May 2024 Franklin Library News & Events

**LIBRARY NEWS**

Library Hours
The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed Sunday, May 26^th and Monday May 27^th for Memorial Day.

Franklin Public Library’s 2024 Reading Challenge!
May: A book by an author whose first or last name begins with the letter “M”!
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's first Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

MyHeritage Library Edition - a must for genealogy research!
What's in the MyHeritage Library Edition?

Museum Passes
Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area’s most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, May 17^th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, May 18^th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 18^th, from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

**LIBRARY EVENTS**

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 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 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM
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 this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time! No registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required!

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 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! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required!

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! No registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)
Registration required per event. Register on the Calendar of Events!
Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own masterpiece!

This month’s projects are:

May 02 - Under the Seas with Ocean Animals

May 09 - Mexican Bark Painting

May 16 - “My Tree House”

May 23 - Garden of Flowers painting

May 30 - Art Show with Folded Puppets

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let’s play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for 30-minutes of creative movement and dancing fun! No registration required!

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let’s play some music and dance! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required!

Special Events for Kids & Families
 

Kids Take & Make:! Available Wednesday, May 1^st
Starting Wednesday, May 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Paper Plate Parrot Kit!
Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own tropical bird! The perfect bright and colorful craft! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Pen to Picture: A Graphic Novelist Panel! Saturday, May 4^th @1:00PM
Join us in partnership with the Franklin Public Middle Schools as we welcome writer, illustrator, and graphic novelist Jarrett J. Krosoczka to Franklin! Hear all about his creative process and participate in interactive breakout sessions. Photo ops and book signings too! Event made possible by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Doggie Tales! Monday, May 6^th @ 4:00PM (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. Register on our website to reserve your spot.

My Lady & Me Jewelry Workshop! Wednesday May 8 @5:30PM
Join Paulina Teng of PT Color Market for a special jewelry workshop with your favorite grown-up, just in time for May 12! Celebrate each other with matching necklaces and bonding time! REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Register on our website to reserve your spot.

Caravan Puppets! Saturday May 11 @10:30AM
Join us for an awesome puppet show featuring wildly creative puppets, original, and multi-cultural productions, beautiful staging, original (dance-able!) music, and loads of interaction!

Poop Museum! Saturday May 11 @1:00PM
The Poop Museum covers the serious science of poop and pooping, and is delivered with the silliness that you might imagine accompanying a program about poop for young kids. It is the perfect combination of fun, and fabulous, fascinating facts, so that kids (and grown-ups) never forget what they learned!

Laughter is the Best Medicine: Comedy Mime Show! Saturday, May 18^th @1:00PM
Join us for a fun afternoon of smiles, giggling, and roaring laughter! Through humorous mime stories, spoken word physical comedy and a zany cast of characters, Robert Rivest transforms an empty stage into pure hilarity! This is a cultural arts comedy event that you will never forget, full of imagery rich stories, awe inspiring mime illusion, and PLENTY of playful audience participation. No registration Required!

Doggie Tales! Monday, May 20^th @ 4:00PM (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. Register on our website to reserve your spot.

Music at the Blissful Concert! Saturday May 25 @10:30AM
Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens
 

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, @ 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 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 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Code Club! Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM (3rd-8th Grade)
This is an after school hour of code focusing on exploration of computer programming through play. This is not a classroom. This is a playground where Coders have access to: optional tutorials & walkthroughs, monthly challenges, and mentoring in their coding journey. All levels of skill are welcome and personal projects are encouraged! This can be a great way to dip your toes in the pool and see what learning to code can do for you! Sign up on the Library website to let us know you are coming and if you need any technology from the library!

Teen Advisory Board! 2^nd 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!

Game Bytes! Thursdays @ 4:00PM
No registration required!
Bring a snack and let's play! Bring your own devices or try a retro game while we talk shop about the latest and greatest in Video Games! New Releases, Events, Streamers, Speed Running and more!!

Family Game Night, Tuesday, May 14^th @ 6:00 PM
No Registration Required.
Try a new game! Introduce your favorite! Most importantly... Play games!
This a monthly group dedicated to the great board games out there and a space to find some new people to play with! All ages welcome!

Tricky Trivia Thursday, May 16^th @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required!
Are you ready to prove your trivia knowledge is more than trivial? Do you have the facts to fight for the title of Franklin’s Trivia Master? Join us for snacks and a Family Trivia Challenge at the Library!
Play as a team or go solo for ultimate bragging rights!

Special Events for Teens

Teen Regency Era Tea Party! Wednesday May 15 @5:30PM
Gentle Reader, you are formally invited to a celebration of Jane Austen, Bridgerton, and all things Regency! Please join us for an early evening tea party complete with sandwiches and sweets and the soundtrack to match!

College Life Panel Discussion for Teens! Wednesday May 22 @5:30PM
Teens! Join a panel of FHS graduates as they share their experiences and advice, as well as answer any questions you may have about college with a uniquely Franklin perspective!

Events for Adults

Adult Take & Make: Spring Bird Sign! Available Wednesday, May 1^st
Starting Wednesday, May 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Spring Bird kit!
Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own season décor! The perfect craft for brightening your day! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis! *LIMIT 1 PER PERSON*

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.

Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6:00 PM
Registration Required. No Experience Necessary.
It's time to dust off your dice, grab a source book and role play your way through hijinks and horrors! Table Top is a Monthly game of Tabletop Role Playing Games for Adults!
Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up or get more info!

Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Wednesday, May 1^st @ 7:00 PM
Love the Library? Then how about joining the Friends! Attend the next Friends of Franklin Library meeting! Contact the FOFL at: fofl02038@gmail.com | Follow the Friends on Twitter: @FriendsFranklin

Best Graduation Photos! Thursday, May 2 @6:30PM
Graduation is just around the corner! Join professional photographer Steve McGrath to get the trips and tricks to take and make better graduation photos!

The Weekend Watercolor Sunday, May 5^th & 19^th @ 2:00 PM
Registration Required.
Project Details: Flowers & Georgia O'Keefe & Hummingbirds
Relax with  Sharon Carloni during a Sunday watercolor class for adults 18 and over.

Chess Group, Sundays, May 12^th @ 2:00 PM
Chess - The Game of Kings has resumed play! All ages and ability levels are welcomed.  If you would like to learn how to play chess, you are welcome as well! Learn an opening, develop strategic & tactical abilities, improve endgame skills. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.

Family Game Night, Tuesday, May 14^th @ 6:00 PM
No Registration Required.
Try a new game! Introduce your favorite! Most importantly... Play games!
This a monthly group dedicated to the great board games out there and a space to find some new people to play with! All ages welcome!

Tricky Trivia Thursday, May 16^th @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required!
Are you ready to prove your trivia knowledge is more than trivial? Do you have the facts to fight for the title of Franklin’s Trivia Master? Join us for snacks and a Family Trivia Challenge at the Library! Play as a team or go solo for ultimate bragging rights!

Painting For Adults! May 18^th @1:00 PM
Registration Required
Grown ups! Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a midnight sky! All materials will be provided.

Craft Night : Paper Flowers Thursday May 23 @6:30 PM
Adults and Teens, join us for a calming night of making paper flowers in red, white, and blue. We will have examples of ways to use these flowers in wreaths, memorials, and decoration!

Genealogy Club Thursday May 23rd @ 6:30 PM
Digging up Colonial New England Ancestors presented by Beth McCarthy.
(rescheduled from May 30th)
Open to all, no registration required!

Honey Tasting Saturday May 25 @1:00 PM
No Registration Required. While supplies last.
Bee-lieve it or not, there are HUNDREDS of varieties of honey! This sweet treat is a cornerstone of Local agriculture and we’re going to taste the difference! We’ll start with a brief talk on honey making and history in Massachusetts followed by an open tasting of 5 local honeys and the grocery store bear. Mark your tasting sheet and bring it to the Circulation desk for a chance to win a sweet treat!
This event is made possible by the support of The Friends of the Franklin Library!

**From Friends of the Franklin Library**
 

Friends Always Welcome! Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library. As we wrap up our current fiscal year on June 30, 2024, and plan for next fiscal year, we invite interested community members and library lovers to become Friends.

Our next Board of Directors Meeting is on Wednesday, May 1^st at 7:00pm and our Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 5^th at 7:00pm at the library. At the Annual Meeting, we will nominate and vote on new members for our Board of Directors. If you cannot make either of these meetings but would like to learn more about getting involved with the Friends, please email fofl02038@gmail.com for more information.

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