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!

Reminder: STOP THE BLEED CLASS April 22, 2026

The Franklin Health and Fire Department is hosting another FREE Stop the Bleed class for community members on April 22nd from 3 PM - 4:30 PM at the Franklin Fire station. 

Individuals will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding in order to help save a life. Please share the attached flyer and sign-up link on social media and bulletin boards. 

Thank you for your assistance! 

SIGN UP LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-63272812-stop

Alisha Sullivan RN, BSN

Public Health Nurse | Health Department

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

Drug take back day - Saturday, April 25

Safely dispose of medications at SAFE’s RX disposal stations, part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day. It's completely free and totally anonymous!

Saturday, April 25  from 10 AM to noon 

Locations: 

- Franklin, SAFE Office 

- Medway Town Hall 

- Norfolk Police Department 

- Wrentham Town Hall

- Millis Fire Department 

What can you bring? Any medication you want to get rid of—over-the-counter pills, prescription medications, and even liquids and creams. 

We CANNOT accept sharps/syringes. 

​

Supported by Opioid Abatement Funds from the Towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Medway, Millis, and Wrentham.

Shared from = https://www.instagram.com/p/DW1liqhkvuI/

Earth Day opportunities - April 18

at least three opportunities to choose from to help with Earth Day 

1 - Recreation Dept clean up start point at Beaver Pond - 9 AM to Noon -  https://www.facebook.com/share/18UM9o5DZG/

2 - Pack 92 Earth Day Clean up - 9:30 AM to 11 AM

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/join-earth-day-clean-up-with-pack-92.html

3 - The Franklin Agriculture Commission, the Conservation Commission and Fairmount Fruit Farm activities - 10 AM to 2 PM    https://www.facebook.com/share/1FJkMUFJhw/

Tri-County honors for 2026 2nd Trimester

Tri-County Grade 12 honors for 2026 2nd Trimester

Photo album for each class High honors and Honors

https://photos.app.goo.gl/afmwEL7wnF2NqE5d8

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DXKC8wUjfUc/

Watch the first session of the Joint Budget Subcommittee Thursday, April 16 (video)

The Joint Budget Subcommittee met in its new term for the first time on Thursday evening.

Franklin TV video is available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbKccD9CA3Q

With people losing big to investment scams, learn how to spot and avoid them

With people losing big to investment scams, learn how to spot and avoid them By BCP Staff You might be interested in making money through investments. Who isn’t? So offers that promise big returns might draw your attention…and scammers know this. They use those promises and clever schemes to lure you in and, unfortunately, people are losing big money on investment scams.  In fact, FTC data shows reports of more than $7.9 billion in losses to investment scams, with a median individual loss of more than $10,000 in 2025. Do you know how to spot and avoid investment scams? Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/people-losing-big-investment-scams-learn-how-spot-and-avoid-them?utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, April 17, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features my conversation with Donald Krishnaswami on the next concert of the LiveArts String Quartet, May 17-> (note it plays on the top of the hour and begins again at the half hour)   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/donald-krishnaswami-talks-about.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, April 17, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Franklin Art Association: Katie Kindilien

8:30 am Frank Presents: Jason Poulos

10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Jenn Goebel

11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 3

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Breakfast

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

8:00 pm Metrowest Summit: World Cup 02-26-26

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Jencks

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra

8:30 am Metrowest Symposium: Festivals & Community Celebrations

9:30 am Jazz Cafe 03-06-26

11:00 am United Methodist Church: Lola Richardson

2:00 pm Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25

3:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Wachusett 04-24-25

8:30 pm Franklin Footlighters: High School Musical Jr.

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26

6:30 pm Finance Committee 04-09-26

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 16, 2026 ???

Thursday, April 16

** Fund raising Via Panera Bread for Franklin Children’s School

3:00pm Back to Life: Youth Theater Project (SAFE Coalition)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

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

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, April 16 Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, April 16 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162026-2252 

ZBA Meeting-no meeting

Thursday, April 16 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162026-2236 

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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

Public Hearing: Regulations Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom

The Franklin Board of Health will hold a public hearing on implementing new Regulations Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom and unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products. 

The readings and final votes on adoption of the Regulations will take place during the Board of Health meeting beginning at 5:00 pm on May 6, 2026; there will be an opportunity for public input during the process. Location: Municipal Building, 3rd Floor Training Room, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin,

and also via the Googlemeet platform.

§ 248: Sales Add to the Code of the Town of Franklin Chapter 248: Sales. The Regulations are to add new language to the new Regulations prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of synthetically derived cannabinoids, synthetically derived Kratom and unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products.

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar to review the agenda including full text of proposed amendments, and for up to date meeting information on and after April 8, 2026. 

Please call the Health Department at (508) 520-4905 if you require further information.

Respectfully submitted by,

Cathleen Liberty

The proposed regulations - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9031/Kratom-Draft-Regulations

The full agenda for the May 6 meeting  - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Treasurer-Collector section

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing. 

General Purpose

The office of the Treasurer/Collector is responsible for the receipt, investment and disbursement of all Town funds. The goal is to achieve these responsibilities while providing the highest level of customer service and support to all of the Town's taxpayers, employees, retirees, and vendors, as well as satisfy the legal requirements set forth in Massachusetts General Laws and the Town Code.

Since May of 2022 the Town has maintained the AAA bond rating awarded by S&P Global Ratings. AAA credit rating signifies a high level of creditworthiness, demonstrating a strong capacity to meet financial commitments and a very low risk of default.

Core Functions

● Accept Real Estate and Personal Property tax commitments from the Assessors. Bills are printed and mailed on a quarterly basis to all Franklin property owners (approx. 44,000 per year).

● Accept Motor Vehicle Excise tax commitments from the Assessors. Bills are printed and mailed yearly to owners (approx. 35,000 per year).

● Accept Water, Sewer, Trash and Stormwater commitments from the Department of Public Works. Utility bills are printed and mailed on a quarterly basis to customers (approx. 40,000 per year).

● Accept, record and deposit in person and drive-thru tax payments, process payments, answer telephone and email inquiries from taxpayers, mortgage companies and law firms as well as accept monies turned over from all Town Departments; all while providing the highest level of customer service in a professional and ethical manner.

● Research and prepare Municipal Lien Certificates that are requested in person, online or through the U.S. Mail.

● Use services provided by our Deputy Tax Collector, Kelley & Ryan Associates, to collect delinquent Motor Vehicle Excise, Real Estate and Personal Property taxes.

● Receive and account for all State and Federal disbursements.

● Maintain and reconcile bank accounts on a monthly basis.

● Invest the town’s monies in secure funds with the highest possible rate of return and retain adequate liquidity.

● Account for and fund bi-weekly payroll. Quarterly reporting of payroll taxes to DOR and IRS.

● Account for, fund and prepare weekly vendor checks for distribution.

● Responsible for the preparation of authorized borrowing and issuance of timely debt payments. Prepare and submit Continuing Disclosure Statement to Fiscal Advisors, Bond Council and Auditors.

● Manage Tax Title accounts from time of Tax Taking to Redemption or Foreclosure. Work closely with Town’s Tax Title Law firm, Hill Law.

● Yearly management of resolving checks not yet cleared according to Massachusetts General Law.

Staffing

● One (1) Treasurer/Collector

● One (1) Deputy Treasurer/Collector

● Three (3) Collection Specialists

● One (1) part-time Passport Acceptance Agent

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● The Treasurer/Collector’s Office will continue to take advantage of professional development opportunities.

● Continue to streamline in-house procedures by utilizing available technology as demonstrated in FY2026 by offering customers the option of auto-payment for Real Estate, Personal Property and Utility bills.

● Since the successful use of our Deputy Tax Collector’s services beginning in January 2025 for collection of delinquent Real Estate bills, we expanded the process for collection of outstanding Personal Property bills.

● Continue to invest the town’s monies in secure funds with the highest possible rate of return yet retain adequate liquidity.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● Contractual and Professional Services: These lines have increased due to higher costs for billing and printing services, driven by inflation.

● Added expense line for Passport Acceptance Office due to high demands.

● Other Line Items: All other items remain level-funded.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The Treasurer/Collector’s FY2027 budget should be approved as the services provided by our office are essential to the Town's revenue. To maintain consistent cash flow, it is critical that we adequately fund the costs associated with printing, mailing, and distributing all tax bills.

Additionally, an expense line has been added to accommodate the high demand for passport and passport photo appointments. This requires an increase in the supplies necessary to produce passport photos.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOTJ5HB0lLaqQa47y2vMONEJDt2KuTRB/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Town Council hears from NatinalGrid, Fire Dept, and Police Dept and completes session within 4 hours (video)

The Franklin Town Council met on Wednesday, April 15 as scheduled at 7 PM. Yes, they did return to a 7 PM time slot and also finished within their 4 hour limit. All 9 councilors participated with one remote causing all votes to be recorded via roll call.

Franklin TV video for replay  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z7xJHgZ4lI

The agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2251 

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w2q_cMoAOiQs0picPbtkZonCRTXqxI63/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap 

• NationalGrid presented on their infrastructure improvement efforts. They did not share details on outages, frequency or location although ultimately conceded that the northern section of Town did pose problems with how their grid is laid out as it doesn't have the same redundancy built in that is available in other section of town.
• Fire Chief Allen supported by his 2 Deputy Chiefs presented an overview of the department, its operations and ability to meet service needs. The presentation doc was shared before the meeting and linked below
• Police Chief Lynch and Deputy Chief West presented an overview with some history of the department, leading up to the shift to the 4x4 schedule and need to maintain a minimum of 34 patrol officers. 
• When questioned about the possible police station chief Lynch repeated what he has said before, the police station is needed but he'll always advocate for his people and make due with the inadequate station.
• Likewise when questioned on a parking control officer (PCO), he said, sure give me the extra funding but don't take a patrol office away. The PCO can only write tickets, the patrol officer can do so much more. The presentation doc was shared before the meeting and linked below

Photos of the NationGrid presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XPcwTx5vSXnDjQdy8

Link to Fire presentation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14vWcLc710A9CkTSgpJ0Tg3jcHcbR3zaY/view?usp=drive_link

Link to Police presentation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yF7LNhdfHfpOL_sq8gIaWpW2eQCgT8MG/view?usp=drive_link

page from Police presentation on recent budget history