Reminder: Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens - June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

SAFE is throwing a free prom night celebration for all high school students in Norfolk County.

Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens
June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

Night to Remember is a glow-and-neon themed dance party at SAFE's Franklin office, open to all teens (ages 14 to 18). 

The night includes a live DJ, dance floor, mocktail bar with custom drinks, photo booth, games like cornhole and oversized Jenga, glow bracelets, temporary tattoos, and prizes and giveaways.

Prom season is one of the highest-risk times of year for teen substance use, and free, teen-centered weekend events are rare in our area. Night to Remember gives high school students a genuinely fun alternative—a low-pressure way to dress up, celebrate, and have a great time with their friends, while reinforcing the kind of community SAFE is known for building.

Spots are limited and registration closes on Thursday, June 11. If you know a high school student in our community, please share this with them.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EVyVNMRZay

This event is made possible with support from Lawson Charitable Foundation, Community Health Systems Foundation, and Rockland Trust.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18W98BaiL8/

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2026 -Special Events for Kids & Families

Special Events for Kids & Families

Petite Picassos! Monday, June 1 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Celebrate the World Cup with Miss Lily by creating your very own step-by-step painting of a soccer ball! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials provided.

Minecraft Party, Wednesday, June 10 @ 1pm
Join us at the library for a block-tastic Minecraft Party! Get ready to play games, mine for treasure, and more fun surprises. No registration required.

Strawberry Pompoms Craft! Friday, June 12 @ 3pm
Start your Strawberry Stroll early at the library with a fun craft, making pompoms in the shape of a strawberry! No registration required.

Animal Affair, Saturday, June 13 @ 10am
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.

Blanket Fort Family Night! Thursday, June 18 @ 6pm
Families are invited to bring blankets, pillows, and flashlights to create cozy forts throughout the library. Enjoy stories and tasty s’mores as we turn the library into the ultimate indoor camping adventure! No registration required.

Due Dolce Concert, Thursday, June 18 @ 7pm
Imagine a leisurely stroll down cobblestone streets with the sweet sounds of nostalgic, street-style jazz and European folk songs from the early 1900's as we welcome Due Dolce for an evening concert! A perfect start to a relaxing long weekend or summer date night along Franklin's Main Street. No registration required.

Seed-Starting Workshop, Monday, June 22 @ 4pm
Summer Reading is here and we're Planting a Seed of imagination to read our way to adventure! Start off your summer reading journey with a workshop starting a veggie you can grow at home. Supplies are limited. No registration required. The Library is collecting paper egg cartons for this event. Please consider recycling them with us!

Benanna Band, Thursday, June 25 @ 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.

Legendary Foam Party! Saturday, June 27 @ 10:30am
We're bubbling with excitement! Enjoy some tunes and sudsy fun with Legendary Foam. (Don't forget your towel!) No registration required.

Butterfly Garden, Saturday, June 27 @ 1pm
Explore a tunnel of adult butterflies, plants, caterpillars, eggs, and chrysalis! Come see a native species of New England up close! No registration required.

Mr. Vinny’s Giant Bubbles! Monday, June 29 @ 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.

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

D&D Club, Mondays @ 4PM
Registration Required (Last session is June 15th)
Kids ages 10-17 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rulebooks, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. Other Table Top systems are welcome! Please email mgousie@minlib.net for registration information.
- Dungeon Masters must be at least 12 years old and have experience with Dungeon and Dragons.
- Dungeon Masters are required to choose a premade adventure. Homebrew additions to the adventure are allowed.
- Players and Dungeon Masters are required to be respectful, kind, and attentive to each other.
- Groups of players with a Dungeon Master are welcome to share our space!

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, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours. It's a win-win-win! No registration required.
  
Game Bytes, Wednesdays @ 4pm
Bring a snack and join us for two hours of casual co-op and solo play. Bring your own device or play on the big screen! No registration required.

Special Events for Teens

Strawberry Pompoms Craft! Friday, June 12 @ 3pm
Start your Strawberry Stroll early at the library with a fun craft, making pompoms in the shape of a strawberry! No registration required.

Due Dolce Concert, Thursday, June 18 @ 7pm
Imagine a leisurely stroll down cobblestone streets with the sweet sounds of nostalgic, street-style jazz and European folk songs from the early 1900's as we welcome Due Dolce for an evening concert! A perfect start to a relaxing long weekend or summer date night along Franklin's Main Street. No registration required.

Seed-Starting Workshop, Monday, June 22 @ 4pm
Summer Reading is here and we're Planting a Seed of imagination to read our way to adventure! Start off your summer reading journey with a workshop starting a veggie you can grow at home. Supplies are limited. No registration required. The Library is collecting paper egg cartons for this event. Please consider recycling them with us!

Butterfly Garden, Saturday, June 27 @ 1pm
Explore a tunnel of adult butterflies, plants, caterpillars, eggs, and chrysalis! Come see a native species of New England up close! No registration required.

Summer Growth! Tuesday, June 30 @ 4pm
Nurture a little knowledge and fun - every week this summer enjoy a craft or crafty experiment for kids 6 – 600! This week we'll start our summer adventure making a journal to keep our summer memories. No registration required.

This is a portion of the full newsletter for June 2026   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9585/June-2026-Franklin-Library-News-and-Events---Franklin-MA?bidId=

Empowering Teen Wellness: Planet Fitness Announces 6h Annual High School Summer Pass® Program And Opens Its Doors To Teens For Free All Summer Long

Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness center operators with more members than any other fitness brand, announced the return of its annual High School Summer Pass® program. Now in its sixth year, the initiative encourages high school teens ages 14 to 19¹ to prioritize fitness this summer by working out for free at any of Planet Fitness’ 2,900+ participating locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Teens can register today at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass to gain club access beginning June 1 through August 31. Find the club nearest you here. New this year, the High School Summer Pass® program is powered by Gymshark, the gymwear brand, and all High School Summer Pass® participants will receive an exclusive discount 2 after signing up for the free fitness program.

Planet Fitness has invested more than $460 million in waived membership dues3 to promote youth health and wellness and provide an opportunity for millions of teens to improve their physical and mental health.

“At Planet Fitness, our mission is to break down the barriers to fitness, and the High School Summer Pass® program is a key part of that,” said Colleen Keating, CEO of Planet Fitness. “Young people are increasingly prioritizing their mental and physical health and making fitness part of their daily lives. This program gives teens the unique opportunity to build lifelong healthy habits in a welcoming and non-intimidating environment during the important months when school is out.” 

Through the High School Summer Pass® program, teen members will have free access to:

• Planet Fitness' complete range of strength equipment, including state-of-the-art plate-loaded machines, best-in-class cardio equipment, stretching space and more
• Free fitness training from certified fitness trainers⁴
• The free Planet Fitness App, featuring hundreds of on-demand digital exercises
• A welcoming, non-intimidating community environment
• Exclusive discounts through Gymshark

To better understand teens and their mental and physical health, Planet Fitness commissioned a nationwide study5 uncovering the following insights:

The Emotional Weight of Being a Teen is Real: Nearly all teenagers (95%) report emotionally or mentally struggling, with more than half (52%) dealing with anxiety and close to half (49%) struggling with a positive body image. 

Exercise is One of the Most Powerful Outlets Available: Ninety-five percent of teens say exercise helps them manage life's challenges. Two-thirds (66%) say working out makes them feel proud of themselves, and more than half (53%) say it makes them more confident in who they are.

Strength is Not Just Physical: Planet Fitness knows that strength training not only helps you feel strong and confident, but it also profoundly impacts overall well-being. In fact, ninety-two percent of teens agree that strength training builds confidence, 91% say being strong is just as important as looking good, and 84% say they want to do more strength training.

Cost and Access Are Real Barriers: Seven in 10 (70%) teens report at least one obstacle to working out more, including lack of time (44%), not wanting to spend money (28%) and feeling self-conscious (27%). Nearly half (47%) say they simply cannot afford to make fitness a top priority, yet 83% say they would work out at a gym if it were free. 

Building Momentum with Key Partners and Athletes 

Gymshark is proud to partner with Planet Fitness this year and provide exclusive discounts to participants to look and feel their best whether before, after, or during a workout. 

“At Gymshark, we are all about bringing down barriers to fitness and being there for everyone that embarks on a health journey. The work that Planet Fitness has done and continues to do, encouraging teens to go all in on the gym, could not be more aligned with our brand,” said Calum Watson, Brand Marketing Director at Gymshark. “We can’t wait to see the incredible impact that the High School Summer Pass® will have on so many teens this year.” 

To further inspire teens to get active this summer, Planet Fitness is partnering with Olympic legend Allyson Felix and WNBA player Flau'jae Johnson to champion the importance of building healthy habits at a young age and prioritizing overall well-being on their social media accounts.

Planet Fitness locations across the country will host Open House events (check your local club for details) to welcome teens and their families, giving them the opportunity to experience Planet Fitness’ unique Judgement Free environment and meet club team members before the program begins. Planet Fitness will also provide in-club guidance for teen participants, including tips at registration, in-club signage and reminders throughout the app, to ensure a positive and welcoming environment for everyone in the club.

For more information on High School Summer Pass®, including how to sign up for the free summer membership at any of the more than 2,900 Planet Fitness locations in the U.S. and Canada, visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass.

¹High School Summer Pass is open to teens ages 14 through 19 and valid at participating locations only. Teens must work out at the location they sign up at and are not permitted to use other locations. Planet Fitness locations are independently owned and operated. Under 18 or legal age of majority must sign up with parent or guardian. 

2 Codes are valid through September 11, 2026, they cannot be used outside of that time period. Only one Code can be applied per order. Codes cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Codes are valid in the U.S. and Canada, cannot be exchanged for cash and are non-transferable. Codes cannot be applied towards delivery charges. Returned items will be refunded at the discounted price paid (the discount applied between the goods proportionately). Where a qualifying spend is noted in relation to use of a Code, if items purchased using that Code are later returned to Gymshark which brings the amount spent below any qualifying level, the offer value may be deducted from any refund. This does not affect your statutory rights. A discount will not be applied to items subsequently replaced. Orders are subject to stock availability and acceptance by Gymshark. Gymshark reserves the right to decline orders where, in Gymshark’s reasonable opinion, a Code is invalid for the order being placed or is the subject of improper use or fraudulent activity. Gymshark reserves the right to withdraw, amend or extend offers at any time on reasonable notice.

3+10 million teen participants since 2019, $10-15 per month, three-month program

4Locations are independently owned and operated; please check your local club for details.

5Online survey conducted by Wired Research between April 6-13, 2026 to 1,000 parents of teens ages 14-19 and their respective teens, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.

About Planet Fitness 

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of March 31, 2026, Planet Fitness had approximately 21.5 million members and 2,909 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. Approximately 90% of Planet Fitness clubs are owned and operated by independent business owners.

Franklin Library Special Event Highlights for June 2026

2026 Reading Challenge

June: A Book with a Sympathetic Villain

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

Special Events for Kids & Teens

Minecraft Party, Wednesday, June 10 @ 1pm

Join us at the library for a block-tastic Minecraft Party! Get ready to play games, mine for treasure, and more fun surprises. No registration required.

Blanket Fort Family Night, Thursday, June 18 @ 6pm

Families are invited to bring blankets, pillows, and flashlights to create cozy forts throughout the library. Enjoy stories and tasty s’mores as we turn the library into the ultimate indoor camping adventure! No registration required.

Legendary Foam Party! Saturday, June 27 @ 10:30am

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

Special Events for Adults

Crafter’s Circle, Thursday June 4 @ 6pm

New Program!

Gather round the circle to work your latest craft project and maybe learn something new as we enjoy each other’s company and the craft projects we love! No registration required.

Diamond Art De-stress, Saturday, June 6 @ 2:30pm & Thursday, June 11 @ 6pm

Registration Required

Give your day some Sparkle & Zen... Enjoy a meditative diamond art project! All materials provided. For ages 18+.

Learn to Mahjong! Tuesday, June 9 @ 6:30pm

This intro to Mahjong session will introduce the suits, the rules, the card, and other basics of American Mahjong! No registration required.

Mahjong Meetup, Tuesday, June 23 @ 6pm

Whether you have a rudimentary knowledge of Mahjong or have been playing for years, we would love to have you join us for an evening of strategy, luck and fun. This is an opportunity for the novice to hone their skills and experienced players to share their knowledge. For ages 18+. 

Special Events for All Ages

Strawberry Pompoms, Friday, June 12 @ 3pm

Start your Strawberry Stroll early at the library with a fun craft, making pompoms in the shape of a strawberry! No registration required.

Due Dolce Concert, Thursday, June 18 @ 7pm

Imagine a leisurely stroll down cobblestone streets with the sweet sounds of nostalgic, street-style jazz and European folk songs from the early 1900's as we welcome Due Dolce for an evening concert! A perfect start to a relaxing long weekend or summer date night along Franklin's Main Street.

Seed-Starting Workshop, Monday, June 22 @ 4pm

Summer Reading is here and we're Planting a Seed of imagination to read our way to adventure! Start off your summer reading journey with a workshop starting a veggie you can grow at home. Supplies are limited. No registration required.

The Library is collecting paper egg cartons for this event. Please consider recycling them with us!

Butterfly Garden, Saturday, June 27 @ 1pm

Explore a tunnel of adult butterflies, plants, caterpillars, eggs, and chrysalis! Come see a native species of New England up close! No registration required.

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, June 12 15: 1 - 5pm

Saturday, June 13: 9am - 12pm

All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag

Saturday, June 13: 1 - 4pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

 

Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens - June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

SAFE is throwing a free prom night celebration for all high school students in Norfolk County.

Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens
June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

Night to Remember is a glow-and-neon themed dance party at SAFE's Franklin office, open to all teens (ages 14 to 18). 

The night includes a live DJ, dance floor, mocktail bar with custom drinks, photo booth, games like cornhole and oversized Jenga, glow bracelets, temporary tattoos, and prizes and giveaways.

Prom season is one of the highest-risk times of year for teen substance use, and free, teen-centered weekend events are rare in our area. Night to Remember gives high school students a genuinely fun alternative—a low-pressure way to dress up, celebrate, and have a great time with their friends, while reinforcing the kind of community SAFE is known for building.

Spots are limited and registration closes on Thursday, June 11. If you know a high school student in our community, please share this with them.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EVyVNMRZay

This event is made possible with support from Lawson Charitable Foundation, Community Health Systems Foundation, and Rockland Trust.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18W98BaiL8/

Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens - June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

SAFE is throwing a free prom night celebration for all high school students in Norfolk County.

Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens
June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

Night to Remember is a glow-and-neon themed dance party at SAFE's Franklin office, open to all teens (ages 14 to 18). 

The night includes a live DJ, dance floor, mocktail bar with custom drinks, photo booth, games like cornhole and oversized Jenga, glow bracelets, temporary tattoos, and prizes and giveaways.

Prom season is one of the highest-risk times of year for teen substance use, and free, teen-centered weekend events are rare in our area. Night to Remember gives high school students a genuinely fun alternative—a low-pressure way to dress up, celebrate, and have a great time with their friends, while reinforcing the kind of community SAFE is known for building.

Spots are limited and registration closes on Thursday, June 11. If you know a high school student in our community, please share this with them.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EVyVNMRZay

This event is made possible with support from Lawson Charitable Foundation, Community Health Systems Foundation, and Rockland Trust.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18W98BaiL8/

Mitzi shares the insights on the special events at the Library in May 2027 (video & audio)

FM #1733 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1733 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

 

We talk about 

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

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closed all day on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day

• Library events for May 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

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

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

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

Franklin Public Library page

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKPfVe63_fU

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1733-franklin-public-library-may-2026-highlights-04-21-26/

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

Mitzi Gousie’s email - mgousie@minlib.net 

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

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

May 2026 newsletter - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/126 

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Teens & Adults - May 2026

Weekly/Monthly Events for Teens

D&D Club, Mondays @ 4pm
Kids ages 10-17 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rulebooks, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. Other Table Top systems are welcome! Please email mgousie@minlib.net for registration information.
- Dungeon Masters must be at least 12 years old and have experience with Dungeon and Dragons.
- Dungeon Masters are required to choose a premade adventure. Homebrew additions to the adventure are allowed.
- Players and Dungeon Masters are required to be respectful, kind, and attentive to each other.
- Groups of players with a Dungeon Master are welcome to share our space!

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, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours. It's a win-win-win! No registration required.

Game Bytes, Wednesdays @ 4pm
Bring a snack and join us for two hours of casual co-op and solo play. Bring your own device or play on the big screen! No registration required.

Special Events for Teens

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

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

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

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

Events for Adults

English Conversation Group, Tuesdays @ 6:30pm
Looking for a casual, low-stress place to practice your English language skills? Join us on Tuesday evenings for a friendly group chat with your fellow English learners. Please note: this group is meant for folks who have a basic grasp of English and are looking for conversational practice, not very beginners. A tutor will be present to answer questions and help keep the conversation flowing, but the focus will not be on formal instruction. No registration required.

Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6pm
Registration required (see below). No Experience Necessary.
It's time to dust off your dice, grab a source book and role play your way through hijinks and horrors! Table Top is a monthly game of tabletop role playing games for adults. Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up and/or get more info.

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10am – 12pm
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! All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.

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

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

Watercolors Workshop, Monday, May 4 & 18 @ 6pm
Registration Required
Relax with a Monday watercolor class with local artist Sharon Carloni for adults 18 and over!

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

Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, May 23 @ 12pm
Registration Required
Get crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this program. One Saturday each month, we'll complete a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too! This month: Macrame Keychains

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

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

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

Franklin Public Library May 2026 Event highlights

May 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FM #1697 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1697 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

 

We talk about 

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

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

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

• Library events for April 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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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"