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

FM #1654 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1654 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

 

We talk about 

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

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

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

• Library events for February 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

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

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

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

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

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

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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 

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

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Franklin Library News & Events for February 2026 (part 3 of 3)

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

D&D Club, Mondays @ 4pm
Registration Required
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!

• Registration for this club is for the September to December season of Dungeons and Dragons Club.
  If missing a session please email: mgousie@minlib.net as soon as possible.
• Dungeon Masters must be at least 12 years old and have experience with Dungeon and Dragons.
• Dungeon Masters are signing up to lead a table for ALL 16 meetings between September 8th and December 29th.
• 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!
• If you have any questions please email: mgousie@minlib.net

  

  Franklin Library News & Events
  for February 2026 (part 3 of 3)

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

Interactive Movie! Thursday, February 5 @ 1pm
Families - join us for a special Interactive movie screening! Enjoy popcorn and some fun surprises. No registration required.

The Bad Apples Present: Date Night Concert,  Wednesday, February 11 @ 6:30pm
Join us at the library for an awesome weeknight concert with the Bad Apples! Featuring your favorite love songs, you're sure to fall in love with the library after this evening. No registration required.

Teen Paint Party, Tuesday, February 17 @ 6pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of some sweet candy hearts! For ages 12+. All materials provided. 

Lunar New Year Celebration, Thursday, February 19 @ 1pm
It's the year of the horse! Come celebrate at the library with crafts, games, snacks and more. 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.

Watercolors Workshop Monday, February 9 & 23 @ 6pm
Registration Required
Relax with a Monday watercolor class with local artist Sharon Carloni. For adults 18 and over.

The Bad Apples Present: Date Night Concert,  Wednesday, February 11 @ 6:30pm
Join us at the library for an awesome weeknight concert with the Bad Apples! Featuring your favorite love songs, you're sure to fall in love with the library after this evening. No registration required.

Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, February 14 @ 2pm
Registration Required
Get crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this new 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: Hand Made Cards.

Chocolate Tasting, Saturday, February 14 @ 3pm
Registration Required
New England, and Massachusetts in particular, has been a candy crown jewel since colonial times. Come taste various chocolate types from across the commonwealth as we explore the various types and treats!

Painting for Adults! Saturday, February 28 @ 1pm
Registration Required
Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a box of chocolates! All materials provided.

Putin's War: His Motives, Claims, and Lies, Saturday, February 28 @ 3pm
Dmitri Yakovlev wholeheartedly supports Ukraine in their fight for freedom and argues that the conflict soon may become the whole world's problem. Explore the history, consequences, and quandaries of the Russia Ukraine conflict. No registration required.

View it on website

Hockomock Area YMCA Expands Free Teen Fitness Opportunities Through Grant Support

The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin is proud to announce an initiative made possible through a grant from the Town of Franklin. 

Available now, Franklin residents ages 13 to 17 are eligible for a free six-month YMCA membership, opening the door to programs and experiences that promote youth development, healthy living, and community connection.

Free Teen Fitness Opportunities Through Grant Support

This initiative reflects a shared commitment between the YMCA and the Town of Franklin to invest in the well-being and future of local teens. Now in its second year, the program will continue through December 2026. Since the grant program launched, more than 270 Franklin teens have benefited from their free six-month membership, gaining access to fitness facilities, group classes, and supportive coaching in a safe, welcoming environment.

Membership includes full access to the Bernon Family Branch’s facilities—health and wellness center, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor pools and aquatics center, indoor track, and group exercise classes. Teens can also enjoy basketball, pickleball, yoga, spin classes, and more—all at no additional cost to members. 

Learn to Lift

Programs Offered at No Cost

In addition to facility access, the YMCA offers programs designed to help teens explore interests, build friendships, and develop healthy habits. Highlights include:

Learn to Lift: Building Confidence and Strength

Learn to Lift is a strength training program for ages 13–16 focused on building safe and effective workouts. Teens will learn proper loading and form, gain confidence in the weight room, and track progress. Strength training is one of the most popular fitness trends today, offering benefits like improved bone health, injury prevention, and long-term wellness.

Learn to Lift is offered at no cost to teens through this grant. Normally priced at $40 per month for members and $80 per month for non-members, the program meets Tuesdays from 4:15–5:00 PM, providing a structured and supportive environment for teens to build strength and confidence.

Learn to Babysit: A.S.H.I. Certification

This certification course is offered at no cost to teens through the grant. It will be held on two upcoming Saturdays, January 24 or February 14 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Y. For more information, email Krystina Edens at Krystinae@hockymca.org. 

Lifeguard Certification

This blended course includes e-learning and in-person instruction, starting February 8 at the Franklin YMCA. It is also provided at no cost to teens age 16+ through the grant. For more information, email Krystina Edens at krystinae@hockymca.org.

Chris Raymond, Fitness & Personal Training Director, who leads Learn to Lift, shared:

“I’ll be working directly with teens in Learn to Lift, helping them build a simple and safe gym routine. We’ll focus on major movements like Bench Press, Squat, Deadlift, and other compound lifts. My goal is to give them the tips and tricks that set them up for future success in the weight room—and they’ll leave with a routine of four different workouts they can use right away.”

Other Opportunities

• Social gatherings that foster connection and belonging

• Leadership and community service opportunities to empower youth

Employment Opportunities: Join the Y Team

The YMCA also provides part-time employment opportunities—an additional way for teens to get involved in the Y community while gaining valuable work experience. Positions include lifeguard, swim instructor, swim coach, Child Watch, sports coach, and camp counselors.

Leanne Eggimann, Senior Director of Camp and Youth Sports, explained:

“When I hire sports instructors or camp counselors, I look for enthusiasm and a genuine understanding of the YMCA’s impact in our community. My first job at the Y was as a camp counselor, where I learned how deeply the Y supports families. That experience taught me professionalism and sparked my desire to grow within the organization.”

Teens interested in joining can visit hockymca.org/teens-join-now, stop by the Bernon Family Branch at 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, or call 508-528-8708 for more information.

For additional details, please contact:

Kristin Torraco

Membership Director, Hockomock Area YMCA

Phone: 508-528-8708

Email: kristint@hockymca.org

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

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.

Teen Spoken Word Festival announced by MassPoetry

Teen Spoken Word Festival announced by MassPoetry

"We are excited to announce the dates of our Teen Spoken Word Festival!

The festival will take place March 28 and 29, 2026 at Emerson College.

There will be poetry slams, workshops, open mics, and more!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DSk6JmpjgWz/

Franklin Interact Club wants to unite teens to make a difference (audio)

FM #1611 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1611 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Syed Azhar and Harsini Vijai of the Franklin Interact Club on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Our conversation was conducted in the Franklin TV & Radio studios.

The Franklin Interact Club is a service club for teens in the Franklin area sponsored by the Franklin Rotary. You must be a Franklin resident and between the ages of 12 to 18 to be a member.

The show notes provide links to their web page, social accounts, email, etc.

Franklin Interact Club

Current projects

• Middle school teacher recognition, Jan 21, 2026

• Voices of Us, as Voices of Franklin

• Birthday boxes

• A project with an international aspect (TBD)

Let’s listen to my conversation with Sayed and Hasini and find out how you can help their community service efforts.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1611-franklin-ma-interact-club-12-10-25/

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Interact webpage   https://sites.google.com/view/franklinmainteractclub/home 

The Interact Club GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-franklin-interact-club-make-a-difference/donate?

Application for new members https://forms.gle/qALcp6beLc9Zs6Ef7 

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/franklin.ma.interact 

Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580646612868 

Franklin Rotary posting about the 2025 RYLA students https://franklinmarotary.org/in/2025/07/17/2025-ryla-students/ 

Email for additional questions franklinmainteract@gmail.com 

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

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/

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"

Mark Your Calendar for these Key Events at the Franklin Public Library for December 2025

New Homebound Service
Can’t make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door. Home Delivery Service ensures that Franklin residents who are unable to visit the library due to aging-related limitations, illness, disability, or temporary mobility limitations can continue to benefit from library resources. Items will be delivered to and picked up from a homebound patron’s home by staff members approximately every three weeks.

Mark Your Calendar for these Key Events at the
Franklin Public Library for December 2025

Special Events for Kids
Mike Bent's Ho Ho Hocus Pocus Magic Show, Saturday, December 6 @ 10:30am
Join us for an exciting and fun comedy magic show developed especially for kids and families! AbraKidabra!™ combines amazing magic, big laughs, audience participation and hilarious surprises for a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience that will leave the whole family impressed!

Pancakes and Pajamas! Saturday, December 13 @ 10:30am
Keep your jammies on and join us for a cozy pancake breakfast, hot cocoa, and holiday music with Jamie Barrett! What better way to celebrate the warmth of the season than in the coziest way we can think of!

Pumpernickel Puppets, Friday, December 26 @ 10:30am
Join us for a fun show, including a cast of colorful puppet characters, live voices and sound effects!

Fairytale Fun, Saturday, December 27 @ 10:30am
Bundle up in your winter finest and join us for a special visit from our favorite royal sisters. After all, the cold has never bothered us! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest.

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show, Monday, December 29 @ 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!

Noon Year’s Eve Party, Wednesday, December 31 @11am
Let’s send off 2025 in style! Join us for an end of the year bash as we ring in 2026 early! We’ll have music, snacks, games, and a super new year’s celebration! See you there!

Special Events for Adults
Maker Moment: Painting Silk Scarves, Saturday, December 6 @ 3pm
Registration Required
Take on a small project to try a new skill! Beginner friendly instructions and coaching is the focus, but veteran makers are always welcome to share their expertise!

Special Events for All Ages
Winter Sing-Along with Dean College Vocal Ensemble, Wednesday, December 3 @ 4pm
Join us for a musical afternoon! The Dean College Vocal Ensemble will perform a wide variety of musical selections for a fun concert at the Franklin Public Library. The program will feature winter carols you know and love with many more eclectic song choices from throughout history.

Swiftmass Celebration! Wednesday, December 17 @ 1pm
Join us for a Taylor Swift birthday celebration! Snacks and sing-alongs!

Copley Cats Holiday Concert, Saturday, December 20 @ 3pm
Groove to the harmonies of the Copley Cats! Featuring popular tunes from various decades this A Capella group with a 30-year history is coming for a Saturday afternoon to remember.

Coco and Coloring, Wednesday, December 24 @ 12pm
Enjoy some warm cocoa, a holiday classic movie, and coloring sheets for a relaxing afternoon.

Franklin Library Book/Books by the Bag Sale
Stuff your stockings with books and more from the Book Sale!

• Friday, December 12 @ 1-5pm
• Saturday, December 13 @ 9am-12pm
• All books are just one dollar!
• Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
• Saturday, December 13 @ 1-4pm
• Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Mitzi reveals the key event happenings at the Library for November (audio)

FM #1568 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1568 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, October 22, 2025.

 

We talk about 

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

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closed November 11 for Veteran’s Day

• Closing early Weds, Nov 26 and all day on Thursday, Nov 27 for Thanksgiving

• Book sale weekend November 14 & 15

• Library events for November 2025

• 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 22 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1568-franklin-public-library-nov2025-highlights-10-28-25/

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

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

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

Mitzi reveals the key event happenings
at the Library for November (audio)

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

November Library press release  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=86  

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

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"