If you missed the PMC Kids ride this past weekend, you can still contribute to the cause!

(photo credit: David Marshak)

This past Saturday (June 7), 170 young riders participated in the PMC Kids Ride in Franklin, coming together to support the fight against cancer. 

Riders have already raised $35,000, 100% of which goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 

Donations can be made through September 1^st at this link (https://kids.pmc.org/franklin).

Register for the Road Race for Kids on Saturday, July 5

Register for the Road Race for
Kids on Saturday, July 5

Children’s Road Race – FREE Registration!

Get ready to run! Join us on Saturday, July 5th from 9AM–10AM at the Franklin Town Common for our Children’s Road Race

A fun 1.2-mile race for kids ages 6–12

Winners will receive a free wristband to the 4th of July Carnival!

FREE to participate!

It’s a great way to kick off the weekend with fun, fitness, and community spirit!

Register now at Franklin.myrec.com

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 8, 2025 ???

Sunday, June 8

** Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Open Hours of Franklin Historical Museum) (Day 2/16)

** MBTA Shuttle Bus from Forge Park to Readville

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

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

2:00pm FPAC: Little Women (THE BLACK BOX)

8:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

Note: Library is closed on Sunday per summer hours, and due to budget cuts will not reopen on Sundays in September

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

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

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

Reminder: PMC Kids Sunday, June 8 at Jefferson School

The ride is this Sunday, and there is still time to fundraise! Remember, you get one raffle ticket for every $20 you raise!

Reminder: PMC Kids Sunday, June 8 at Jefferson School

Contribute to the cause -> https://kids.pmc.org/franklin

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1BzE1gibgA/

Artsy afternoons at the Franklin Public Library for the kids, teens, and families

Check out all the fun happenings for kids, teens, and families this week at the Franklin Public Library!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DKFECnRxq8k/?

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2025 (part 3 of 5)

Special Events for Kids & Families 

Petite Picassos, Monday, June 2 @ 4pm

Registration Required

Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a colorful gumball machine! 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 June 2 and June 16 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!

Franklin Porchfest 2025, Saturday, June 7 @ 12 – 6pm

Porchfest is coming back to Franklin, MA! Come spend the day in Franklin’s beautiful Cultural District while listening to live music. Musicians and bands of all genres will be performing on porches and patios throughout the district. Be sure to check out the following performers throughout the day at the library:

12 – 1pm: Tommy Feeley

1 – 2pm: Jamie Barrett

2:30 - 3:30pm: Dave Perry

4 – 6pm: Jeffrey Scornavacca

In the event of inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday, June 8.

Animal Affair, Monday, June 9 @ 1 – 3pm

Make some new furry or feathered friends when the Animal Affair Traveling Petting Zoo visits the Franklin Public Library!  Everyone is welcome to pet, brush, feed, hold, and play with the animals! Participants are taught the proper way to hold and handle the animals.  Animal Affair will be bringing ducks, chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits! No registration required.

Strawberry Stroll on the Library Lawn, Friday, June 13 @ 4 – 8pm

This year the Strawberry Stroll extends all the way to the Library Lawn! We are celebrating with inflatables, summer reading signups, and more! No registration required.

Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration, Saturday, June 14 @ 10:30am – 12:30pm

Join the library for an epic start to the summer, featuring balloons, inflatables, games, and a foot stomping musical performance by the Moonbellies! No registration required.

Drum Circle with Dave Curry, Saturday, June 14 @ 2pm

Enjoy a hand-drumming workshop for all ages! This live event will explore different drumming styles from across the globe, celebrating the universality of this much-loved instrument. No registration required.

Legendary Foam Party, Monday, June 16 @ 1pm

We're bubbling with excitement! Enjoy some tunes and sudsy fun with Legendary Foam. (Don't forget your towel!) No registration required.

Petite Picassos, Monday, June 16 @ 4pm

Registration Required

Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a colorful gumball machine! 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 June 2 and June 16 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!

https://www.franklinma.gov/399/Library-Services

Touch-a-Truck, Tuesday, June 17 @ 1 – 3pm

It's a half day for public schools and we're celebrating the start of summer! Join the Fire, Police, and DPW in the library parking lot for a special touch a truck event. No registration required.

Toe Jam Puppet Band, Wednesday, June 18 @ 1pm

Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rockin' concert at the Franklin Public Library! This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along. No registration required.

Rainbow Slime, Friday, June 20 @ 1pm

Enjoy a relaxing and fun craft of slime with a rainbow of glitter options! No registration required.

Under the Sea Party, Saturday, June 21 @ 1 – 3pm

Dive in for an epic afternoon of ocean fun for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of games, crafts and more. No registration required.

Science Chefs: 3D Printers, Monday, June 23 @ 3pm

1 part food, 1 part science, and unlimited fun! We will be exploring the workings of a 3D printer by being one ourselves! We will be using Icing for this exercise so dress for mess. No registration required.

Mr. Vinny’s Giant Bubbles, Monday, June 23 @ 4pm

Mr. Vinny, using giant bubble wands designed and constructed by the Bubble Guy himself, will gather kids for an hour-long game of watch, chase, and pop the bubbles! No registration required.

Summer Skill Up, Tuesday, June 24 @ 4pm

All ages are welcome to level up their knowledge by trying a new skill. Every week we will be providing a new small project to practice, learn, and grow! All Supplies are provided. Young children may need an adult to help. Enjoy crafting a Custom Journal to capture all your summer memories! No registration required.

Flying High Dogs. Wednesday, June 25 @ 10:30am

Join us on the Library Lawn for extreme tail wagging fun for the whole family! Mike Piazza and his team of Border Collies are set to impress with their Frisbee tricks and more. No registration required.

DJ Dance Party, Wednesday, June 25 @ 6pm

Presenting the Library Summer Concert Series! Join us Wednesday evenings on the Library patio all summer long for live music for all ages. No registration required. 

Puzzle Mania, Thursday, June 26 @ 5pm

Registration Required

Join us for a family-fun puzzle challenge! Bring your family and work as a team to see how quickly you can complete a 500 piece puzzle! Please submit only 1 registration per family.

Family Line Dancing, Friday, June 27 @ 4pm

Get ready to slide, clap, and shake with the whole family! Join us for a high-energy dance party featuring easy-to-follow favorites like the Cha Cha Slide, Macarena, and more. No experience needed—just bring your best moves and a smile. Perfect for fun for the whole family! No registration required. 

Elijah T. Grasshopper Band, Saturday, June 28 @ 11am

Join Elijah T. Grasshopper, Emma "Go-Go Green" Bean, and their puppet pals for some super-duper interactive music and a hopping good time! Ideal for kids Ages 2-8. No registration required. 

Mario Kart Tournament, Saturday, June 28 @ 1 – 4pm

Registration Required

Ready… Set… Go for gold! Join solo or as a team in Mario Kart 8 with all courses, characters, and parts unlocked! Bring the noise as 30 racers vie for the cup! During the tournament, enjoy Mario crafts and activities to level up the fun. Teams, please register as one person - you'll trade off drivers as a single entity within the bracket.

Mobile Mini-Golf, Monday, June 30 @ 3 – 6pm

Bring your friends and family and we will provide the rest. Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that is fun for all ages! Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=60

Library events for kids, teens, and families the week of May 19, 2025

Check out all the fun happenings for kids, teens, and families this week at the Franklin Public Library!

Library events for kids, teens, and families the week of May 19, 2025

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

Get your Registration in for the annual PMC Kids Ride in Franklin on June 8, 2025

Get your Registration in for the annual
PMC Kids Ride in Franklin on June 8, 2025

 

Registration is open, sign up today!

#PMCKids #pmc2025 #closerbythemile #kidshelpingkids




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

Library Youth Service Events for kiddos for the week of May 12

Check out all the fun happenings for kids, teens, and families this week at the Franklin Public Library!

Library Youth Service Events for kiddos for the week of May 12

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJhA-2eRmNh/?

If you want to ride in the PMC Kids Ride in Franklin on June 8, 2025 - register now!

PMC Kids Ride in Franklin June 8, 2025

Registration is open, sign up today!

#PMCKids #pmc2025 #closerbythemile #kidshelpingkids

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music at the Blissful! Saturday, May 17th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

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

Special Events for Adults
 

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

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

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

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

Special Events for All Ages

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

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

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

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

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

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

PMC Kids Ride in Franklin June 8, 2025

Registration is open, sign up today!

#PMCKids #pmc2025 #closerbythemile #kidshelpingkids

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

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

PMC Kids Ride in Franklin June 8, 2025

Registration is open, sign up today!

#PMCKids #pmc2025 #closerbythemile #kidshelpingkids

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

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

FM #1414 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1414 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, March 24, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

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

• Open on Sundays 

• Book sale weekend April 11 & 12

• Closed Sunday & Monday, April 20, April 21 

• Library events for April 2025

• Family events

• Kiddos, or “littles”

• Teens

• Adults

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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