Franklin Public Library: Weekly/Monthly for Kids & Families in April 2024

Special Events for Kids & Families

Kids Take & Make: Cherry Blossom Windsocks! Available Monday, April 1st

Starting Monday, April 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Cherry Blossom Windsock Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own flowery windsock! The perfect Spring celebration craft! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Cherry Blossom Windsock Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Earth Day Bingo! Starting Monday, April 1st

Earth Day is April 22, 2024 and we're celebrating all month long! We've got a special bingo board filled with reading prompts, eco-friendly crafts and more! Complete bingo in any direction in order to receive a prize! Pick up your bingo Board at the Children's Desk or on our website starting Monday, April 1st! Ambitious environmentalists who complete the entire sheet will be entered to win a GRAND PRIZE!!

Toddler and Kids Yoga! Wednesday April 3rd @5:00PM

Registration Required

Come join Katie from Sprouting Tree Yoga for a fun, interactive toddler & kids yoga class. Together we will explore yoga and mindfulness concepts through movement, songs, storybooks, games and more. This class is designed to help your child improve their balance, coordination, and flexibility while learning self-regulation skills and relaxation techniques. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Parents are welcome to participate as well!

Solar Eclipse Celebration! Saturday April 6th @1:00pm

There is a total eclipse of the sun on Monday April 8th!! Let’s Party! Join us for games, activities, safety tips, eclipse details, and more! We’ll be handing out solar viewing glasses too!

Toddler and Kids Yoga! Wednesday April 10th @5:00PM

Registration Required

Come join Katie from Sprouting Tree Yoga for a fun, interactive toddler & kids yoga class. Together we will explore yoga and mindfulness concepts through movement, songs, storybooks, games and more. This class is designed to help your child improve their balance, coordination, and flexibility while learning self-regulation skills and relaxation techniques. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Parents are welcome to participate as well!

Animals in the Spring! Friday, April 12th @1:00PM

Spring is a time of change! Some animals are emerging from hibernation while some have been active all winter. Let’s get up close and personal as we learn about animals in the spring here in New England, and beyond! Yes! There will be REAL animals! Ideal for kids Ages 5+

Animal Affair! Saturday April 13th @10:30AM

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! Animal Affair will be bringing ducks, chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits!

Holi Celebration! Saturday April 13th @2:00PM

Join the Franklin Public Library and Dean College for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the library lawn/Dean Grove! Music, activities, and of course, COLOR!! Wear something that you don't mind getting messy! Rain date 4/27

Eid Celebration! Sunday April 14th @2:00PM

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!

Toe Jam Puppet Band! Tuesday April 16th @10:30AM

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!

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show! Wednesday April 17th @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!

Petite Picassos! Wednesday April 17th @1:00PM

Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of spring birdies! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided, and REGISTRATION is required!

The BenAnna Band! Thursday, April 18th @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!

Thinking Money for Kids, Thursday April 18th @1:00PM

April is Financial Literacy Month! Let's make the topic of money fun! Thinking Money for Kids is an initiative of the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Foundation, and strives to teach children and their caregivers about financial topics like saving, spending, sharing and budgeting in a way that is both meaningful and fun!

Mobile Mini-Golf! Friday April 19th, 1:00-4:00PM

Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages!! Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Fairytale Fun! Saturday, April 20th @10:30am

When will your life begin? Today! Join us for a special royal visit from a princess who spent 18 years living in a tower! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest! No registration required!

Kids Paint Party! Saturday April 20th @ 1:00PM

For kids ages 5-11! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own butterfly themed masterpiece! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! The same painting will be taught in March & April - please only register for 1 date.

Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals: A Stuffed Animal Storytime! Saturday, April 27th @10:30AM

Calling all future veterinarians! Bring along your stuffed animal for a special Storytime with author, Jennifer Welborn, and illustrator Rozillia MH! After an interactive reading of their book “Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals” you will learn about different veterinary treatments and practice first hand with the help of your stuffed animal friend! Ages 5+. REGISTRATION REQUIRED!!

Stephen Green First Lego League Explore Showcase Saturday April 27th @9:00am

Have you ever wondered, “what can kids do with programming and LEGOs?” Turns out, a whole lot! Come visit the showcase and check out FLL Explore teams & their LEGO builds. Learn about Local FLL Explore and FIRST Robotics Programs and the opportunities available!

There will be 12 robotics teams exhibiting their projects for the FIRST LEGO League Masterpiece 2023-2024 season!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/april-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Listen to Mitzi and I cover all the highlights for April 2024. The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1160-franklin-public-library-april-2024-event-highlights-03-18-24

one of the Library's April events we cover

Franklin Public Library: Weekly/Monthly for Children in April 2024

**LIBRARY EVENTS  -> Weekly/Monthly for Children  ** 

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)

This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 7+)

Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM

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!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)

Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)

Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required!

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required!

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM

Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)

Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)

Registration required per event. Register on the Calendar of Events!

Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own masterpiece!

This month’s projects are:

• Apr 04 - "My Dream House"
• Apr 11 - Picasso Portraits
• Apr 18 -  Butterflies and Bugs!
• Apr 25 -  Flowers à la Georgia O'Keeffe

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)

Let’s play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for 30-minutes of creative movement and dancing fun! No registration required!

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)

This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)

A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let’s play some music and dance! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/april-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Listen to Mitzi and I cover all the highlights for April 2024. The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1160-franklin-public-library-april-2024-event-highlights-03-18-24

Franklin Public Library: Weekly/Monthly for Children in April 2024

Franklin Public Library News & Events for Teens for April 2024 (audio)

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, @ 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 7+)
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Code Club! Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM (3rd-8th Grade)
This is an after school hour of code focusing on exploration of computer programming through play. This is not a classroom. This is a playground where Coders have access to: optional tutorials & walkthroughs, monthly challenges, and mentoring in their coding journey. All levels of skill are welcome and personal projects are encouraged! This can be a great way to dip your toes in the pool and see what learning to code can do for you! Sign up on the Library website to let us know you are coming and if you need any technology from the library!

Teen Advisory Board! 2^nd 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!

Game Bytes! Thursdays @ 4:00PM
No registration required!
Bring a snack and let's play! Bring your own devices or try a retro game while we talk shop about the latest and greatest in Video Games! New Releases, Events, Streamers, Speed Running and more!!

Tricky Trivia Thursday, April 25^th @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required!
Are you ready to prove your trivia knowledge is more than trivial? Do you have the facts to fight for the title of Franklin’s Trivia Master? Join us for snacks and a Family Trivia Challenge at the Library!
Play as a team or go solo for ultimate bragging rights!

Family Game Night, Tuesday, April 30^th @ 6:00 PM
No Registration Required.
Try a new game! Introduce your favorite! Most importantly... Play games!
This a monthly group dedicated to the great board games out there and a space to find some new people to play with! All ages welcome!

Special Events for Teens

Solar Eclipse Celebration! Saturday April 6^th @1:00pm
There is a total eclipse of the sun on Monday April 8th!! Let’s Party! Join us for games, activities, safety tips, eclipse details, and more! We’ll be handing out solar viewing glasses too!

Teen Wire Wrapping Workshop! Wednesday April 17th @5:30PM
Come join us for an evening of jewelry wire exploration! This often-overlooked resource has lots of useful applications within the world of jewelry-making and art. We will work on a simple wire-wrapping project, discuss wire bending techniques and how to make jump rings. Examples and materials provided, but please feel free to bring any current projects that might benefit from this workshop!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/april-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Listen to Mitzi and I cover all the highlights for April 2024. The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1160-franklin-public-library-april-2024-event-highlights-03-18-24

Franklin Public Library News & Events for Teens for April 2024 (audio)

Franklin Public Library News & Events for April 2024 (audio)

**LIBRARY NEWS**

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 April 15^th for Patriots Day.

Franklin Public Library's 2024 Reading Challenge!
April: A book set in a place you want to visit/vacation!
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's first 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
Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. If you complete all 12 months you will be entered in to win one of multiple grand prizes! For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

FREE access to the New York Times (nytimes.com).
Enjoy free access to NYTimes.com. For both in-library and home access, create an account and log in using that account. Coverage includes 1981 to Current, plus historic coverage 1851-1922. Home Access includes NY Times App and 5 Premium Archive (1923-1980) articles per day. Go to the library's alphabetical list of Free Online Databases to access nytimes.com.

What you get:

• Unlimited access to NYTimes.com content
• International Edition and Chinese Edition
• Historic Coverage 1851-1922 and 1981 to Current
• Newsletters, Alerts & Times Wire
• Sharing & Commenting
• Times Topics
• Search and Cross Searching
• Real-Time Market Data & Company Research Pages
• Mini Crossword puzzles

Remote Access pass also includes:

• NYTimes App
• Today's Paper: Digital edition of today's print edition
• 5 Premium Archive (1923-1980) articles per day

Museum Passes
Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area's most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, April 19^th, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, April 20^th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag - Saturday, April 20^th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

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

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/april-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Listen to Mitzi and I cover all the highlights for April 2024. The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1160-franklin-public-library-april-2024-event-highlights-03-18-24

one of the Library's April events we cover

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members

Board Members Needed! Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library. We have several Board Members stepping down in June and would like to invite interested community members to become Friends and to join our Board of Directors. 

Please join us on Wednesday, April 3^rd at 7:00pm in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room to learn more about becoming a Board Member. 

If you cannot make this meeting, please email fofl02038@gmail.com for more information.

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members

Holi Festival scheduled for Library lawn April 13

"Join the Franklin Public Library and Dean College for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the library lawn/Dean Grove! 

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 4/27"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fyPt6n23CmeRhVnN/

Holi Festival scheduled for Library lawn April 13

Franklin's Event Outlook: March 22, 2023 to March 28, 2024

Friday, March 22

7:30pm Choreographers' Concert (sold out) (Dean College)

9:00pm Dom DeBaggis (Live Music) (3 Restaurant)

Saturday, March 23

10:00am Easter Bunny (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Grieving Hearts Workshop (Franklin High School)

11:00am Beyond the Palmer Method – Learn about calligraphy (Franklin Historical Museum)

11:00am Master Plan Open House (Dean College)

1:00pm Kids Paint Party (sold out) (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm Jessica Lepe (Author Event) (Escape Into Fiction)

6:00pm `Cinema 80’ Feature Films "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari"  (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:00pm Ballet Franklin presents Cinderella (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm Choreographers' Concert (sold out) (Dean College)

Sunday, March 24

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Ballet Franklin presents Cinderella (THE BLACK BOX)

3:00pm LiveARTS Concert: Romanul Duo (First Universalist Society of Franklin - FUSF)

5:30pm Ballet Franklin presents Cinderella (THE BLACK BOX)

Monday, March 25

10:00am Yankee Quilters Quilt Guild Charity Sewing (Emma's Quilt Cupboard)

6:30pm Self-Defense for Women and Teens Class (registration req'd) (Lifelong Learning)

Tuesday, March 26

2:30pm Rainbow Café (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Trivia Night (Raillery Public House)

Wednesday, March 27

1:00pm Senior Scribblers (recording session) (Franklin TV Studio & remote)

5:30pm Kenyatta Berry (Dean College)

7:00pm Laugh Boston Stand-Up Comedy Show (Glen Pharmer)

Thursday, March 28

1:00pm Henry the Juggler (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Franklin Art Association Opening Reception (Escape Into Fiction)

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Why have multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

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

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event 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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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 

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin's Event Outlook: March  15, 2023 to March  21, 2024

Listen in as Mitzi and I preview the Library's April events, and maybe an April fools trick plays in there! (audio)

FM #1160 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1160 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Monday, March 18, 2024.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, and month ending holiday times

• Library events for April 2024

• Special events

• Kiddos, or “littles”

• Family

• 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 32 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1160-franklin-public-library-april-2024-event-highlights-03-18-24

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

Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library 

Library Calendar of Events ->  http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/F/FRANKLIN/ekp.cfm 

Stellarium - open source sky viewing software https://stellarium.org/

Eclipse viewers -> https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters 

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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

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"

one of the Library's April events we cover