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MOMS ONLY (kid free) STROLL FRANKLIN scheduled for Feb 9 |
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 *
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
MOMS ONLY (kid free) STROLL FRANKLIN scheduled for Feb 9
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Night Owl Farm: Kid Program Registration Opens
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Night Owl Farm: Kid Program Registration Opens |
Monday, January 6, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, January 6, 2025 ???
- Fiber Art Installation, (Franklin Public Library)
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What's happening today in Franklin? |
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Franklin Library News & Events for Kids & Families in January 2025
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 25th @ 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
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Franklin Library News & Events for Kids & Families in January 2025 |
Friday, December 20, 2024
Creative Corner schedules Christmas school break workshops for age 5-11
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Mitzi & I preview all the key events at the Library for Dec 2024 (audio)
FM #1329 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1329 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
Open on Sundays
Book sale weekend November 15 & 16
Closing early Tuesday, Dec 24 at 2:00 PM
Closed Wednesday, Dec 25 for Christmas Day
Closing early Tuesday, Dec 31 at 12 noon
Closed Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025 for New Year’s Day
Library events for December 2024
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 21 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1329-franklin-ma-public-library-dec-2024-highlights-11-21-24/
--------------
Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net
Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library
New event calendar -> https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/2024-november/
December newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/december-2024-franklin-library-news-events
-------------
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"
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Celtic & Christmas Concert |
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Mitzi and I preview the event highlights at the Library during November 2024 (audio)
FM #1299 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1299 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Monday, October 21, 2024.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
Open on Sundays
Closed Monday, Nov 11 for Veterans Day
Book sale weekend November 15 & 16
Closing early Wednesday, Nov 27 at 2:00 PM
Closed Thursday, Nov 28 for Thanksgiving Day
Library events for November 2024
Kiddos, or “littles”
Teens
Adults
Family events
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 date for the Ken Gloss: Book Antiques and Collecting event was not mentioned during our discussion. It is Thursday November 14th @ 6:30 PM.
The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1299-franklin-public-library-nov-2024-highlights-10-21-24/
--------------
Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net
Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library
November newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/november-2024-franklin-library-news-events
Ken Gloss: Book Antiques and Collecting Thursday November 14th @ 6:30 PM
Join us in welcoming Ken Gloss of Boston based Brattle Books! In this presentation, Ken talks about some of his favorite rare book finds and describes some of the joys of “the hunt” in his collection journey. You will learn what makes books and manuscripts rare and what determines whether they increase in value. Enjoy fascinating anecdotes from private and institutional collecting, as well as guidelines for starting a collection of your own! Feel free to discuss your collection with Ken after the talk in an informal Q&A. No registration required.
-------------
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"