Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Kids & Families - May 2026

Special Events for Kids & Families

Wind Phone Pebble Paint w/ Cultural District, Saturday, May 2 @ 10am
Come join us for a creative and meaningful afternoon as we paint pebbles for our community “rock garden,” a space that will live beside the upcoming WindPhone installation at Franklin Sculpture Park, set to debut in late May. Led by Franklin Artist Amy Adams, this is a chance for kids and adults alike to see how the smallest gesture can inspire moments of empathy. All are welcome for this free activity! Just bring your creativity and an open heart. No registration required.

Plush Pet Adoption Day! May 2 @ 1pm
Come adopt a reading buddy at the library! Decorate a collar, make an adoption certificate, and enjoy a dog-themed storytime with your new best friend! No registration required.

Science Night, Wednesday, May 6 @ 5:30pm
Families - join our awesome teen volunteers for a special science night! No registration required.

Petite Picassos! Monday, May 11 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a beautiful bouquet! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials provided.

Pen To Picture! Saturday, May 16 @ 1pm
Join us as we welcome award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Colleen AF Venable to Franklin! Hear all about her creative process and participate in interactive breakout sessions. Photo ops and book signings will be available too. No registration required.

Sensory Storytime, May 16 & May 30 @ 3pm
Sensory Storytime is designed for children who thrive in a low-stimulating environment. Kids can enjoy sensory bins, relaxing story times, gentle stretching, and other calming activities! This program offers a slower pace and supportive space where every child can feel safe, relaxed, and included. This program occurs every other Saturday starting May 16^th. No registration required.

Melodious Zach: An Elton John Experience, Saturday, May 23 @ 3pm
Hear the stories and songs of Elton John in this historical jaunt through Elton’s music. Featuring early songs like “Skyline Pigeon,” hits like “Crocodile Rock,” “Hakuna Matata,” and more recent tunes like “I Want Love.” No registration required.

Hairstyling Workshop for Grown-Ups & Kiddos! Saturday, May 30 @ 1pm
Come to the library for a special hairstyling workshop! Learn to do a few special styles on your kiddo’s hair, and leave with a kit to continue building your skills at home. No registration required.

Petite Prom! Saturday, May 30 @ 2pm
Get dressed up and join the library for our very first petite prom! Music, snacks, dancing, and an epic prom photobooth! No registration required.

From Friends of the Franklin Library

Additional Passes Now Available for The Butterfly Place
Due to this pass's popularity in Franklin Library's museum pass program the Friends were delighted to purchase additional passes for Franklin residents to enjoy. The Butterfly Place is open through October 13th this year and passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Check out The Butterfly Place's website to plan your visit! 

Friends Annual Meeting, Tuesday, June 16 @ 7pm
At our Annual Meeting, we will review the past year’s activities and finances, discuss pending business, and elect members for our Board of Directors. If you would like to learn more about getting involved with the Friends, including joining the Board, please join us for our next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 7pm and/or email fofl02038@gmail.com for more information. New Friends are always welcome!

Get the full schedule - on the Library website - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/126

Franklin Public Library May 2026 Event highlights

May 2026

2026 Reading Challenge
May: A Book Set in Massachusetts
Looking for a way to expand your reading habits this year? Join the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge for adults and the library will reward your reading with a coupon for a free book from our book sale! Check out the details on our Reading Challenges page.

Special Events for Kids & Teens
Plush Pet Adoption Day! Saturday, May 2 @ 1pm
Come adopt a reading buddy at the library! Decorate a collar, make an adoption certificate, and enjoy a dog-themed storytime with your new best friend!

Science Night, Wednesday, May 6 @ 5:30pm
Families - join our awesome teen volunteers for a special science night! No registration required.

Teen Stress Relief Night, Wednesday, May 6 @ 5:30pm
Join us for a night of relaxation and rejuvenation before those big exams! No registration required.

Pen to Picture! Saturday, May 16 @ 1pm
Join us as we welcome award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Colleen AF Venable to Franklin! Hear all about her creative process and participate in interactive breakout sessions. Photo ops and book signings will be available too. No registration required.

Hairstyling Workshop for Grown-Ups & Kiddos, Saturday, May 30 @ 1pm
Come to the library for a special hairstyling workshop! Learn to do a few special styles on your kiddo’s hair, and leave with a kit to continue building your skills at home. No registration required.

Petite Prom! Saturday, May 30 @ 2pm
Get dressed up and join the library for our very first Petite Prom! There'll be music, snacks, dancing, and an epic prom photobooth! No registration required.

Special Events for Adults
Diamond Art De-Stress, Thursday, May 14 @ 6:30pm
Registration Required
Give your day some sparkle & zen. Enjoy a meditative diamond art project with coffee or tea and conversation or quiet as you prefer. All materials provided. For ages 18+.

Mahjong Meetup, Tuesday, May 26 @ 6pm
Whether you have a rudimentary knowledge of mahjong or have been playing for years, we would love to have you join us for an evening of strategy, luck and fun. This is an opportunity for the novice to hone their skills and experienced players to share their knowledge. This event will not include instruction on how to play. If you have your own mahjong set, please bring it along. Play begins at 6pm, but the fun can start any time before the library closes! No registration required. For ages 18+.

Special Events for All Ages
Wind Phone Pebble Paint w/ Cultural District, Saturday, May 2 @ 10am
Come join us for a creative and meaningful afternoon as we paint pebbles for our community “rock garden,” a space that will live beside the upcoming WindPhone installation at Franklin Sculpture Park, set to debut in late May. Led by Franklin Artist Amy Adams, this is a chance for kids and adults alike to see how the smallest gesture can inspire moments of empathy. All are welcome for this free activity! Just bring your creativity and an open heart. No registration required.

Craft Supply Swap, Saturday, May 9 @ 1pm
Bring a bag of your own craft supply donations and/or come to shop Franklin Public Library's first Craft Supply Swap! More details are listed on the library calendar. If you are interested in volunteering for evaluation and sorting, please email mgousie@minlib.net.

Melodious Zach: An Elton John Experience, Saturday, May 23 @ 3pm
Hear the stories and songs of Elton John in this historical jaunt through Elton’s music. Featuring early songs like “Skyline Pigeon,” hits like “Crocodile Rock,” “Hakuna Matata,” and more recent tunes like “I Want Love.” No registration required.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, May 15: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, May 16: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag
Saturday, May 16: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Register or Donate to the Franklin PMC Kids ride scheduled for June 7

Here is a great community event where your kids are empowered to help Crush Cancer.

Register or Donate to the Franklin
PMC Kids ride scheduled for June 7

Join us on Sunday, June 7 for the Franklin PMC Kids Ride, a bike ride for kids ages 3-14. Kids can choose from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. Younger riders, not yet on two wheels, can take part in the Tikes and Trikes course in a fun, contained area. 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.

Kids can join a team, create their own or ride solo! All local communities are encouraged to participate.

This is our 20th year so come join the Fun!

Riders can register, and donations can be made online at www.kids.pmc.org/franklin or thru the code below

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

There is no fooling around with what's happening at the Library in April 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1697 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1697 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 Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

 

We talk about 

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

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closed all day on Monday, April 20 for Patriot’s Day

• Library events for April 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 19 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uk0vR3tdKg

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1697-franklin-public-library-apr-2026-event-highlights-03-17-26/

--------------

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

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

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

April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/109 

-------------

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

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

April 2026 Franklin Library News & Events (P2 of 3) Children, Kids & Families

LIBRARY EVENTS

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Library survey needs your input

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.

Doggie Tales! Mondays @ 4pm

Registration Required

Kiddos who are working on their reading skills will be able to sign up for a time slot to practice reading to a trained therapy dog. Bring your favorite book or read one of ours. Registration is required, and once attendees arrive they will get their time slot on a first come, first served basis. (We'll also have a greeter dog to keep you company while you wait!)

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 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Wiggle Worms, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5)

Beat the afternoon witching hour craziness with a dynamic program for littles! Enjoy music, movement, and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Mini Masterpieces, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 6-12)

Registration Required

Join Miss Lily to make your own mini masterpieces! Each week will be a new, small scale, step-by-step watercolor project. All materials provided. 

Bubbles, Books, & Boogies, Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)

Dance, sing, clap, and play along for a storytime party! Enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities. No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pm

Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30am

Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning 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.

Tot Bop, Thursdays, @ 4pm (Ages 3-5)

Get ready to dance around to an energetic playlist in a class that offers littles a chance to play with musicality, coordination, and creativity - all while practicing listening and learning skills! No registration required.

Artsy Afternoons, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 6-11)

Registration Required

Join Ms. Cindy for a step-by-step art project specifically for kids! All materials provided.

Bubble Buddies, Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)

Enjoy a Friday bubble dance party with music, movement, and fun surprises! No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles, Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)

Littles and their grownups are invited to an epic dance party to kick off the weekend! Get those wiggles out with fun music, exciting surprises, and plenty of joy and laughter. No registration required. 

Special Events for Kids & Families

Science Night, Wednesday, April 1 @ 5:30pm

Families! Join our awesome teen volunteers for a special science night No registration required.

Eid Celebration, Saturday, April 4 @ 1pm

Join us for a special celebration of Eid, complete with crafts, music, snacks, and more! For questions and/or to get involved, email Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net. No registration required.

Petite Picassos! Monday, April 13 @ 4pm

Registration Required

Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a baby piglet! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials provided.

Poem Explosion, Thursday, April 16 @ 1pm

Calling all poets! Join us for an afternoon of creative fun as we make all kinds of poems from cut out magazines, old book pages, and even book spines! Bring your creativity! No registration required.

Music At The Blissful, Saturday, April 18 @ 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. No registration required.

Favorite Poem Reading, Saturday, April 18 @ 1:30pm

Registration Requested

Come celebrate National Poetry Month at the Franklin Public Library! Choose a favorite published poem, whether it's one you have long treasured or recently discovered, and share it by reading it to those gathered for this event.

 - Poems may not be ones you or family members, or friends have written.

 - Limit: Five minutes reading time.

Favorite Poem Project™ hosted by Steve Sherlock

Local Hero Storytime, Tuesday, April 21 @ 10:30am

Join the library and our friends from the Franklin Fire Department for a special storytime celebrating our local heroes! Be prepared for fun and surprises. No registration required.

Superhero Party, Wednesday, April 22 @ 10:30am

Join us for an epic superhero bash! Feel free to wear your favorite superhero outfit and join us for a series of games, crafts, and hero activities. No registration required.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Wednesday, April 22 @ 6pm

What kind of trouble can a bunch of stuffed animals cause in an empty library? Here’s our chance to find out! Bring one of your favorite stuffed friends to the library for a cozy storytime, then leave them in our care for the evening. When you pick your friend up on Thursday, see what antics they might have caused! No registration required.

BenAnna Band, Thursday, April 23 @ 10:30am

Join us for this super-fun, high energy, interactive music concert that is sure to have the whole family up dancing! No registration required.

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show, Friday, April 24 @ 10:30am

Join us as we welcome Ed Popielarczyk for a one-of-a-kind magic show that will spellbind the whole family! No registration required.

Rainforest Reptiles, Saturday, April 25 @ 10:30am

Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the critters, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home. Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages! No registration required.

Boston Typewriter Orchestra Concert, Saturday, April 25 @ 2pm

It’s time for different type of music in a whole new key! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra (BTO) is a collective performance of rhythmic typewriter manipulation. Enjoy music, comedy, and satire while exploring the definition of ‘musical instrument’. Funding for this program is provided by, The Franklin Cultural District, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. No registration required.

Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/109

April 2026 events at Franklin Public Library

Special Events for Kids & Teens

Science Night, Wednesday, April 1 @ 5:30pm

Families! Join our awesome teen volunteers for a special science night! No registration required!

Eid Celebration, April 4 @ 1pm

Families! Join us for a special celebration of Eid, complete with crafts, music, snacks, and more! For questions/to get involved, email Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net!

Poem Explosion, Thursday, April 16 @ 1:00pm

Calling all poets! Join us for an afternoon of creative fun as we make all kinds of poems, from cut out magazines, old book pages, and even book spines! Bring your creativity!

Music At The Blissful, Saturday, April 18 @ 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!

Local Hero Storytime, Tuesday, April 21 @10:30am

Join the library and our friends from the Franklin Fire Department for a special storytime celebrating our local heroes! Be prepared for fun and surprises!

Superhero Party, Wednesday, April 22 @10:30am

Join us for an epic superhero bash! Feel free to wear your favorite superhero outfit and join us for a series of games, crafts, and hero activities!

Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Wednesday, April 22 @6:00pm

What kind of trouble can a bunch of stuffed animals cause in an empty library? Here’s our chance to find out! Bring one of your favorite stuffed friends to the library for a cozy storytime, then leave them in our care for the evening! When you pick your friend up on Thursday, see what antics they might have caused!

BenAnna Band, Thursday, April 23 @10:30am

Join us for this super-fun, high energy, interactive music concert that is sure to have the whole family up dancing!

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show, Friday, April 24 @10:30am

Join us as we welcome Ed Popielarczyk for a one-of-a-kind magic show that is guaranteed to leave the whole family impressed!

Rainforest Reptiles, Saturday, April 25 @10:30am

Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the critters, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home! Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages!

Any updates to the schedule can be found on the Library page -

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

PMC Kids returns, registration is now open

PMC Kids returns, registration is now open

Please join us as we celebrate our 20th year for the PMC Franklin Kids Ride!

This year it will be held on Sunday, June 7th from 8 AM - Noon.

Gather your friends and let's make this the biggest ride yet! Sign up at kids.pmc.org/franklin

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FJEnwE4GU/

Mitzi shares insights on the happenings at the Franklin Public Library during Feb 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1654 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1654 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 Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

 

We talk about 

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

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closed all day on Monday, Feb 16 for President’s Day

• Library events for February 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 17 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link - https://youtu.be/cg5Rs0jBIZw

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1654-franklin-public-library-feb-2026-highlights-02-04-26/

--------------

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

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

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

February 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/92 

-------------

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

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