Franklin Matters

Friday, September 4, 2020

Hockomock Area YMCA Out of School Time (OST) Support Programs Pre-Registration Opens

With local schools in Franklin, Bellingham and Milford operating hybrid or remote, the Bernon Family Branch YMCA in Franklin will fill the gaps to ensure kids have safe places to learn during the school day while parents are managing their own work and schedule commitments. Out of School Time (OST) provides full day in-person learning assistance and additional enrichment programming for grades K-6. OST full day programs will take place in both Franklin and Milford. We offer 3 or 5 day options running from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (until 5:00 pm in Milford), with optional extended care available in Franklin.

YMCA staff will assist students in their school assignments using their own Chromebook and headset, assist with questions during remote learning, and help to keep them on track as they connect with their teachers online. During class breaks and after school work is completed, the Y team will engage students with enrichment and physical activities.

Safety is our top priority, and the COVID safety protocols we'll use are based on procedures developed for our successful Summer Camp and Emergency Child Care programs that allowed our Hockomock Area YMCA branches to safely provide care for over 700 kids during the past six months.

OST PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

FRANKLIN (available for Franklin, Bellingham and Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School students):

OST runs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $300 per week)
OST runs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $180 per week)

MILFORD (at Milford Youth Center, 24 Pearl Street, Milford):

OST runs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $250 per week)
OST runs 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $150 per week)

EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE IN FRANKLIN:

Runs 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $50 per week or free to Hockomock Area YMCA members)
Runs 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $30 per week or free to Hockomock Area YMCA members)

Note: use promo code BEFOREANDAFTER to avoid paying our registration fee twice – for any child you have already enrolled in OST.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Our Y offers programs and services to all regardless of ability to pay. Our financial assistance program is available to those who need support and for those that qualify. Download our financial assistance brochure pdf here (https://www.hockymca.org/shared/docs/financial-assistance-application.pdf).

Use promo code VOUCHER$50 during registration if you are using a state voucher

Use promo code ROFY$25 during registration if you currently receive a Hockomock Area YMCA scholarship

HOW TO REGISTER

Currently, we are accepting $50 deposits. We offe

Hockomock Area YMCA Out of School Time (OST)

r a 5% discount for siblings, and will be applied automatically upon the start of the billing cycle. Following enrollment at the link below, please keep an eye out for our email with required next steps. An email will be sent within three business days. Included will be forms that you must complete and return to your local Hockomock Area YMCA or via scanned email. Though they may have been responded to in the online pre-registration, the forms must be completed in their entirety. Once we review your forms, only then can we contact you to confirm your student's enrollment.

** CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW FOR OUT OF SCHOOL TIME **: Franklin | Milford

For questions or more information, please contact us at 508-643-5243 or schoolsout2@hockymca.org, or visit us at https://www.hockymca.org/out-of-school-time-support/.

Commonwealth Magazine: "Baker targets 5 hotspots with ed campaign"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"THE BAKER ADMINISTRATION is launching a new, fairly basic COVID-19 education campaign targeting the five communities hardest hit by the virus.
Gov. Charlie Baker said the campaign will promote the use of masks, social distancing, and the avoidance of larger gatherings. The campaign will run in multiple languages, on billboards and social media, in Chelsea, Everett, Lawrence, Lynn, and Revere – communities where the rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people puts them in the high-risk category. (For a story on the latest town-by-town rankings, click here.)
Special teams will also be dispatched to the five communities – at 15 locations over the Labor Day weekend – reminding people of what they need to do to reduce the spread of the disease.
The five communities have struggled with COVID-19 since the beginning. Analysts have suggested the communities have been hard hit because residents tend to live in crowded apartments; to work essential jobs that require them to physically go to an office or a shop, often on public transit; and to cope with underlying health conditions that are exacerbated by pollution and other environmental factors. The five communities also have a high percentage of immigrants, who may not speak English."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-targets-5-hotspots-with-ed-campaign/

This week's local community COVID-19 status report

https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-september-2-2020/download

Gov Baker's press conf link = https://youtu.be/waE3cvazQRo

In the News: Franklin vote completes after midnight Thursday (Friday morning)

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"On Thursday afternoon, Debra O’Malley, a spokesperson with Secretary of State William Galvin’s office, said 3,000 full ballots had been misplaced in Franklin and went uncounted on election night. The same thing happened with about 750 ballots in Newton and 100 ballots in Wellesley.
Because ballots must be counted in view of the public, and on election night, tabulating the missing ballots after that day required a Suffolk Superior Court order, which the Secretary’s office says was granted at about 5 p.m. Wednesday night.
Previous reports put the number of uncounted ballots in Franklin at about 600."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200903/updated-it-has-been-determined-more-than-3000-ballots-have-not-been-counted-in-franklin-after-more-boxes-of-ballots-are-found?rssfeed=true

Boston Globe article

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/04/metro/ap-declares-jake-auchincloss-winner-fourth-district-democratic-primary/

Commonwealth Magazine article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/glitches-mar-tuesdays-election/

Why did it take so long? The manual process of counting is not efficient

"Fed said that restaurants in Boston are 'faring worse than the rest of the state'.”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Al fresco dining has become an important part of the restaurant industry in Massachusetts, having “dramatically increased” when state government prohibited indoor dining to slow the spread of the coronavirus, analysts at the Federal Reserve Bank said.
In its latest Beige Book, which draws information from banking and business contacts, the Fed highlighted that more than one-third of restaurant sales in Massachusetts this summer came from outdoor dining, which it said “is unusual in Massachusetts where fewer than 20% of restaurants had outdoor dining options before the pandemic.”
While restaurants in coastal areas operated at roughly 75% of typical sales on average through the summer months, the Fed said that restaurants in Boston are “faring worse than the rest of the state.”
Restaurants were allowed to resume indoor dining in June, but many eateries have expanded into outdoor spaces in order to serve customers who might not yet be comfortable venturing indoors for a meal during the pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200903/fed-outdoor-dining-tied-to-one-third-of-restaurant-sales?rssfeed=true

3 Restaurant is one of several in Franklin offering outdoor dining

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Town Council Recap: Sep 2, 2020 - Building Dept update, plot line changes approved, gifts accepted

Recap: The Town Council heard from the Building Commissioner, Gus Brown as he provided an update on the work of the department and coordination with Planning, Planning Board, ZBA, Inspections, etc. The presentation included photos of the variety of projects worked on recently.

This is one of a series of department updates to the Town Council to increase awareness of the work being done by some of the 'less known' departments. Board of Health coming up next.

The 4th set in the series of plot line zoning changes was covered in a public hearing and then ultimately moved to a second reading. Over time a particular plot of land may have ended up straddling 2 or in some cases 3 or more zoning categories. This clean up moves the plot into a single zone.

The Town Council approved a series of donations. They also accepted a sewer line extension for a single property off Daniels St not currently served by sewer and where the ground can not handle a septic system.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0902
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0902?src=hashtag_click

Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc0902 Chair Tom Mercer opens with the meeting statement and protocol. Meeting is available via local cable Verizon/Comcast and live stream via Town website
Statement from Town Clerk on a number of early voting ballots not counted as of last night, the matter is being addressed and the results will be shared when available #tc0902
Citizens comments: Dale Kurtz reminding bricks on sale for veteran walkway #tc0902 Laura Stevens speaking about kitchen use when she doesn't have a commercial grade kitchen. Can't use shared space due to COVID-19 requirements.
Moving to approval of minutes from July 29, motion to approve via roll call 8-0 (1 absent - Earls) #tc0902 opening public hearing on lot line changes along Beaver and Oak St, 4th of this session. Previously voted on by planning board and EDC
Most of the property owned by Town where FHS and school complex is #tc0902 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf Abutters and owners notified prior
Bissanti raises concern on reducing amount of Res 4 zoning. Zoning doesn't really apply to town property, usage or value doesn't change. Simplifies the zoning map as part of the overall plan. #tc0902 motion to close hearing, second, via roll 8-0 (1 absent - Earls)
Gus Brown, building commissioner to provide update. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._building_department_09-16-2020_tc_presentation_0.pdf doc linked here. #tc0902
FYI over 30 participants for the Zoom portion of the meeting, also available via cable via Verizon and Comcast as well as live streamed via Town web site #tc0902 Bruce Hunchard of ZBA speaks to their role
Viewpoint online permit process implemented in July 2019 if not the building permit process would really have stopped during COVID-19 #tc0902 thanks to multiple folks by Gus for their help in getting online.
Examples of work done #tc0902
More examples #tc0902
First of series of presentations scheduled for TC update, Board of Health coming up next. #tc0902 unregistered cars are not allowed on private property, some say one is, not ever is Gus' time has one been allowed.
"Change is a tough process but sometimes it is for the better" #tc0902 virtual inspections performed, pictures were taken and reviewed thoroughly, going back out now to sites where they do have pictures to confirm.
Pellegri can't remember a complaint during the time she worked with him as town clerk #tc0902 vacant property bylaw (not blight) did get money via fines from some of the banks, property owners for vacant property
Solar project in on Spring st will be paved to the new parking lot for access to both SNETT and Town forest trails. The rest of Spring st will be decommissioned sometime #tc0902 Jamie provides updates on solar project
Audience opportunity, no one takes it up. Gus makes closing comments thanks Jamie for leadership and Council for guidance #tc0902
Moving to subcommittee reports; budget meeting 9/16 . EDC met earlier tonight recorded and broadcast Chandler joined to take Earls place
Motion on gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-51_-_veterans_department_gift.pdf #tc9902 seconded, passed 8-0 (1 absent) Attny Cerel chimed in that with all Council present no need for roll call This closes VFW info for the walkway, xfers funds to Town; ledger coming to help with location
#tc0902 motion on change of date from Nov 11 to the 4th https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-52_updated_2020_tc_schedule.pdf Motion carried 8-0 (1 absent)
#tc0902 regular transfer of cable funds to cable group https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-53_-_peg_funds.pdf Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
#tc0902 motion to accept gift for senior center https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_20-54_gift_acceptance_-_senior_center.pdf Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
#tc0902 acceptance of deed and easement https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-55_roadway_easement_-_rossi.pdf motion passes 8-0 (1 absent) housekeeping issue, easement referenced but not formally declared previously compensation was made 20 years ago
#tc0902 zoning bylaw for the plot line changes for the public hearing earlier in this session. Move to 2nd reading https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0 (1 absent)
#tc0902 sewer system extension proposal https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20g._bylaw_amendment_20-859_-_sewer_system_extension_100_daniels_street.pdf Motion to move to second reading, seconded, passes 8-0 (1 absent) property owner has no other options. Owner will maintain line; consider a public extension? Would require pump station for public
Town administrator report, all set. Requesting item for beer, wine licenses for consideration during this pandemic. #tc0902 Councilor comments, Chandler thanks for EDC Davis Thayer study? Jamie to forward link. Chandler censured on facebook for first time. Hamblen grants coming
Pellegri questions on report of museum, good reminder report should be forthcoming. Time spent initially on getting the vendor contract signed. CPA info session coming up Sep 8. #tc0902 unfunded mandates from schools? Jones asked before and hasn't seen yet.
Mercer on south meeting house, light on? Can we turn it off? Or for safety? #tc0902 Gus Brown came back to thank the town folks and contractors for their patience. Motion to adjourn, passed 8-0. That's all tonight, catch you next time

Town Council agenda doc https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-2.html

Photos captured during the virtual meeting broadcast https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Fc56adksVZyJvt1A

Building Commissioner Gus Brown

EDC Meeting Recap: "Franklin First", QR codes, and complete streets discussed

Recap: Brief update on re-opening provided at beginning of meeting. Grant application being readied for distribution, possible next week.

Shift to the market study and picking up on prior meeting discussion of placements at restaurants, adding QR codes to help with finding things, a “Franklin First” campaign in the works to help foster buying local.

Complete streets and the details around it reviewed, some of the impact seen with the rework on the Main St and downtown project completed a couple of years ago. Would be a policy (not a bylaw) to help address planning for the street to consider all modes of transit (rather than just the auto which is prevalent today).

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0902
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0902&src=typeahead_click

Shifting to real time reporting underway for EDC meeting which had just started at 5:45 PM #edc0902
"Franklin First" campaign in the planning stages to help foster local buy, better linkage between cultural district and town page (as foreshadowed in Cultural District meeting) #edc0902
Touting QR codes, do they realize (1) most devices don't read them (2) a major security issue is opened. #edc0902
If you're not aware of QR codes, this link on Wikipedia can help explain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code #edc0902
QR codes being proposed as an additional items to help with navigation and info finding #edc0902
Website being touted as never done, actually seems to be referring to Cultural District page (Not Town page) which raises questions about what is the cultural district?
Tapping into Metro West visitors bureau and other regional/state orgs to help with marketing in print, web, social, etc. #edc0902 an increase of biking seen in this pandemic period, work on 'complete streets' coordinate with traffic lights to get activated by bikes
Policy proposal would need to be accepted by planning board and town Council #edc0902 complete streets would require all uses of the road would be considered, currently car is priority for road construction.
The state is already complete streets planning, some of the road work we're doing is also complete streets (as in road narrowing) #edc0902 need to get credit for what they are doing. Framework and guidance doc, not a bylaw
Meeting adjourned, getting ready for #3; Town Council up at 7 PM #edc0902. #tc0902

The EDC agenda can be found online https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-economic-development.html

Photos captured during the meeting and shared with the Twitter thread can be found here

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bXGKVDGEQte4r6EB7

Councilor Brian Chandler new member of the EDC gestures in asking a question

Board of Health Recap - Sep 2, 2020

Recap: The Franklin, MA Board of Health discussed and approved a tiered penalty structure for violations of COVID-19 emergency order to be effective Sep 8, 2020.

The interns presented the plan for distribution of the flu shots and potentially for the coronavirus vaccine. Workflow, materiel order sheets, workstation supply sheets, etc. It seems comprehensive. Copy not available other than via screen captures during the meeting.

Some other items of business were reviewed briefly before the meeting closed with kudos to the interns for their work on the planning.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0902
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0902&src=typeahead_click

Real time reporting underway for Board of Health meeting #boh0902 discussion on process for board to enforce the emergency order, warning and escalation of fine per offense proposed.
Agenda for this meeting on the Town webpage #boh0902 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-9-2-20_2.pdf
Tiered penalty; written warning for first offense, $100 for next, $200 as next, $300 as next violation. Proposal being voted on to be effective 9/8/20 motion made, seconded, passed 3-0 #boh0902
Interns presenting on emergency drive through service (EDS) #boh0902
More slides from presentation Dec, not all included #boh0902
Presentation covers process if and when Town would set up to distribute flu vaccine and later for the potential of a COVID Vaccine #boh0902
Annual report section submitted for town annual report; EEE being watched, we are good so far. #boh0902 meeting adjourned

Photos captured during the live broadcast can be found on this online folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qc92AJ3sK3CLNK6r5

designs for signs to be used in the distribution process

You can help with the Franklin Voter's Guide update for November's Election

The Franklin Voter's Guide is being updated for the November election. This time the group developing the guide is looking to get questions for the candidates sourced from Franklin residents and voters.

Please take a couple of minutes to respond. This is only a two question survey.

What are the most important issues for you in the State Senate and State Representative races?

If you could pass the survey on or circulate to your friends and neighbors, that would be great.

Survey link = https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T5TGPQH

You can help with the Franklin Voter's Guide update for November's Election

The Franklin Voter's Guide for the Primary was previously shared here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-community-2020-voting-guide.html

Commonwealth Magazine: "COVID-19 situation worsens over last 2 weeks" in MA

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"THE STATE’S COVID-19 situation worsened over the last two weeks, with the number of high-risk communities holding steady and the number of moderate-risk communities growing from 30 to 48.
Using the state’s measuring stick of cases per 100,000 people, high risk, or red communities, are those having more than 8 cases per 100,000; moderate risk, or yellow communities, are those with between 4 and 8 cases per 100,000, and low risk anything below 4.
Statewide, the number of cases per 100,000 people over the two-week period ending September 2 increased slightly from 4.0 to 4.2. For comparison purposes, Massachusetts restricted travel from Rhode Island when that state saw its cases per 100,000 people go above 5.
The number of red communities during the most recent two-week period dropped from 9 to 8, with Brockton and Sutton moving from the high-risk to moderate-risk category and the tiny town of Westhampton moving from low risk to high risk due to a surge in cases."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/covid-19-situation-worsens-over-last-2-weeks/

The MA COVID-19 reporting dashboard https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-dashboard-september-2-2020/download

The local MA community reporting as of Wednesday, Sep 2 https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-september-2-2020/download

Commonwealth Magazine: "COVID-19 situation worsens over last 2 weeks" in MA

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities in Facilities and DPW

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.

Assistant Town Engineer - Department of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/asst-town-engineer-job-posting-sept2020.pdf

Junior Custodian - Franklin Public Schools Facilities Department

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/jr-custodian-posting-august312020.pdf

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-july272020.pdf

Water Operations Person (L4) - Department of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/l4-water-operations-externalposting-august2020.pdf

Recycling Center Laborer - Department of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-july272020.pdf

Substitute Custodian

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-july272020.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf) instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here (https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe).

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities in Facilities and DPW

In the News: 4th District race too close to call; Franklin still counting

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The identity of the Democratic nominee from the 4th Congressional District hung in limbo, unresolved, throughout the day Wednesday as Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss clung to a small, but significant lead, and state officials sought to make sure every vote got counted.
Auchincloss, a Marine veteran and moderate Democrat, led his closest competitor Jesse Mermell, a progressive former adviser to Gov. Deval Patrick, by a little over 1,500 votes with over 96% of the vote tallied.
Competing with five others, the two emerged after Tuesday’s in-person primary voting as the leading contenders to win the Democratic nomination in the district currently represented by U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III. Mermell racked up her votes in the liberal suburbs west of Boston, winning handily in her hometown of Brookline and places like Needham, Wellesely and Dover."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200902/4th-district-vote-count-continues-with-auchincloss-leading-mermell?rssfeed=true

"Election officials in Franklin are still working on Wednesday evening to count the ballots from state primary on Tuesday.

Franklin is the only community in the 4th Congressional District that has not announced unofficial results and many are awaiting the results with baited breath because the leaders in the race are separated by 1,506 votes, according an Associated Press tally. Jake Auchincloss appeared to be holding on to the slim lead over his closest competitor Jesse Mermell, a progressive one-time Brookline selectwoman and former head of the Alliance for Business Leadership.

The delay is because of the large volume of early and mail-in ballots they received, according to Franklin Town Clerk Teresa Burr. Franklin was among the towns that elected not to do the “central tabulation,” instead electing to handle the early and mail-in ballots on Election Day. Burr said they will be reevaluating that for November.

.....

Galvin’s court petition said there were approximately 751 ballots that had been received via drop box in Newton late on Tuesday and not delivered to the polls to be counted. In Wellesley, there are about 50 overseas ballots and 50 early and mail-in ballots yet to be counted. Another 600 ballots in Franklin had been stored in a vault and were never removed and delivered to precincts on Tuesday for counting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200902/franklin-election-officials-continued-to-count-ballots-on-wednesday?rssfeed=true

Related article in Commonwealth Magazine

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/auchincloss-leads-mermell-but-count-not-final/

In the News: 4th District race too close to call; Franklin still counting

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Franklin Public Library: September 2020 Newsletter

September 2020 Franklin Public Library Newsletter

Library News

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Franklin Public Library will not be resuming Sunday hours in September.

The Franklin Library is open for Curbside Pickup! Make your request online in our catalog. Wait until you receive an email, text or call that your holds are ready. You may also check your Minuteman account online. If the items are checked out to you, they are ready for pickup. Pick up is in the vestibule at the Parking Lot Ramp entrance Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you need assistance, please call the Circulation Desk at 508-520-4941. The building is still closed to the public, but staff are available to answer questions and emails Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In observance of Labor Day, Curbside Pickup will not be available Monday, September 7th.

No donations are being accepted at this time. Please do not place them in the return bins or outside the building.

Miss browsing the Library's stacks? Need some new book recommendations? We have you covered! Sign up for NextReads Newsletters and receive customized new book reccommendations. Visit NoveList Plus to find readalikes and genre lists for fiction, nonfiction and audiobooks for all ages.

We are living in a time in history that will be remembered and discussed for generations. The Library would like to collect images of Franklin's experiences, ranging from the good to the challenging. Please share with us images of your experience during the Covid-19 pandemic and staying at home. Add your images to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #FranklinStaysHome. We will get through this together!

Programs for Children and Teens

Weekly Facebook Live Events for Kids! (https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary/)

Wake Up Wiggles! Mondays 9:15AM

Tummy Time for Babies! Tuesdays @9:30AM

email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for Tummy Time!

Zoom Cool Cruisers! (Music and movement!) Tuesdays @4:00PM

email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for Cool Cruisers!

Tummy Time for Babies! Thursdays @9:30AM

email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for Tummy Time!

Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @4:00PM

Zoom Book Club for Kids Grades 3-5 (weekly on Wednesday afternoons at 3:30PM)

Kids in Grades 3-5! Join us for awesome book discussions and fun activities! We are currently reading the 39 Clues Book 2 (One False Note by Gordon Korman) and having a blast trying to solve all the mysteries and make predictions with this thrilling series! Email ckeating@minlib.net to get involved!

Reader's Choice Zoom Book Club for Teens!

Join a group of avid readers as we choose a YA book or series to read together and then discuss over zoom! This casual book club meets on zoom at the convenience of the members, and we decide what to read together, and LOVE getting recommendations! Email ckeating@minlib.net to get involved!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month on Zoom @7:30PM!

Teens! Want to get involved at the library from a distance? Join us as we plan teen-centric events, book displays, revamp our website and more! The perfect way to earn community service hours remotely! Email ckeating@minlib.net to get involved!

Stay tuned for our NEW Fall Storywalk, coming to DelCarte Reservation this month!

Enjoy a socially distant story out in the fresh air with your loved ones!

Programs for Adults

Kitchen Table Art Workshop: Gel Printing, Sunday, September 27, 3:00 p.m.

Gel plate printing is a simple and spontaneous way to produce your own original prints! Each time we want to "pull a print" we will ink-up a gel plate (provided) and mark a design in textures and patterns. The workshop is an intro to printing art papers for collage, wrapping paper, mono prints for an accordion book and more. The process and projects are limitless.

Kitchen Table Art Workshops (KTAW) are on-line open studios intended to foster creativity and encourage experimentation in the safety of our homes while being socially and artistically connected. We will take turns sharing our creations as we work together in an on-line meeting. Participants are asked to help create an atmosphere where we all feel open to exchange conversation and inspire each other's individual freedom of expression. So – let's say yes to our creativity by coming together online to make art!

Each workshop experience is unique. For each workshop a special kit of materials and tools to create during the workshop is supplied. Artists are welcome to add their own tools and materials and will sometimes be asked to supply items commonly found around their home. The workshops are for adult and young adult artists, non-artists, and emerging creatives from all fields. No prior art experience is necessary, but experienced artists may self-select how they would like to proceed after I have presented my methods.

The number of kits for each workshop are limited to the first 15 confirmed registrants. Additional participants may make up their own kit with a provided supply list and participate in the on-line meeting. Zoom will be the platform used for the meetings.

Registration is required. Once registered you will receive a confirmation email followed shortly by another email with either instructions about picking up your kit OR you will receive a supply list to put together your own kit. All registrants will receive the link to connect to the (Zoom) workshop.

Kits will be available for pick up 1-2 weeks before the workshop. The kits for the Franklin Public Library sponsored workshops will be available to pick-up curbside at the library.

To register go to www.thecreativitycurator.com . Email questions to Jacqueline Volpe at thecreativitycurator@gmail.com. Please register early if you would like to receive one of the pre-made kits since quantities are limited, likewise, register early so you have time to collect items on the supply list to make your own DIY kit.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 p.m.

The book for discussion is The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett

At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves. Cyril's son Danny and his older sister Maeve are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another.

A limited number of copies of the book will be available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEscuqupjgoGd0XAfQuUAIIChGwkzLwWWsx

Online Resources

Even though we are closed to the public, the Library still has so much to offer! Here are updates and information regarding the Library's services during this closure:

Our digital library is still open! Explore our collection of audiobooks, ebooks, and more at https://minuteman.overdrive.com/ . On your phone or tablet, download the Libby and Minuteman Library Network apps!

Try out Kanopy, hoopla, Creativebug, and Consumer Reports on the Featured Databases page (exclusively available to Franklin residents).
Learn something new, find articles for school assignments, read newspapers like the New York Times, or pick up a new skill using the links on our Databases & Research Resources page.
Don't have a Library card? Apply for one online here https://library.minlib.net/selfreg ! This will give you access to all of our online resources and apps.
Tune in to our Facebook page for streaming storytimes, book discussions, and other live programs. https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary/
For email Reference service, or help with your library account, send questions to frkill@minlib.net . Inquiries will be answered within 24 hours.

Fun free apps for book fans: Litsy is Instagram for bibliophiles. Post photos of your favorite books, write a review, share a quote, and create a "stack" of TBRs. Catch up on your classics with Serial Reader! This app breaks up classic novels into short, 20 minute or less, reads. If you allow notifications, it will alert you when it's time to read the next chapter.

Would you like a virtual escape to a world class art museum? Check out Google Arts & Culture. Walk the halls of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence or the London's Victoria & Albert Museum with just the click of your mouse. You can also search by artist or art movement.