franklin Matters archive does have the link from June 2012 when the survey was announced by the Library blog
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-public-library-survey.html

The survey is still open and results will be made available after the survey closes (no date specified during meeting).

Franklin Newcomers and Friends to meet on Wednesday, Sep 11

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends meeting will be held Weds, Sep 11 at 3 Restaurant on RT 140. Details can be found in the flyer shown here:




For additional information about the club and its activities, visit their website
http://franklinnewcomers.com/

"help our friends in Franklin"

The Milford Daily News reports on the activities of the Friends of Franklin as the holiday season gets underway.

This time of year, the Friends of Franklin get into the act, too. The members of the local charity are busy working behind the scenes to ensure that the holidays are bright for fellow residents who have fallen on hard times. 

On Monday, the Friends put up one of their annual Angel Trees at Shaw's Supermarket in Horace Mann Plaza, hanging it with dozens of angel-shaped tags, each one bearing the special Christmas wish of a Franklin child whose family might not be able to afford it. 

"We put the angels up on the tree and people come and take them and get the things on the tags," said Priscilla Cornetta, Friends co-president with Sheila Hooper. "Each tag has the child's age, clothing size, gender and a gift they would like."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x719495938/Friends-of-Franklin-begin-gift-drive#ixzz2CrFXg1QF

November Programs at the Library

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Friends of Franklin Library"
Subject: November Programs at the Library

How to select eReaders

This program will look at the features of eReaders and help you decide which reader is right for you.  Also, included is a demonstration of using the Overdrive service provided by the Minuteman Network and the Franklin Public Library.  eBooks can be checked out and downloaded from Overdrive and then transferred to portable devices such as the Nook, Kindle, iPads, and smartphones.  The library has both Kindles and Nooks preloaded with books available for circulation.

Monday November 5th from 10:30 AM – Noon

Franklin Public Library Meeting Room

Monday December 3^rd from 10:30 – Noon

Franklin Public Library Meeting Room

No registration required.

How to Make Holiday Memories with your Digital Photographs

Digital Photographs make it easy to share albums with family and friends and create cards, calendars, ornaments, and other gifts for the holidays.  In this program we will look at free software to edit photos, and sites to upload photos for sharing and ordering a wide array of products.  We will also look at transferring images from you camera to the computer and storage options for large file sizes.

Monday November 19^th 10:30 AM to Noon

Franklin Public Library Meeting Room

No registration required.

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Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com