What is happening in May 2025 at the Franklin Library??

Library Hours
The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed Monday May 26th for Memorial Day.
 
Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!
May: Unearth the world!
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's second Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

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

Special Events for Kids
The Whalemobile! Friday, May 2nd @ 1:00-3:00PM
Kids in grade K-6! Join us for a special event to learn about how whales and humans are similar and different! Explore the different learning stations, touch baleen, teeth and bones, including the chance to journey inside Nile—the life-sized inflatable humpback whale! 20 Participants will be admitted into the whale at a time, so bring your patience and flexibility!

My Lady & Me Jewelry Workshop! Wednesday, May 7th @ 5:30PM
Registration Required!
FOR KIDS IN GRADES 3-5! Join local artist Paulina Teng for a special workshop with the special lady in your life celebrating the love we have for the strong women who raise us and support us!

Music at the Blissful! Saturday, May 17th @ 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!

https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library

Special Events for Adults
 

Planning for Human Ingenuity in the Fight Against Climate Change, Saturday May 3rd @ 3:00PM

Join us in welcoming Professor Erin Baker of UMASS Amherst as we discuss the technologies for combating climate change and implications for energy justice.

Erin is a Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering and the Faculty Director of the Energy Transition Institute. Her research is in decision making under uncertainty applied to the field of energy and the environment; with focus on energy justice and publicly-funded energy technology Research and Development portfolios in the face of climate change.

Painting for Adults, Saturday, May 24th @ 1:00PM
Registration is required!
Grown-ups! Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily to create your very own step-by-step painting of a covered bridge! All materials will be provided.

Special Events for All Ages

The Music of Taylor Swift: A Concert Presented by the Blackstone Valley Quartet! Saturday, May 3rd @ 10:30AM
Taylor Swift is one of the largest names in music today. This concert is an opportunity to enjoy her music like never before! The Blackstone Valley Quartet, based in North Grafton, specializes in mixed genre performances on stringed instruments. From iconic pop hits to timeless classical favorites, the Blackstone Valley Quartet reimagines familiar melodies with a fresh, innovative twist. The Blackstone Valley Quartet strives to unite people of all ages and all walks of life through the power of music. This event is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Investment Grant.

Pen to Picture! Saturday, May 10th @ 1:00PM
Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. This year we welcome three-time Pura Belpré award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Raúl the Third to Franklin! Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available. This event was made possible with a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Holi Celebration! Saturday, May 17th @ 2:00PM
Join the Franklin Public Library for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the Town Common!  Music, activities, and of course, COLOR!! Wear something that you don't mind getting messy! In the event of inclement weather, the Rain date will be Saturday 5/31. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Music of Lennon & McCartney, Saturday May 31st @ 3:00PM
Free Concert
Join us in welcoming Melodious Zach as we jam to the music and history of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, May 16th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, May 17th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 17th, from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

yes, registration for the annual PMC Kids Ride in Franklin is NOW open - June 8, 2025

PMC Kids Ride in Franklin June 8, 2025

Registration is open, sign up today!

#PMCKids #pmc2025 #closerbythemile #kidshelpingkids

Registration and additional info -> https://kids.pmc.org/franklin

Registration for the annual PMC Kids Ride in Franklin is open - June 8, 2025

PMC Kids Ride in Franklin June 8, 2025

Registration is open, sign up today!

#PMCKids #pmc2025 #closerbythemile #kidshelpingkids

Registration and additional info -> https://kids.pmc.org/franklin

April highlights for Library events include a typewriter orchestra, yup typewriter orchestra (audio)

FM #1414 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1414 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, March 24, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

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

• Open on Sundays 

• Book sale weekend April 11 & 12

• Closed Sunday & Monday, April 20, April 21 

• Library events for April 2025

• Family events

• Kiddos, or “littles”

• Teens

• Adults

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 28 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1414-franklin-public-library-april-2025-highlights-03-24-25/

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Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 

Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

New event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 

April Library newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=48 

April press release -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/whats-happening-at-library-in-april-2025.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. 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!

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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"

April highlights for Library events include a typewriter orchestra, yup typewriter orchestra (audio)

MOMS ONLY (kid free) STROLL FRANKLIN scheduled for Feb 9

MOMS ONLY (kid free) STROLL FRANKLIN

When: SUNDAY FEB 9,  3:30-4:30pm

(All details and sign up in link below)

Ideal for busy, overwhelmed moms in need of some kid free time to regroup and recharge! 

Come join us for a leisurely walk to recharge,  have some uninterrupted adult conversations with other local moms and refill your cups! 

Tag in your partner, loved one or sitter and carve out this time for YOU! 

RSVP to this free event and see details at the link below! The weather and life can be unpredictable, so please fill out the form or message me so I can reach you if plans change!

GET ON THE EMAIL LIST!!! If you’d like to be on the notifications list for more fall dates, locations and events, please also fill out the form!!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqt0oMWBS_Z_yJPhnglruobEItbec7M-TW_Kal_Ii7OT39Kg/viewform

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BqZZSvmp6/

MOMS ONLY (kid free) STROLL FRANKLIN scheduled for Feb 9

Night Owl Farm: Kid Program Registration Opens

Night Owl Farm: Kid Program Registration Opens

Our kids programs are now OPEN for registration! ->   https://www.nightowlfarm.org/kids-programs

Shared from ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/DFcwQ0KNcK3/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, January 6, 2025 ???

Monday, January 6

• Fiber Art Installation, (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Doggie Tales (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Petite Picassos Paint Party (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens (Franklin Public Library)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin Library News & Events for Kids & Families in January 2025

Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00am to 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays 1:30 to 5:00pm. The Library will be closed Wednesday, January 1 for New Year's Day and Monday, January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Franklin Public Library's 2025 Reading Challenge
January: Get Inspired!
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website. Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library.

Consumer Reports
Did you know January is Financial Wellness Month? The library gives you free access to Consumer Reports - an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization. Since 1936, CU's mission has been to test products, inform the public and protect consumers. It is a comprehensive source for unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer concerns. 
Accessible for Franklin residents!  Find it on our alphabetical list of free library databases.

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 on our website.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, January 17: 1:00-5:00PM; Saturday, January 18: 9:00AM to 12:00PM
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, January 18: 1:00-4:00PM
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESOL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer, please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library's website.

Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Site Opening: Saturday, February 1
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, an interpreter, and many other roles, 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

**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.

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00PM (Ages 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 12 and up.) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

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.

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. From tip toeing, twirling and skipping to jumping and tapping, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required.

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 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! Ideal for ages 0-5. 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.

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.

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)
Registration Required for Each Program
Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided as we study art history through the creation of unique and beautiful artwork.
This month's projects are:
Jan 2: Mobile Mobiles
Jan 9: Dreaming Dot Painting
Jan 16: Cityscape Silhouettes
Jan 23: Self Portrait of Kings and Queens
Jan 30: Keith Harding Figure Painting

Rockin' Rhythms! Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 0-5)
Put on your dancing shoes and join Miss Bree for 30 minutes of dancing fun for the whole family! This upbeat, high-energy and interactive program will help kids develop coordination, rhythm and flexibility in a fun and engaging way. No registration required.

Barefoot Ballet! Thursdays @ 5:00PM (Ages 6-8)
Registration Required (Registration is for all 6 dates)
Calling all aspiring ballet dancers! Join Miss Bree for this special 6-week introductory Ballet class. Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes.  Dates for this session are: January 9, 16, 23, 30 and February 6, 13.

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let's play some music and dance! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required.

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 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.

Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups. Let's play some music and dance during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class! No registration required.

Special Events for Kids & Families

Petite Picassos! Monday, January 6 @ 4:00PM
Registration Required 
Celebrate Ben Franklin's birthday with Miss Lily by creating a painting of his famous Kite Experiment! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on January 6 and January 13 - please only sign up for ONE of these dates!

Doggie Tales! Monday, January 6 @ 4:00PM
Registration Required
For kids in grade 1 and up. 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. Spots are limited - please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Baby Sensory! Saturday, January 11 @ 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!) No registration required.

Saturday Bookworm Bounce! Saturday, January 11 @ 10:30AM
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to join us for a fun storytime full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required.

Petite Picassos! Monday, January 13 @ 4:00PM
Registration Required
Celebrate Ben Franklin's birthday with Miss Lily by creating a painting of his famous Kite Experiment! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on January 6th and January 13th - please only sign up for ONE of these dates!

Doggie Tales! Monday, January 13 @ 4:00PM
Registration Required
For kids in grade 1 and up. 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. Spots are limited - please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Ben Franklin Birthday Bash! Friday, January 17 @ 1:00PM
Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Ben Franklin himself with music, games, costume contests, and more! No registration required

Winter Carnival! Saturday, January 18 @ 1:00PM
Join us for an epic afternoon of winter fun for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of carnival games, crafts, snacks, and more. No registration required.

Family Literacy Night! Wednesday, January 22 @ 5:30PM
Join us for an evening celebration of reading for the whole family! Presented in partnership with the Franklin Public schools. Browse our curated tables of family read-alouds, get tips, tricks, and free resources to make reading fun at home, and visit with Franklin's favorite police dogs for some fun independent reading practice. No registration required.

Saturday Bookworm Bounce! Saturday, January 25^th @ 10:30AM
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to join us for a fun storytime full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required.

Read more -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/january-2025-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Library News & Events for Kids & Families in January 2025