**LIBRARY NEWS**

Library Hours

The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. 

ESOL Tutoring

The library is looking for more volunteer tutors for our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. If you’re looking to make a difference right in your own community, this is a great place to start! No experience necessary. Register for one of our upcoming trainings on our Events Calendar: Saturday, March 7 at 2pm or Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm. Contact Allison at aasmith@minlib.net for more information.

2026 Reading Challenge

March: A Book Featuring an Unlikely FriendshipLooking for a way to expand your reading habits this year? Join the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge for adults and the library will reward your reading with a coupon for a free book from our book sale! Check out the details on our Reading Challenges page. 

VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Saturdays, 10am - 4pmIt's tax season and volunteers at Franklin Public Library are here to help! If you made $67k or less as a household in 2025, have a disability, or limited English, our volunteers are prepared to work with you to file your federal and state taxes for free. Be sure to bring all of your tax documents (such as W-2, 1099s, 1099HC, etc.), valid government issued photo ID, and social security cards (photocopies and previous returns accepted). Learn more about the VITA program and what documents you need at www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net.  

Homebound Delivery Program

Can’t make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door! Franklin Public Library is excited to begin offering Home Delivery Service for Franklin residents who are unable to visit the library due to aging-related limitations, illness, disability, or temporary mobility limitations. Items will be delivered to and picked up from a homebound patron’s home by staff members approximately every three weeks. For eligibility requirements, registration, and more information, please visit the library website.

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, March 20: 1 - 5pmSaturday, March 21: 9am - 12pmAll books are just one dollar!Bag Sale - $5 Per BagSaturday, March 21: 1 - 4pmCome fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

**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! No registration required.

Doggie Tales! Mondays @ 4pmRegistration RequiredKiddos who are working on their reading skills will be able to sign up for a time slot to practice reading to a trained therapy dog. Bring your favorite book or read one of ours. Registration is required, and once attendees arrive they will get their time slot on a first come, first served basis. (We'll also have a greeter dog to keep you company while you wait!)

Cool Cruisers, Tuesdays @ 9:30amBabies 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.

Pre-K Pals, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5)This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Wiggle Worms, Tuesdays @4pm (Ages 0-5)Beat the afternoon witching hour craziness with a dynamic program for littles! Enjoy music, movement, and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Mini Masterpieces, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 6-12)Registration RequiredJoin Miss Lily to make your own mini masterpieces! Each week will be a new, small scale, step-by-step watercolor project. All materials provided. 

Bubbles, Books, & Boogies, Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)Dance, sing, clap, and play along for a storytime party! Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities! No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pmJoin us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30amBabies 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.

Tot Bop, Thursdays, @ 4pm (Ages 3-5)Get ready to dance around to an energetic playlist in a class that offers littles a chance to play with musicality, coordination, and creativity - all while practicing listening and learning skills! No registration required.

Artsy Afternoons, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 6-11)Registration RequiredJoin Ms. Cindy for a step-by-step art project specifically for kids! All materials provided.

Bubble Buddies, Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)Enjoy a Friday bubble dance party with music, movement, and fun surprises! No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles, Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)Littles and their grownups are invited to an epic dance party to kick off the weekend! Get those wiggles out with fun music, exciting surprises, and plenty of joy and laughter. No registration required. 

Special Events for Kids & Families

Irish Dance Showcase, Saturday, March 7 @ 10:30amJoin us for a spectacular showcase of Irish dance, featuring an awesome lineup of local talent. You'll have the opportunity to watch these incredible dancers and then learn a few steps yourself!

Mario Party! Tuesday, March 10 @ 1pmIt’s a half day for the Franklin Public Schools and we are celebrating with a special in-person, real life version of Mario Party! Work your way through the stations and games, and find more surprises along the way. No registration required.

Interactive Movie, Wednesday, March 11 @ 1pmFamilies - join us for a special Interactive movie screening! Enjoy popcorn and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Irish Harp Orchestra Concert, Saturday, March 14 @ 3pmCome enjoy the New England Irish Harp Orchestra, performing a selection of toe-tapping Irish dance tunes, some fun and soulful ballads, waltzes, poetry, and Irish dance. With many harps, fiddles, bodhran, and voices, their music is sure to leave you smiling. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Petite Picassos! Monday, March 16 @ 4pmRegistration RequiredJoin Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of some tasty berries! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials provided.

Fairy Fun, Thursday, March 19 @ 1pmJoin us on this half-day from school for some fun fairy themed crafts! No registration required.

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

D&D Club, Mondays @ 4pmRegistration RequiredKids ages 10-17 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rulebooks, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. Other Table Top systems are welcome! Please email mgousie@minlib.net for registration information.

• Dungeon Masters must be at least 12 years old and have experience with Dungeon and Dragons.
• Dungeon Masters are required to choose a premade adventure. Homebrew additions to the adventure are allowed.
• Players and Dungeon Masters are required to be respectful, kind, and attentive to each other.
• Groups of players with a Dungeon Master are welcome to share our space!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30pmJoin 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, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours. It's a win-win-win! No registration required.

Game Bytes, Wednesdays @ 4pmBring a snack and join us for two hours of casual co-op and solo play. Bring your own device or play on the big screen! No registration required.

Special Events for Teens

Irish Harp Orchestra Concert, Saturday, March 14 @ 3pmCome enjoy the New England Irish Harp Orchestra, performing a selection of toe-tapping Irish dance tunes, some fun and soulful ballads, waltzes, poetry, and Irish dance. With many harps, fiddles, bodhran, and voices, their music is sure to leave you smiling. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Events for Adults

English Conversation Group, Tuesdays @ 6:30pmLooking for a casual, low-stress place to practice your English language skills? Join us on Tuesday evenings for a friendly group chat with your fellow English learners. Please note: this group is meant for folks who have a basic grasp of English and are looking for conversational practice, not very beginners. A tutor will be present to answer questions and help keep the conversation flowing, but the focus will not be on formal instruction. No registration required.

Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6pmRegistration Required (see below). 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 and/or get more info.

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10am – 12pmLove to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room! All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.

ESOL Volunteer Tutor Training, 2 Dates (see below)Registration RequestedThe library is looking for more volunteer tutors for our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. If you’re looking to make a difference right in your own community, this is a great place to start! Save your spot by registering for one of the dates below and filling out the volunteer form on our website.Saturday, March 7 @ 2pmTuesday, March 24 @ 6:30pm

Watercolors Workshop, Monday, March 2 & 30 @ 6pm

Registration Required

Relax with a Monday watercolor class with local artist Sharon Carloni for adults 18 and over!

Craftalong for Adults Saturday, March 14 @ 11:30am

Registration Required

Get crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this program. One Saturday each month, we'll complete a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too! This month: Painted Candles

Irish Harp Orchestra Concert, Saturday, March 14 @ 3pmCome enjoy the New England Irish Harp Orchestra, performing a selection of toe-tapping Irish dance tunes, some fun and soulful ballads, waltzes, poetry, and Irish dance. With many harps, fiddles, bodhran, and voices, their music is sure to leave you smiling. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Painting for Adults! Saturday, March 28 @ 1pm

Registration Required

Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a birdhouse! All materials provided.

From the Friends of the Franklin Library

You’re Invited! On Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30pm please join us for a Friends’ Social at the library - a chance to meet Friends and learn how you can get involved! Enjoy some refreshments, grab a free tote bag, and stick around after for our March Board Meeting. All are welcome! For more information about who the Friends are and what we do, please visit our website.

Valentine’s Day Fudge Sale -  A Sweet Success!A huge thank you to everyone who ordered fudge during our 2026 Valentine’s Day Fudge Sale! We’re so grateful for your support and for The Fudge Lady of Uxbridge, our amazing partner for the 4ᵗʰ year in a row. If you haven’t visited The Fudge Lady’s shop in Uxbridge yet, it’s definitely worth the trip.

**LIBRARY NEWS**

Library Hours

The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. The library will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of President’s Day.

New! Access The Boston Globe with Your Library Card

Franklin Public Library, through its Minuteman Library Network membership, now provides free, unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com to resident cardholders of all member libraries through a 72-hour access pass, for up to 500 users at a time. Enter your library card number, then follow-up the steps to create or login with a BostonGlobe.com account. If successful, that account will receive a welcome email and have 72-hours access to all subscriber content.

2026 Reading Challenge

February: A Book Outside Your Usual Genre

Looking for a way to expand your reading habits this year? Join the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge for adults and the library reward your reading with a coupon for a free book from our book sale! Check out the details on our Reading Challenges page. 

VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Beginning Saturday, February 7

It's tax season and volunteers at Franklin Public Library are here to help! If you made $67k or less as a household in 2025, have a disability, or limited English, our volunteers are prepared to work with you to file your federal and state taxes for free. Be sure to bring all of your tax documents (such as W-2, 1099s, 1099HC, etc.), valid government issued photo ID, and social security cards (photocopies and previous returns accepted). Learn more about the VITA program and what documents you need at www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net.  

ESOL Tutoring Program

The library is looking for more volunteer tutors for our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. If you want to make a difference right in your own community, this is a great opportunity! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed and volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the volunteer form.

Homebound Delivery Program

Can’t make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door! Franklin Public Library is excited to begin offering Home Delivery Service for Franklin residents who are unable to visit the library due to aging-related limitations, illness, disability, or temporary mobility limitations. Items will be delivered to and picked up from a homebound patron’s home by staff members approximately every three weeks. For eligibility requirements, registration, and more information, please visit the library website.

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, February 20: 1 - 5pmSaturday, February 21: 9am - 12pmAll books are just one dollar!Bag Sale - $5 A BagSaturday, February 21: 1 - 4pmCome fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

**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! No registration required.

Doggie Tales! Mondays @ 4pmRegistration RequiredKiddos who are working on their reading skills will be able to sign up for a time slot to practice reading to a trained therapy dog. Bring your favorite book or read one of ours. Registration is required, and once attendees arrive they will get their time slot on a first come, first served basis. (We'll also have a greeter dog to keep you company while you wait!)

Cool Cruisers, Tuesdays @ 9:30amBabies 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.

Pre-K Pals, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5)This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Wiggle Worms, Tuesdays @4pm (Ages 0-5)Beat the afternoon witching hour craziness with a dynamic program for littles! Enjoy music, movement, and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Mini Masterpieces, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 6-12)Registration RequiredJoin Miss Lily to make your own mini masterpieces! Each week will be a new, small scale, step-by-step watercolor project. All materials provided. 

Terrific Toddlers! Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 18mo-3)Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities! No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pmJoin us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30amBabies 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.

Tot Bop, Thursdays, @ 4pm (Ages 3-5)Get ready to dance around to an energetic playlist in a class that offers littles a chance to play with musicality, coordination, and creativity - all while practicing listening and learning skills! No registration required.

Artsy Afternoons, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 6-11)Registration RequiredJoin Ms. Cindy for a step-by-step art project specifically for kids! All materials provided.

Bubble Buddies, Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)Enjoy a Friday bubble dance party with music, movement, and fun surprises! No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles, Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)Littles and their grownups are invited to an epic dance party to kick off the weekend! Get those wiggles out with fun music, exciting surprises, and plenty of joy and laughter. No registration required. 

Special Events for Kids & Families

Petite Picassos, Monday, February 2 @ 4pm (Ages 6-12)Registration RequiredJoin Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a Valentine’s Day cookie! All materials provided.

Interactive Movie! Thursday, February 5 @ 1pmFamilies - join us for a special Interactive movie screening! Enjoy popcorn and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Scott Martell Magic Show, Wednesday, February 18 @ 10:30am (Ages 4-12)Join us as we welcome magician Scott Martell and enjoy a family magic show featuring lots of comedy and surprises! No registration required.

Slime Time, Wednesday, February 18 @ 4pmMake your own slime at the library! No registration required.

Mr. Vinny Shadow Puppets, Thursday, February 19 @ 10:30amMr. Vinny from the Toe Jam Puppet Band presents a dynamic and hilarious family show! Get ready for lots of jokes and audience participation, and a few fun surprises. No registration required.

Lunar New Year Celebration, Thursday, February 19 @ 1pmIt's the year of the horse! Come celebrate at the library with crafts, games, snacks and more. No registration required.

Winter Beach Party! Saturday, February 21 @ 10:30amLet’s bring a little summer warmth to this cold month! Join us as we turn our big program room into an indoor summer oasis. Grab a cold drink and hit the play sand, enjoy beach balls, sand castles, snacks, and groovy tunes. No registration required.

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

D&D Club, Mondays @ 4pmRegistration RequiredKids ages 10-17 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rulebooks, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. Other Table Top systems are welcome!

• Registration for this club is for the September to December season of Dungeons and Dragons Club.If missing a session please email: mgousie@minlib.net as soon as possible.
• Dungeon Masters must be at least 12 years old and have experience with Dungeon and Dragons.
• Dungeon Masters are signing up to lead a table for ALL 16 meetings between September 8th and December 29th.
• Dungeon Masters are required to choose a premade adventure. Homebrew additions to the adventure are allowed.
• Players and Dungeon Masters are required to be respectful, kind, and attentive to each other.
• Groups of Players with a Dungeon Master are welcome to share our space!
• If you have any questions please email: mgousie@minlib.net

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30pmJoin 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, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours. It's a win-win-win! No registration required.

Game Bytes, Wednesdays @ 4pmBring a snack and join us for two hours of casual co-op and solo play. Bring your own device or play on the big screen! No registration required.

Special Events for Teens

Interactive Movie! Thursday, February 5 @ 1pmFamilies - join us for a special Interactive movie screening! Enjoy popcorn and some fun surprises. No registration required.

The Bad Apples Present: Date Night Concert,  Wednesday, February 11 @ 6:30pmJoin us at the library for an awesome weeknight concert with the Bad Apples! Featuring your favorite love songs, you're sure to fall in love with the library after this evening. No registration required.

Teen Paint Party, Tuesday, February 17 @ 6pmRegistration RequiredJoin Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of some sweet candy hearts! For ages 12+. All materials provided. 

Lunar New Year Celebration, Thursday, February 19 @ 1pmIt's the year of the horse! Come celebrate at the library with crafts, games, snacks and more. No registration required.

Events for Adults

English Conversation Group, Tuesdays @ 6:30pmLooking for a casual, low-stress place to practice your English language skills? Join us on Tuesday evenings for a friendly group chat with your fellow English learners. Please note: this group is meant for folks who have a basic grasp of English and are looking for conversational practice, not very beginners. A tutor will be present to answer questions and help keep the conversation flowing, but the focus will not be on formal instruction. No registration required.

Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6pmRegistration Required (see below). 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 and/or get more info.

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10am – 12pmLove to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room! All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.

Watercolors Workshop Monday, February 9 & 23 @ 6pmRegistration RequiredRelax with a Monday watercolor class with local artist Sharon Carloni. For adults 18 and over.

The Bad Apples Present: Date Night Concert,  Wednesday, February 11 @ 6:30pmJoin us at the library for an awesome weeknight concert with the Bad Apples! Featuring your favorite love songs, you're sure to fall in love with the library after this evening. No registration required.

Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, February 14 @ 2pmRegistration RequiredGet crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this new program. One Saturday each month, we'll complete a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too! This month: Hand Made Cards.

Chocolate Tasting, Saturday, February 14 @ 3pmRegistration RequiredNew England, and Massachusetts in particular, has been a candy crown jewel since colonial times. Come taste various chocolate types from across the commonwealth as we explore the various types and treats!

Painting for Adults! Saturday, February 28 @ 1pmRegistration RequiredAre you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a box of chocolates! All materials provided.

Putin’s War: His Motives, Claims, and Lies, Saturday, February 28 @ 3pmDmitri Yakovlev wholeheartedly supports Ukraine in their fight for freedom and argues that the conflict soon may become the whole world’s problem. Explore the history, consequences, and quandaries of the Russia Ukraine conflict. No registration required.