Franklin Cultural District: book sale, Farmers Mkt, live music, food truck, yoga, and PMC Kids Ride #artshappening here

The recent Cultural Festival brought most of these weekend activities into one place. Now, this weekend we get to move around Franklin to get to the book sale, Farmers Mkt, Bollywood Dance party, live music, food truck, yoga, and PMC Kids Ride. So, yes #artshappeninghere continues!

Wednesday, September 21

11:00am - Franklin Q&A (hybrid event) (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm - Memory Café (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writers group) (Franklin Senior Center)

Thursday, September 22

6:00pm - Charlie Rock (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - Wine Barre 2038 (wine & cheese boards) (Intermission)

Friday, September 23

12:00pm - Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Farmers Market (Town Common) Farmers Market

5:00pm - Thee Taco Guy (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Sioo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Anna Freitas Trio (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

8:00pm - Matt Zajac's Rock Night (3 bands, live music - ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, September 24

7:00am - Fitness Open House (sample classes offered) (Franklin YMCA)

9:00am - Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

9:30am - Bollywood Dance Party (family event) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am - Fall Storywalk (Franklin Library at the DelCarte Open Space)

11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm - Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm - Community Cookout (Franklin Methodist Church)

6:00pm - Matt Zajac (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm -  Mike Malone (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

8:00pm - Pamela Means - Power of the Protest Song (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

Sunday, September 25

8:00am - PMC Kids Ride (Jefferson Elementary School)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: #Artshappenhere

Register to ride in the Franklin PMC Kids fund raising event on Sep 25

On Sunday, September 25th, the Franklin PMC (Pan Mass Challenge) Kids Ride will be one of 20 PMC Kids Rides throughout the New England area. In 2020 and 2021, the ride was held virtually, but we are excited to host the ride live again this year. 

PMC Kids Rides are mini bike-a-thons that involve children 3 to 14 in the PMC mission by providing them the opportunity to fight cancer just like adults. From a Tikes and Trikes area to a 10-mile ride, the PMC Franklin Kids Ride challenges young cyclists of all skill levels. 

It’s a great way for kids to learn about the importance of giving back and introduces them to volunteerism and fundraising and offers a way for children to become part of the PMC mission in a safe and athletic way. 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly supports cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since the first ride in 1998, the PMC Kids rides program has raised more than $10 million.

Franklin PMC Kids Ride scheduled

Though this ride takes place in Franklin, we welcome all towns to join. We encourage kids to form teams and ride to honor a friend or loved one who has been touched by cancer. To provide riders with additional motivation, the PMC recognizes participants in the Kids Rides program who go above and beyond their fundraising. 

Riders who raise $450 or more will be honored as a PMC Kids Ride Heavy Hitter, and riders who raise over $950 will be honored as a PMC Kids Ride Breakaway. Each will be honored with a special PMC item and a certificate to distinguish their achievement. In the past, many kids have lemonade stands, car washes, bake sales, and yard sales to raise money for their ride. These kids have so much passion and determination; they feel like they are making a difference, and each year they say, “I can’t wait to ride again the next year”.

Franklin PMC Kids Ride

The Franklin PMC Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, September 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM. The ride will start and end at the Jefferson School, located at 628 Washington Street in Franklin. Kids can select from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. Younger participants, not yet on two wheels, can take part in the Tikes and Trikes course in a contained area at the school. 

This area has several fun stations and activities for the little ones, including a car wash, gas station, snack stand, craft table, face painting, and more. Kids can also enjoy an after-ride celebration with music, games, food, and more. There is a $20 rider registration fee which includes a Tee shirt and goodie bag and a $40 fundraising minimum for all riders. 

Register online at https://kids.pmc.org/franklin. All local communities are encouraged to participate. For more information, please contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net

Franklin PMC Kids Ride scheduled as an "in person" event for Sep 25

On Sunday, September 25th, the Franklin PMC (Pan Mass Challenge) Kids Ride will be one of 20 PMC Kids Rides throughout the New England area. In 2020 and 2021, the ride was held virtually, but we are excited to host the ride live again this year. 

PMC Kids Rides are mini bike-a-thons that involve children 3 to 14 in the PMC mission by providing them the opportunity to fight cancer just like adults. From a Tikes and Trikes area to a 10-mile ride, the PMC Franklin Kids Ride challenges young cyclists of all skill levels. 

It’s a great way for kids to learn about the importance of giving back and introduces them to volunteerism and fundraising and offers a way for children to become part of the PMC mission in a safe and athletic way. 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly supports cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since the first ride in 1998, the PMC Kids rides program has raised more than $10 million.

Franklin PMC Kids Ride scheduled

Though this ride takes place in Franklin, we welcome all towns to join. We encourage kids to form teams and ride to honor a friend or loved one who has been touched by cancer. To provide riders with additional motivation, the PMC recognizes participants in the Kids Rides program who go above and beyond their fundraising. 

Riders who raise $450 or more will be honored as a PMC Kids Ride Heavy Hitter, and riders who raise over $950 will be honored as a PMC Kids Ride Breakaway. Each will be honored with a special PMC item and a certificate to distinguish their achievement. In the past, many kids have lemonade stands, car washes, bake sales, and yard sales to raise money for their ride. These kids have so much passion and determination; they feel like they are making a difference, and each year they say, “I can’t wait to ride again the next year”.

Franklin PMC Kids Ride

The Franklin PMC Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, September 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM. The ride will start and end at the Jefferson School, located at 628 Washington Street in Franklin. Kids can select from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. Younger participants, not yet on two wheels, can take part in the Tikes and Trikes course in a contained area at the school. 

This area has several fun stations and activities for the little ones, including a car wash, gas station, snack stand, craft table, face painting, and more. Kids can also enjoy an after-ride celebration with music, games, food, and more. There is a $20 rider registration fee which includes a Tee shirt and goodie bag and a $40 fundraising minimum for all riders. 

Register online at https://kids.pmc.org/franklin. All local communities are encouraged to participate. For more information, please contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge at Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are once again issuing a $25,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s commitment to address food insecurity in area towns and neighborhoods. The Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation will match every donation made July 25th through August 5th up to $25,000. When the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge is met, it will result in $50,000 to benefit food security initiatives through the Hockomock Area YMCA.  

Every Wednesday, since March 2020, the Hockomock Y has provided free family-size grocery bags valued at $50 each at their branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro to anyone in need. To date, more than 58,776 grocery bags have been distributed.  Additionally, the Y has been working with community partners and school nutrition departments to ensure that children and families have access to healthy meals when school is not in session. This summer, meals are being provided in Milford and North Attleboro.  Since March 2020, the Hockomock Y has provided 420,219 meals to those in need. 

Individuals and families continue to face financial stresses as a result of the pandemic including basic needs like food.  With the ongoing increase in the cost of groceries and gas, we are again seeing an increase in the number of people challenged with food insecurity.  “We are grateful to be part of communities full of caring people committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods by working together to address community challenges,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  “I am so proud of the work our Y continues to do in partnership with others to alleviate hunger in our communities through our Food Access initiative.  We are only able to do this through the philanthropic support of a caring community.”

“Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate, steadfast supporters of our Food Access Initiative and their generous challenge will help ensure that we continue to be here for our neighbors,” added Downs.   

The Spier family’s impact in our local communities runs deep.  Their legacy at the Hockomock YMCA includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with Greg and Kathy’s parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier. 

Through the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge, Kathy Spier expressed her hope that this challenge “will inspire people to make a gift to help people, spread kindness and provide a caring hand to those who need it in our communities.”

“We were so thrilled with the overwhelming response to last year’s Kindness for Kids Challenge,” added Kathy. “Knowing that the need continues in our community, and proud of how our YMCA is responding, we are offering this challenge again to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and make a difference.” 

Greg Spier shared, “My dad always talked about wanting to leave the world a better place than he found it.  That’s why he and my mom, and Kathy and I, are such passionate supporters of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  We continue to see firsthand the impact our Y is having in responding to so many critical emerging needs.  Kathy and I are so grateful for how our Y is responding to the ongoing challenges of food insecurity.”

“The Hockomock Area YMCA remains committed to ending hunger in our neighborhoods and we join them in these efforts. Please consider a gift and we will proudly match it, July 25th through August 5th,” says Greg Spier. “Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for making a gift and for your generous support.”

Every gift matters. To learn more about this challenge and ways to make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/spier-challenge

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org. 

For more information about the Y’s food securities initiatives, visit hockymca.org/food-access. 

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

(L-R: Kathy Spier, Greg Spier, the late Alex Spier and Sonja Spier)

You can help "Give kids the arts" - a win win!

"Kids today are closed in, lacking human interaction, and riddled with anxieties.
Research shows a global surge in the number of young people reporting symptoms of clinical depression. Our schools are strained, canceling art programs when they need them most. We’re on a mission to change that.

Only 12% of public high schools offered one of the four arts disciplines, and only 17% offered all four. It has been proven that students who study art are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 3 times more likely to be awarded for school attendance.

Transparency is one of our core values, so along with using every penny you donate to supply children with the art supplies they need, we also prove images of each handout on our Gallery page or Social Media accounts.

Donate today to keep kids learning and growing. "

Visit their webpage to donate to the cause -> 

givekidsthearts.org

The 501(c)3 is the inspiration of Ian & Linda Kabat, Franklin residents who also brought the Sculpture Park to Franklin.

Visit the Wrentham Artisan Market and talk with them on July 24:

"Come visit us July 24 from 10-2 Our first fair thanks to Wrentham Artisan Market. " http://southernnewenglandevents.com 

shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/l_kabat/status/1547179350512082945 

 

You can help "Give kids the arts" - a win win!

The Franklin Food Pantry could use your help with kid friendly summer snacks

 

Summer Snacks

With children home for the summer, the Pantry is in high need of kid-friendly snacks. Larger size options of snacks, chips, cookies, and crackers would be a wonderful treat for our families.  According to Feeding America, food insecurity is projected to increase 81% this summer for children in Massachusetts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food costs rise for families, and kids are home and hungry. Along with fresh produce, proteins, and other healthy foods, we also provide our families with kids' bags filled with some snacks and treats! If you are interested in helping to donate, we are in most need of the below items (see image).  Feel free to donate them in our purple bin between Monday and Friday. If you have a larger donation, please call to schedule a time to drop off your donation.

For more information visit the Franklin Food Pantry online -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

The Franklin Food Pantry could use your help with kid friendly summer snacks

Register your kids for this Vaccine Clinic - Mar 16, 2022

The Franklin Department of Health is hosting a vaccine clinic on March 16 for kids ages 5-11.

See flyer for details!

Register here: https://buff.ly/3k6pxaM

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1499812687248822274

Vaccine Clinic for kids - Mar 16, 2022

Reminder: register now for the Kids COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic - February 23, 2022

COVID-19 Kids Vaccine Clinic 

February 23, 2022

The Franklin Department of Health is hosting another vaccine clinic on February 23rd for kids ages 5-11. The clinic will run from 9 AM - 10 AM or 3 PM - 5 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

You can register here: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/covid-19-kids-vaccine-clinic-february-23rd-2022

February Vacation COVID Kids flyer - Feb 23

February Vacation COVID Kids flyer - Feb 23

February Vacation COVID Kids flyer

Kids Clinic - Feb 23

Shared from Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/february-vacation-covid-kids-flyer

To register -> https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin

February Vacation COVID Kids flyer - Feb 23

Marble Run Challenge! Tuesday, Feb 1 - Friday, Feb 25, 2022

At the Franklin Public Library; this sounds like fun!

"A special program brought to you by our VolunTeens! Register to play, pick up your kit and complete the tasks to earn materials that you will use to build your very own marble run! Then join us on the 26th to put your design to the test!"

Shared from the Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/marble-run-challenge

Marble Run Challenge! Tuesday, Feb 1 - Friday, Feb 25, 2022

"The Effects of COVID-19 Restrictions on Children Ages 5-11" survey

"Town of Franklin Health Department has released "The Effects of COVID-19 Restrictions on Children Ages 5-11" survey for residents who are parents/ guardians for children aged 5-11.  The deadline for completion is 2/28. 

"The Town of Franklin Health Department is releasing a survey to all residents regarding the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on children ages 5-11. Parents/ Guardians are encouraged to complete the survey on behalf of their child(ren).

The purpose of this survey is to evaluate the effects of pandemic restrictions on children (ages 5-11) and identify trends in physical activity, eating habits, sleep, and screen time.

Data will be collected by the health department to assist in a Worcester State University interns project. The data is to identify a target population and what education resources needs to be provided to the residents regarding the effects of pandemic restrictions on children ages 5-11.

The deadline for survey completion is February 28, 2022. The survey results will be posted on the Franklin Health Department website. "

Take the survey here: https://t.co/0YexWUexFY

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1485631985502597121

Town of Franklin Health Department COVID survey

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

Franklin Library: October 2021 Library News & Events

October 2021 Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, October 11 for Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and 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, October 22, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, October 23, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, October 23, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Wi-Fi Hotspots

The Franklin Public Library has received five hotspots from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners through the American Rescue Plan.  The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has distributed over 3000 hotspots to approximately 220 public libraries for loan to library users. Funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the hotspot lending program focuses on IMLS' primary goal for these funds, digital inclusion.

Any resident from a municipality certified in the State Aid to Public Libraries program by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is eligible to borrow a hotspot.  Patron registration in the library system may be required. Hotspot borrowers must be 17 years old and in good standing with the library. Only one hotspot is allowed per household.  Each hotspot will support up to 10 connected devices.

Hotspots may be borrowed for one week. Renewals are not permitted.  Hotspots must be returned to the library and may not be checked out again for at least a 24-hour period. Hotspot borrowers will be fined $1 per day, up to $10 . Loss of a hotspot will incur a  $35 fee. Borrowers will adhere to the library's internet acceptable use policy when using the mobile hotspot.  While checked out, the hotspot remains the responsibility of the borrower. Borrowers should not lose control of the device by lending to friends or associates. Any attempt to alter the configuration of the hotspot is strictly prohibited and may result in loss of borrowing privileges.

Hotspots may be reserved --just like a book-- through the library catalog https://find.minlib.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3628341 , or by calling the library service desk at 508-520-4941 during normal business hours. Hotspots are filtered by default using T-Mobile's content filtering for education. Borrowers may request that hotspot filtering be disabled when borrowing a device.  The library will not ask for a stated reason. Hotspots should be returned to a library service desk.  Do NOT place the hotspot in the book drop. Hotspots should be returned with the power cord, SIM card, battery and case to the Library in the same good working condition as it was when it was checked out. If the hotspot is not returned within 7 days after the due date, service will be turned off and the hotspot will become unusable.

If the hotspot is damaged or not working, return it to the library desk. Report the nature of the damage to a staff person. Problems? Direct borrower technical support is provided by T-Mobile to library hotspot borrowers at: (844) 341-4834.

Homework Help Program

The Franklin Public Library is looking to restart its after school Homework Help program. The program will run Monday through Thursday, 3:00-5:00 p.m., and will be for first through twelfth grade. If you are a retired teacher and are interested in volunteering, please contact Library Director Felicia Oti at foti@minlib.net or 508-520-4941.

Room Reservations

The Friends of the Franklin Library Room, the Meeting Room, the Study Room and Conference Room are now able to be reserved by the public. Please visit https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/reserve-room to check for availability and view the Town of Franklin's Municipal Facility Use policy. Room usage is limited to two hours per day. For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .

New Materials

Check out the list of new books, movies, music, and more added to the Library's catalog in the past month! https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/new-materials

Featured Database

The Library offers many databases, all free to use with your library card! This month, we are featuring O'Reilly for Public Libraries. This database includes includes more than 43,000 books and 30,000 hours of video in areas such as information technology and software; business; digital media; professional and personal development; and desktop and web applications. Serving the needs of patrons who are working to advance their careers, tune into business and technology trends, or explore new software, this collection—created and curated by O'Reilly—serves the business and technology needs of a wide range of users. Included are hundreds of books and videos for makers, gamers and tinkerers; more than 100 hobbyist titles including STEAM Lab for Kids and The Lego Build-It Book, Volumes 1 & 2; more than 900 books from the "For Dummies" series; and more than 150 titles on job-seeking and career development.

 

Programs for Children and Teens

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!

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! Tuesdays, Grade 3-5 @ 4:00PM

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!

Chess Club for Kids! Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:00PM (8-13)

A fun and educational program for kids? What more could you ask for? Whether you are new to the game or are a more seasoned player, we invite all kids ages 8-13 to join us!

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 (Sept 2) @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. Email bcomeau@minlib.net to sign up!

Baby-Wearing Dance Party! Alternating Fridays @9:00AM (September 10 & September 24)

Strap your little one in and join us for music and movement together! Bond with your baby in a fun, active way for this half-hour program!

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (3-5) (September 3 & September 17)

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!

Moving Machines! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (0-5) (October 8 & October 22)

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

Special Events for Kids & Families

Saturday Morning Cartoons! Saturday Oct. 2nd 11:00 AM

Grab some cereal and chill out with some classic cartoons! Pjs encouraged! Want to help choose this month's shows? Look for the poll on The Children's Room on the Website!

Fall Crafts on the Library Lawn! Saturday October 2nd, 2:00-4:00PM

Celebrate Fall in Franklin and the Harvest Festival with some FREE kid-friendly crafts on the library lawn!

Make with Miss Mitzi, Saturday October 2nd @1:00PM

Calling ALL Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! All ages welcome! Email mgousie@minlib.net or register on the calendar to sign up!

Gamer's Haven! Once a Month! 4:00-5:00PM (7+) (Oct 8)

Monthly meeting of the local Gaming collective to make friends, talk games, and most importantly PLAY games.

Fortnite Free 4 All! ONLINE Friday, October 8th, 4:00-6:00PM

Fortnite Tournaments have been taken to the next level! See how you measure up against other local battle royale competitors in this FREE Private Custom Matchmaking Tournament, courtesy of One Up Games, Franklin Public Library and Epic Games! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!

Book Baddies Scavenger Hunt! October 15th -17th

Some of the baddest baddies have escaped their books! Help us search the Children's and Teen Rooms to get all the baddies back where they belong!

Baby Sensory! Third Saturday of the Month @9:30AM (October 16th)

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!)

Aprende Spanish Storytime! Saturday October 16th  @11:00AM

Vamos Amigos! Join our friends from Aprende Spanish Immersion for a special bilingual storytime for kids!

Elijah T. Grasshopper and Friends! Saturday October 23rd @ 11:00AM

Join Elijah T. Grasshopper, Emma "Go-Go Green" Bean, their puppet pals and special guest: the Orange Farmer for some super-duper interactive kids' music and a hopping good time!

Trunk or Treat! In the Library Parking Lot! Saturday October 30 @ 10:30AM

Families! Dress up and join us in the library parking lot for a safe, little-kid friendly afternoon of trick-or-treating in the daylight! The parking lot will be full of decorated trunks and activities!!  

** Rain date October 31st **

Story Tellers Guild! Once a Month! 2:00-3:00 PM (7+) (Oct 30) *Special October time*

A club for writers! Each month we meet to grow as story tellers through prompts, discussion, and sharing our creativity! Ideal for grades 3+

After Hours Among Us Saturday October 30th @4:00PM

Join One Up Games for a fun and spooktacular evening of Among Us at the Franklin Public Library!  At this Halloween themed event, players will be able to use their detective skills as they try to figure out who the imposter is. They will take part in emergency meetings and discuss who is "Sus" and together try to vote the imposter off the ship!  There will be multiple rounds and a point scoring system for survivors and imposters. Register on the Website Calendar or by emailing mgousie@minlib.net!

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! Tuesdays, 6th-12th Grade 6:00-7:00PM

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! Focus: Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and more.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please email mgousie@minlib.net to join!

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.

BOOKTOK YA Book Club! 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:30-7:30PM (8th-12 Grade)

Join us each month for snacks and refreshments as we discuss a different YA book each month, recommended by TikTok book lovers! Since we will be discussing YA titles, this group is recommended for students in Grades 8 and up, however anyone age 12 and up is welcome at their own (and their parents) discretion.

Resistance: a WWII Book Club for Teens, 3rd Thursday of the Month, 6:30PM

Whether it's your first time reading these titles, or they're old favorites, join us each month as we discuss a different WWII-based book. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! October's read: "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein!

Gamer's Haven! Once a Month! 4:00-5:00 PM (Oct 8)

Monthly meeting of the local Gaming collective to make friends, talk games, and most importantly PLAY games.

Story Tellers Guild! Once a Month! 2:00-3:00 PM (7+) (Oct 30) *Special October time*

A club for writers! Each month we meet to grow as story tellers through prompts, discussion, and sharing our creativity! Ideal for grades 3+

Special Events for Teens

Make with Miss Mitzi, Saturday October 2nd @1:00PM

Calling ALL Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! All ages welcome! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!

Saturday Morning Cartoons! Saturday Oct. 2nd 11:00 AM

Grab some cereal and chill out with some classic cartoons! Pjs encouraged! Want to help choose this month's shows? Look for the poll on The Teen Scape on the Website!

Stand Out for College Virtual Seminar! Tuesday Oct 5th or Wednesday Oct 20th @7:00PM on Zoom

Calling All High School students and their Parents! Join us as we welcome Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, from Stand Out For College, LLC. as they help YOU understand how COVID-19 has changed the college admissions landscape and how it will affect Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. You will learn how admissions officers are handling the current situation and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for college admission. To register for this event email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net

Fortnite Free 4 All! ONLINE Friday October 8th , 4:00-6:00PM

Fortnite Tournaments have been taken to the next level! See how you measure up against other local battle royale competitors in this FREE Private Custom Matchmaking Tournament, courtesy of One Up Games, Franklin Public Library and Epic Games! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!

Teen Disney Trivia! Wednesday September 22nd @6:30PM

How big of a Disney fan are you? Bring your team and come test your knowledge of all things Disney, with snacks and prizes!

Teen BAD Horror Movie Night! Friday October 22nd 4:00 PM

Join us for a night of chills, thrills, and laughs??? As we enjoy horror movies so bad it's SCARY!!! Costumes encouraged, popcorn and candy provided! Want to help pick the movie? Look for the Poll on the Teen Scape on the website!

After Hours Among Us Saturday October 30th @4:00PM

Join One Up Games for a fun and spooktacular evening of Among Us at the Franklin Public Library!  At this Halloween themed event, players will be able to use their detective skills as they try to figure out who the imposter is. They will take part in emergency meetings and discuss who is "Sus" and together try to vote the imposter off the ship!  There will be multiple rounds and a point scoring system for survivors and imposters. Register on the website calendar or by emailing mgousie@minlib.net!

Events for Adults

Sustainable Landscaping with Melanie Trecek-King, Tuesday, October 5, 7:00 p.m.
Many of us spend our valuable time and money trying to attain the perfect lawn. But why? And is there an alternative? Trecek-King will share ways to garden with a lighter environmental footprint and transform your yard into a space that your family (and nature!) can enjoy. Join Trecek-King as she helps us to better understand the effects of our presence on nature and how we can improve our lawn, garden, and more in an environmentally conscious way without breaking the bank. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of the program.

Dolley Madison and the War of 1812, Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.
The men thought she was embroidering–but Mrs. Madison was listening- capturing every word she heard- as her President husband and his advisers discussed the War-related strategies, consequences and predictions! Marvel at the miscalculations, missteps and heroics related to this war such as generals without military experience, botched battles and Washington City in flames! But the fair and patriotic Mrs. Madison also addresses Commodore Oliver Perry's high-seas heroism, the battle that spawned our National Anthem and the way a wooden battleship came to be nicknamed Old Ironsides! Being adverse to historical fiction, Mrs. Madison will lead her audience on a journey packed with historically accurate drama, intrigue, and true, but unbelievable, tales that characterize the 2nd time our tiny country stood up to stare down the British empire. Janet Parnes, founder of Historical Portrayals by Lady J, will portray Mrs. Madison. This program is free and open to the public.

Paint Party for Adults, Saturday, October 16, 3:00 p.m.
Local artist Denise Palmieri will lead the class to paint a fun fall themed work of art. The class is limited to twenty adults. To register, please visit http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2021/... or call Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at 508-520-4941.

Stefano: The True Story of Shakespeare's Shipwreck, Wednesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.
American public media series Hit and Run History presents their adventure-travel documentary on Mayflower pilgrim Stephen Hopkins, Stephano: The True Story of Shakespeare's Shipwreck.

The one-hour film follows the story of the only Mayflower passenger who had been to North American previously. A decade earlier, Hopkins had been aboard a Jamestown-bound ship that wrecked on Bermuda, inspiring Shakespeare's final play, The Tempest.

Shot on location, the intrepid Hit and Run History crew retraces Hopkins' life crisscrossing the Atlantic just as England made its first steps as a colonial power. Hampshire, Bermuda, Jamestown, Plymouth and London, Hopkins' came to know Native Americans in New World and Old. Pocahontas, Squanto and Massasoit – experience that would serve him and the Separatists aboard the Mayflower in establishing their fledgling settlement in New England.

Two-time Emmy-nominated producer and host Andrew Giles Buckley, a Hopkins descendant, grew up hearing stories that New Plymouth's iconoclast tavern keeper may have the model of The Tempest's drunken and mutinous Stephano. In their Gumshoe Historian style, Buckley and crew of Hit and Run History seek out the reality of a man who was everywhere at the founding of America.

The film was first broadcast on Rhode Island PBS in 2020 and has a screenings schedule starting February at the Pilgrim Hall Museum, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, and currently a dozen other locations in Massachusetts. Following the broadcast in New England, it will be available to run on other public media stations across the country.

The screening of the film will feature an introduction by producer Andrew Buckley, followed by a question and answer session. This program is free and open to the public.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.

The book for discussion is Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice.

For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . Book Club meetings are now taking place in-person at the Library.

Genealogy Club, Thursday, October 28, 6:30 p.m.

The Genealogy Club of the Franklin Public Library is a monthly program for genealogy enthusiasts, beginner and experienced alike. Each month a professional speaker will present the group with a lecture on a wide variety of family history and genealogy topics.  This program is free and open to all who are interested.  Meetings are scheduled for the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.  There are no meetings scheduled in November, December, July or August.

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.

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/october-2021-library-news-events

Franklin Library: October 2021 Library News & Events