Franklin Public Library: Special Events scheduled for July 2026

Summer Reading 2026    =    Plant a Seed...Read!

Summer is here and that means Summer Reading is waiting for YOU at the Library! Summer reading is for all ages. Sign up at the Franklin Public Library or on the Library website; then set your sights on reading goals and summer adventures.

*** Special Events for Kids & Teens

Fairytale Fun! Monday, July 6 @ 4pm

You’re invited to join us, once upon a dream, for a special royal visit from everyone’s favorite sleepy princess! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest!

Giant Board Game Party, Friday, July 10 @ 1pm

Join us at the library for an afternoon full of giant, life-size versions of classic games, including Hungry Hungry Hippos, Twister, Connect Four, and more!

Teen Amazing Digital Circus Interactive Viewing! Wednesday, July 15 @ 6pm

Teens! Join us for a special celebration of this popular indie animation with an interactive viewing, snacks, and more!

Science Chefs: Make Slushies, Friday, July 17 @ 1pm

Chefs get in the kitchen for SCIENCE! We'll be exploring endothermic reactions as we make delicious lemonade slushies to enjoy!

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show, Saturday, July 18 @ 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!

Rainforest Reptiles, Monday, July 20 @ 4pm

Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the alligators, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home! Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages!

Stuffed Animal Sleepover! Thursday, July 23 @ 6pm

What kind of trouble can a bunch of stuffed animals cause in an empty library? Here’s our chance to find out! Bring one of your favorite stuffed friends to the library for a cozy storytime, then leave them in our care for the evening! When you pick your friend up on Friday, see what antics they might have caused!

Make Your Own Puzzle, Friday, July 24th @ 1pm

Design and decorate your very own puzzle with Ms. Kaitlyn! Perfect for imaginative artists and puzzle lovers alike! 

Summer Snow Party! Saturday, July 25 @ 10:30am

Chill out with a summer blizzard at the library! Enjoy a snow pile, coloring, and crafts!

Mr. Vinny Shadow Puppets, Monday, July 27 @ 4pm

Mr. Vinny from the Toe Jam Puppet Band presents a dynamic and hilarious family show! Mr. Vinny specializes in storytelling with unique puppets! Get ready for lots of jokes and audience participation, and a few fun surprises!

Interactive Movie, Wednesday, July 29th @ 1pm

Families! Join us for a special Interactive movie screening Enjoy popcorn and some fun surprises

 

Hunger Games Club, Wednesday, July 29 @ 6pm

Teens! Join us for a monthly interactive viewing of our favorite YA dystopian film franchise! We will work our way through one book and film each month leading up to the release of the latest film in November!

*** Special Events for Adults

Stars & Waves Silk Scarf Painting, Thursday, July 9 @ 6:30pm

Registration Required

Using Inks and fabric resist, paint a silk scarf in patriotic stars and wavy stripes!

Diamond Art Destress, Saturday, July 11 & Thursday, July 23 @ 1:30pm

Registration Required

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

Learn to Mahjong! Tuesday, July 14 @ 6pm    Registration Required

This intro to Mahjong session will introduce the suits, the rules, the card, and other basics of American Mahjong!

Ted Reinstein: Greetings from Breeds Hill, Saturday, July 25 @ 2pm

Join us in welcoming author and journalist Ted Reinstein for "Greetings from Breeds Hill... and Other Stories of Fact & Folklore for the 250th"! A new talk exploring lesser-known stories behind the more famous ones from New England’s Revolutionary War period. It’s a fun and informative foray through fact vs. fiction!

Mahjong Meetup, Tuesday, July 28 @ 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+. 

Adults Make Awkward Art, Thursday, July 30 @ 6pm

Celebrate art with the goal to make something so bad it’s good! All artists are invited to share their pieces as a part of the Library's Awkward Art Display inspired by the Museum of Bad Art in Boston!

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, July 17 15: 1 - 5pm

Saturday, July 18: 9am - 12pm

All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag

Saturday, July 18: 1 - 4pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can

Farmers Market vendors, performers & food trucks today, June 26, 2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaBpPK5jBS_/

"Vendors, performers, and food trucks at the Franklin Farmers Market this week!

Thank you @franklinculturalcouncil02038, @masscultural, and Franklin Recreation Department for sponsoring!"

This month’s Rausch Report recaps legislative activity, Pride Month, Juneteenth celebrations, details on upcoming July events in the district, & more

Dear Neighbor,

The State House in June is jam packed with people and activity, and not just because of the Scottish tourists. Earlier today, I presided over the Senate session, moving legislation forward and also welcoming a terrific group of Brownie Scouts from Milford to the chamber. (More on their visit within the link below.)

With the rapidly approaching July 31 deadline for major new business to come to the floor, the Senate passed bills this month to strengthen child welfare protections, support teachers, restrict dangerous chemicals, and make primary health care more affordable. I secured $750,000 in additional funding for special projects and initiatives in schools all across our district in the Fair Share supplemental budget (on top of $140 million in regular budget funds). And I’m proud to have been named to the conference committee for the Mass Ready Act, the most significant climate and environmental protection legislation in a generation.

June has also brought many joyful celebrations. We honored Commonwealth Heroines and Latino Educators, and hosted the Commonwealth’s first (but surely not the last) Pride Month Awards. We raised the Pride Flag outside the State House on the 3rd, then the Juneteenth Flag on the 18th. It was my privilege to celebrate both Pride Month and Juneteenth at events on Beacon Hill and in the district, featuring music, speeches, and inspirational young leaders.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report to learn more about the legislation the Senate recently passed, the bills on the Governor’s desk and the laws she signed, a recap of Pride Month and Juneteenth celebrations, details on upcoming July events in the district, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service, 

Senator Becca Rausch 

Continue reading this edition of Senator Rausch's report newsletter

https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18253648

Reminder: Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss - June 28

On Sunday, June 28, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Needham.‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Hi neighbor, On Sunday, June 28, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Needham. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear updates on how I’m working to represent the district’s values and priorities. Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss   Sunday, June 28 2:00pm – 3:00pm Needham, MA Doors will open at 1:30pm.  Location provided upon RSVP HERE. *By registering for this event, you grant our office permission to send you future communications and updates. Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss

Last Franklin School Committee Newsletter to close out the 2025-2026 School Year

The final Franklin School Committee Newsletter for the 2025-2026 school year is out now!

We wish you a happy and safe Summer.

Read the Newsletter Here: https://aptg.co/C4XTbJ

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, June 26, 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 Chalkboard Chat with School Committee members Reis Hansen & Stephen Stephen Karunakaran https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/reis-stephen-recap-june-9-school.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 June 26, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

8:30 am Frank Presents: Shane J. Hopkins

10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Sisters United Against Cancer

11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 2

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Party Chicken

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Ep 1 06-11-26

4:30 pm Memorial Day 2026

6:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Heartland Radio

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Seth Glier

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

7:00 am Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Chorus & Orchestra

8:30 am Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

9:30 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26

11:00 am Washington Street 5th Grade Graduation 2026

1:00 pm Middle School 6th Grade Chorus & Orchestra

3:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Leominster 05-31-26

8:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 05-14-26

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 05-14-26

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, June 25, 2026 ???

Thursday, June 25

3:00pm    Library & Senior Center close early

3:00pm Watch Party (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm Watch Party: Ecuador vs. Germany (Hayward Manor)

5:00pm    Nautilus Center for Mental Health -. Grand Opening/Open House event   (Middlesex Bank building)

7:00pm Watch Party: Tunisia vs Netherlands (Hayward Manor)

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/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

***   Town Meetings today ***

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, June 25 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06252026-2359 

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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

Caleigh Keating Named 2026 Commonwealth Heroine by MA State Women’s Commission

Franklin resident Caleigh Keating was recently honored as a 2026 Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Women’s Commission. Nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (Franklin-D), Ms. Keating was recognized alongside other distinguished women from around the Commonwealth at the State House on June 24th, 2026. 

Caleigh is the heartbeat behind the Children’s Programming at the Franklin Public Library. She holds the title of Youth Services Librarian and has been in that position since 2016. In her time there, Caleigh has transformed the public meeting rooms into an enchanted space where thousands of children look forward to summer reading, Saturday music classes, practicing public speaking in front of therapy dogs, engaging in baby-wearing dance parties, and feeling connected to their community. 

Under Caleigh’s thoughtful leadership, the Franklin Public Library has over 10,000 visitors annually and has lending opportunities for all learners. In addition to her time spent in the library, Caleigh has created a mobile program for those homebound, multi-language, and is the visiting librarian for each of the public schools.

“I'm honored to nominate Caleigh Keating as a 2026 Commonwealth Heroine,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy.  “Her never-ending work at the Franklin Public Library creates a safe and engaging learning environment that is open and accessible to all the young people in the community. Her efforts have cemented her status as an upstanding pillar of the community and displays a perfect representation of a Commonwealth Heroine.”  

“The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make all the difference in their communities,” said MCSW Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt. “Thousands of women in every community across the Commonwealth perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live. Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators - they are the glue that keeps a community together.”

This year, the Class of 2026 Commonwealth Heroines is comprised of a historic 145 women from across the state, the largest class awarded to date by the MCSW. These women are leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more, and their work truly makes a difference in our local communities all across the state. Elected officials are encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service, who are making a big difference in their communities but not necessarily making the news.

The full listing of CommonWealth Heroines can be found - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/congratulations-caleigh-keating-you-are.html

Colin Manocchino Jazz and Rowboat scheduled to perform at the Farmers Market - June 26

Concerts on the Common - Colin Manocchino Jazz and Rowboat are performing at the Farmers Market this week from 3 - 7:30 pm!

Thank you @franklinculturalcouncil02038 and @masscultural for sponsoring

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1D4BvEHrhU/

Franklin Food Pantry Honored with the Agency Partner Award at The Greater Boston Food Bank’s GBFB Awards

On June 11, The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), New England’s largest hunger-relief organization, honored the individuals and organizations that demonstrated extraordinary leadership in 2025 in support of its anti-hunger mission at its GBFB Awards event. Awardees represent those who partnered with GBFB through food donations, volunteerism, advocacy, philanthropic support and agency partnerships, helping ensure families and individuals across Eastern Massachusetts have access to nutritious food.

Amber Baur, Chair of the Franklin
Food Pantry Board of Directors

As part of this year’s celebration, GBFB honored the Franklin Food Pantry with the Agency Partner of the Year Award, which recognizes an emergency feeding program that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling GBFB’s mission. The Franklin Food Pantry serves more than 1,200 individuals each month and distributed 495,000 pounds of food through its partnership with GBFB in 2025, playing a critical role in expanding access to food in the region.

The organization stands out for its focus on providing nutritious, balanced food and a client-centered experience. Recognized in 2025 as a Healthy Pantry Leader, the designation reflects Franklin’s commitment to increasing access to nutritious foods through intentional sourcing, distribution, and programming. The pantry offers a wide variety of produce, dry goods, meat, and dairy with a focus on nutritious options, and operates a market-style distribution model designed to provide a dignified and accessible experience for clients. During the summer months, the pantry also partners with local gardeners to provide additional fresh produce to the community.

“We are deeply honored to be named the Greater Boston Food Bank’s Agency Partner of the Year,” said Amber Baur, Chair of the Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors. “Food insecurity is at an all-time high and continues to rise. The Greater Boston Food Bank’s leadership and ongoing engagement help make our daily work of meeting the need for food assistance in the Franklin community possible, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership.”

Amber Baur, Chair of the Franklin
Food Pantry Board of Directors

Food insecurity remains an urgent and widespread challenge in Massachusetts. GBFB’s sixth annual Massachusetts Food Access Report, released in April 2026 in collaboration with Mass General Brigham, revealed that a record 40 percent of Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity in 2025, increasing from 37 percent in 2024 and doubling since 2019.

“The Franklin Food Pantry is a trusted resource for so many families, and its impact is felt every day in the community it serves,” said GBFB President and CEO Catherine D’Amato. “At a time when more households across Massachusetts are facing impossible tradeoffs to afford basic needs, partners like Franklin Food Pantry are helping us keep pace with rising demand and ensure consistent access to nutritious food in their community. This pantry is a model for responsive, community-driven hunger-relief, and we are honored to recognize their leadership this year.”

Originally established in 2003 as the Partner Appreciation Awards, this year’s GBFB Awards highlighted seven individuals and organizations chosen from GBFB’s network of volunteers, public officials, donors, food distribution partners and advocates who have shown dedication to mitigating the food insecurity crisis and providing wide-ranging contributions to support hunger relief efforts in Eastern Massachusetts.

GBFB also recognized Garelick Farms as Food Donor of the Year after donating more than 380,000 pounds of nutritious dairy products in 2025. Takeda was named Corporate Partner of the Year for contributing nearly $6.5 million and volunteering more than 800 hours over a two-decade partnership. Attorney General Andrea Campbell was honored as Advocate of the Year for leading a coalition of 26 states in a landmark lawsuit against the USDA and mounting a decisive legal defense of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the fall government shutdown.

About The Greater Boston Food Bank: 

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and one of the largest food banks in the country. For nearly half a century, GBFB has fueled Eastern Massachusetts’ hunger-relief system, putting nearly 90 million healthy meals on tables across the region each year. Over 600 community-based pantries and other local partners in 190 cities and towns depend on GBFB to provide access to healthy food for 600,000 people every month. 

GBFB is committed to the belief that access to healthy food is a human right regardless of an individual’s circumstances. Through policy, partnerships, and providing free, nutritious, and culturally responsive food, GBFB is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while promoting racial, gender and economic equity in food access. Together, we have the power to end hunger here. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.

About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,880 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Distribution, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. 

The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.

Dean College graduate and filmmaker Maximilian Kent to share Goddard's story

"Dean College graduate Maximilian Kent found himself fascinated with space flight, and while on staff for the school's newspaper, the Dean Daily, Kent reached out to NASA and received press clearance to cover the SpaceX Crew 10 launch in March 2025. Kent went on to create Countdown to Launch, to foster great interest in space exploration.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/franklin-tv-it-aint-rocket-science.html

Kent went on to coproduce and direct the 30-minute film, "Space Man," dramatizing Worcester native Robert Goddard's launch of the first liquid fuel rocket on March 16, 1926. At an event at the Pakachoag Gold Course in Auburn, where Goddard launched the rock at what was then a family farm, Kent met Travis Wohlrab, a public communications specialist at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The meeting led to plans to screen the film June 27 and 30 at the NASA Goddard Visitor Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The June 27 screening is free to the public; the June 30 screening is for NASA staff."

Continue reading the article  (subscription may be required)

https://www.telegram.com/story/lifestyle/columns/2026/06/24/last-call-maximilian-kent-filmmaker-moon-man/90647144007/

Electric Youth (EY) to release new single Friday (6/26/26); share 2026 European Tour dates

Every year, Electric Youth (EY) have the privilege of having an a cappella single arranged, recorded, and edited by Broadway’s @jimhogan220 of a cappella sensation @t.3official !!

We can’t wait to share this year’s with you this Friday (6/26/26)!

Pre-save now!!

and the 2026 European tour dates 

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ-5lekRBcV/

and shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ5dTHJxiD0/