Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, September 6 for Labor Day. Sunday hours will resume September 12th. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:30-5:00 p.m.
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, September 17, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 18, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, September 18, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Room Reservations
Starting September 1st, the Study Room and Conference Room will require reservations. Please visit https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/reserve-room to check for availability. Room usage is limited to two hours per day. The Friends of the Franklin Library Room is also available to be reserved as of September 1st. The Meeting Room is still not available at this time. To view the Town of Franklin's Municipal Use Policy, please visit https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/municipal_fa... . For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .
Friends of the Franklin Library News
In 2021, the Friends of the Franklin Library have donated $4,890 to the Franklin Library. Of those funds, $4000 has supported children's and adult programs. The remaining $890 was used to renew the Mass Audubon pass, and to purchase tickets to The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA in memory of Ellie Crothers.
Congratulations to Angelina Silva-Perez! She is the recipient of the 2021 Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship. Angelina graduated from Franklin High School this spring, and received a scholarship in the amount of one thousand dollars.
Recent Donations
The Franklin Library Association has donated $71,474 to the Franklin Library in 2021. The funds are being used for the preservation, digitization, and restoration of the Library's historical collections and paintings.
DCU Bank donated $5000 to the Franklin Library to support Library services and programs.
The Mom's Club of Franklin North donated $100 to the Library in support of children's programs.
Thank you all for your incredibly generous donations! The Franklin Public Library is grateful to have such amazing benefactors.
Genealogy News
Franklin Public Library has been named an Affiliate Library by FamilySearch, the non-profit genealogy research organization. A major benefit of being an affiliate library is access to additional digital records not available outside a family history center. These digital records include images and names indexes. Currently, there are about 400 million original records available in a digital format accessible by affiliate libraries.
Programs for Children and Teens
Weekly Events for Families!
Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM
This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!
Idea Club! Mondays @4:00PM
Join us for a weekly storytime celebration of all the ways we are different and wonderful! We'll read, sing, play and learn about our diverse world and talk about how we can make it kinder and more inclusive!
Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids! Mondays, 4:00-6:00PM (7+)
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 10 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!
Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (7+)
Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!
Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30AM
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!
Get Ready for Kindergarten! Tuesdays @10:30AM (3–5)
This 45 minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and crafts will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten. Parents and caregivers can attend with their child if they wish. No registration required!
Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM
Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.
Terrific Toddlers! Wednesdays @10:30AM (18 mos–3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities for families and children from birth to age 3. No registration required!
Chess Club for Kids! Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:00PM (8-13)
A fun and educational program for kids? What more could you ask for? Whether you are new to the game or are a more seasoned player, we invite all kids ages 8-13 to join us!
Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort!
Story and Craft, Thursdays @10:30AM (3+)
Join us for 30 minutes of themed stories, songs, and movement followed by 30 minutes of craft and sensory play. For children ages 3 and up that can attend on their own. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room.
Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @ 4:00PM
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!
Doggie Tales! 1st Thursday of the Month (Sept 2) @4:30 PM (1st grade +)
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email bcomeau@minlib.net to sign up!
Baby-Wearing Dance Party! Alternating Fridays @9:00AM (September 10 & September 24)
Strap your little one in and join us for music and movement together! Bond with your baby in a fun, active way for this half-hour program!
Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (3-5) (September 3 & September 17)
Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using very basic ballet moves. We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected!
Moving Machines! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (0-5) (September 10 & September 24)
This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities with a mechanical theme! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!
Special Events for Kids & Families
Book Bingo Challenge! September 1st - October 1st!
Collect your BINGO board at the Children's Room Desk and play along all month long! Complete a row in any direction and win a special bookmark! Complete the entire board and win a prize pack!!
Library-Wide Scavenger Hunt! Saturday, September 4th @1:00PM
Assemble your team and take on the ultimate scavenger hunt in the library! How well do you think you know the Franklin Public Library? Bring your family, or grab your friends and see how many items on our epic list you can locate before time runs out!
Fortnite Free 4 All! ONLINE Saturday, September 4th, 4:00-6:00PM
Fortnite Tournaments have been taken to the next level! See how you measure up against other local battle royale competitors in this FREE Private Custom Matchmaking Tournament, courtesy of One Up Games, Franklin Public Library and Epic Games! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!
Dahlicious Scavenger Hunt! September 10th -13th
Celebrate Roald Dahl's birthday with a special scavenger hunt! Search around the children's and teen rooms to find your favorite characters from Roald Dahl's beloved books!
Little Spark Theatre Creative Drama Class for Littles! Saturday September 11th @ 9:30AM
Come get silly with your little one! Creative drama is a process-focused form of theater that establishes the building blocks of performance. In this class we focus on senses, feelings, and movement through fun and imaginative play. Ideal for children ages 2-5!
Kids Paint Party! Saturday September 11th, 1:00-3:00PM
Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very one bookish masterpiece! Space is limited!! EMAIL bcomeau@minlib.net to reserve your spot.
New StoryWalk at DelCarte Park! Starting September 18th!
Starting on the morning of September 18th, you can find our newest StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation! Follow the trail while you enjoy Chirp! Chipmunk sings for a Friend by Jamie A. Swenson, illustrated by Scoot Magoon! Fun for the whole family!
Baby Sensory! Third Saturday of the Month @9:30AM (September 18th)
Join us for a 45 minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!)
Make with Miss Mitzi, Saturday September 18th @1:00PM
Calling ALL Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! All ages welcome! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!
Story Tellers Guild! Once a Month! 4:00-5:00 (7+)
A club for writers! Each month we meet to grow as story tellers through prompts, discussion, and sharing our creativity! Ideal for grades 3+
Gamer's Haven! Once a Month! 4:00-5:00PM (7+)
Monthly meeting of the local Gaming collective to make friends, talk games, and most importantly PLAY games.
Weekly / monthly Events for Teens
Girls Who Code! Tuesdays, 6th-12th Grade 6:00-7:00PM
A great introduction to coding languages and concepts while building the community and group work skills needed to excel! Whether you want to try something new, build on skills, make friends, or help someone else grow... Welcome to our club! Focus: Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and more.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please email mgousie@minlib.net to join!
Teen Book Bites! Weekly on Wednesdays, 5:30-PM
Teens! Bring along a snack and join us in the teen room each Wednesday for a casual chat about what we're all reading!
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, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!
VolunTeens! 2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month, 6:00-7:00PM (6th-12th Grade)
An elite volunteering program for dedicated library volunteers, this program is designed to facilitate unique volunteer opportunities for committed teens to work on special library projects. You will learn all about event planning and execution, hone your creative and crafty skills, and build your resume!
For more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.
BOOKTOK YA Book Club! 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:30-7:30PM (8th-12 Grade)
Join us each month for snacks and refreshments as we discuss a different YA book each month, recommended by TikTok book lovers! Since we will be discussing YA titles, this group is recommended for students in Grades 8 and up, however anyone age 12 and up is welcome at their own (and their parents) discretion.
Resistance: a WWII Book Club for Teens, 3rd Thursday of the Month, 6:30PM
Whether it's your first time reading these titles, or they're old favorites, join us each month as we discuss a different WWII-based book. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! September's read: "Resistance" by Jennifer Nielsen!
Gamer's Haven! Once a Month! 4:00-5:00PM (Sept 24)
Monthly meeting of the local Gaming collective to make friends, talk games, and most importantly PLAY games.
Special Events for Teens
Library-Wide Scavenger Hunt! Saturday, September 4th @1:00PM
Assemble your team and take on the ultimate scavenger hunt in the library! How well do you think you know the Franklin Public Library? Bring your family, or grab your friends and see how many items on our epic list you can locate before time runs out!
Fortnite Free 4 All! ONLINE Saturday, September 4th, 4:00-6:00PM
Fortnite Tournaments have been taken to the next level! See how you measure up against other local battle royale competitors in this FREE Private Custom Matchmaking Tournament, courtesy of One Up Games, Franklin Public Library and Epic Games! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!
Teen Disney Trivia! Wednesday September 22nd @6:30PM
How big of a Disney fan are you? Bring your team and come test your knowledge of all things Disney, with snacks and prizes!
Teen 1940s Dance Party! Wednesday, September 29th @6:30PM
Put on your glad rags, pin up those victory curls and join us for a swinging good time at the first in a series of decade dance parties for teens! We'll be reliving some of the craziest decades through music, cosplay, and food!
Events for Adults
Library-Wide Scavenger Hunt! Saturday, September 4th @1:00PM
Assemble your team and take on the ultimate scavenger hunt in the library! How well do you think you know the Franklin Public Library? Bring your family, or grab your friends and see how many items on our epic list you can locate before time runs out!
Yoga with Bethany, Tuesday, September 7, 6:30 p.m.
Join Yoga Instructor Bethany Amatucci for a series of free yoga classes in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room. Participants are required to bring their own yoga mats. Blocks, a pillow, and a blanket are optional. No registration is required! For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala kshipala@minlib.net .
Discovery of a Masterpiece, Tuesday, September 7, 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Mallory Mortillaro serves as the Curator of Collections for the Hartley Dodge Foundation in Madison, NJ. While she was cataloging the artwork housed inside of the Hartley Dodge Memorial she uncovered a masterpiece that had been lost to the art world since the 1930's. After a year of research the piece was authenticated as an official work by Auguste Rodin. Mallory will share the story of how a simple art cataloging project evolved into a search for a mysterious piece's provenance, and became one of the biggest art finds in recent history. This program will take place on Zoom. To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlf-iurjsiHd2nRX8IalSqS79IkCW... .
Friction Farm Folk Duo, Wednesday, September 15, 6:30 p.m.
Modern-folk duo Friction Farm, is a husband and wife team of traveling troubadours. Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay, combine storytelling, social commentary and humor to create songs of everyday life, local heroes, and quirky observations. Their lyrically rich, harmony-driven songs earned them spots as Kerrville New Folk Finalists, Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists, and South Florida Folk Festival Songwriter winners. Friction Farm's latest CD, "Evidence of Hope", which reached #10 on the Folk Radio Chart, was written during that unplanned year at home during which they struggled to find hope in the most unlikely places. This performance is free and open to the public. For more information about Fiction Farm, please visit http://www.frictionfarm.com/ .
Andy & Judy, Sunday, September 19, 3:00 PM
Andy & Judy are a Contemporary Folk duo hailing from southeastern Mass. They play guitars, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and other instruments and have performed on Folk coffeehouse stages, in libraries, festivals and in retirement communities in 24 states. During a concert, Andy & Judy perform original songs in many different styles, such as traditional Folk, roots music, country swing or bluegrass. There is always an open invitation for the audience to participate by singing along, clapping or stomping to their original tunes. As contemporary folk singer/songwriters, Andy & Judy tell stories through song - many of which are based on historical events, times or places. Also, the audience will experience the tradition of folk singing as evidenced through their learning and singing of new songs in the spirit of community. They strive to write songs that are carefully crafted and performed so that the listener experiences all of the emotions woven into the music. This performance is free and open to the public. For more information about Andy & Judy, please visit http://www.andyjudysing.com/ .
Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, September 28, 7:00 p.m.
The book for discussion is Leave the World Behind, by Ruuman Alam.
Amanda and Clay head to a remote corner of Long Island expecting a vacation: a quiet reprieve from life in New York City, quality time with their teenage son and daughter, and a taste of the good life in the luxurious home they've rented for the week. The houseowners, Ruth and G. H., arrive in the middle of the night in a panic. They say a sudden blackout has swept the city: the TV and internet are down, and no cell phone service. Is the vacation home, isolated from civilization, a safe place for their families? And are they safe from one other?
For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . Book Club meetings are now taking place in-person at the Library.
Genealogy Club, Thursday, September 30, 6:30 p.m.
The Genealogy Club of the Franklin Public Library is a monthly program for genealogy enthusiasts, beginner and experienced alike. Each month a professional speaker will present the group with a lecture on a wide variety of family history and genealogy topics. This program is free and open to all who are interested. Meetings are scheduled for the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. There are no meetings scheduled in November, December, July or August.
Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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 on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
