August 2023 Franklin Library New & Events
Library Hours
The Library’s summer 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. Sunday hours will resume after Labor Day.
Library News – Read popular magazines for free with Libby and Hoopla
Did you know that both Libby and Hoopla have magazine collections? When you register as a Hoopla user with your Minuteman Library card (Franklin residents only), you have access to a hoopla BIngePass! A BingePass gives you the opportunity to borrow an entire collection with one checkout! Borrow all the most recent issues of popular magazines for 7 days of unlimited streaming.
Wihthe Libby app and your library card, you have unlimited access to over 4,800 popular magazines, which are always available. No holds, no waiting! From the Minuteman Library Catalog, click on “Digital Cllection”, then click on “Magazines”.
Featured Database
ConsumerLab
ConsumerLab.com is the leading provider of independent test results and information to help consumers and healthcare professionals identify the best quality health and nutrition products. It publishes results of its tests in comprehensive reports at www.consumerlab.com for its members. CL also conducts an annual Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users. Since its founding in 1999, CL has tested more than 7,000 products, representing over 1,000 different brands and nearly every type of popular supplement for adults, children, and pets. Access ConsumerLab through our alphabetical list of free online databases: https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/free-online-databases
Summer fun is almost done! L 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.
Check out the latest additions to the library’s collection!
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, August 18, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 19, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, August 19, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
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.
Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge
August: A Book in Translation
Do you have a cozy reading corner you’ve been wanting to spend more time in? Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.
If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.
Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge
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!
Movie Monday, Mondays, @ 6:00 PM
Enjoy a movie at the Library! Bring your own candy. Popcorn Provided!
August 7 - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13)
August 14 - Scream VI (R)
August 21 - A Silent Voice (NR)
August 28 - The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)
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!
Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (2-4)
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.
Un-Bored! Wednesdays @10:30AM (ends 8/23)
A pop-up playtime that's fun for the whole family! We've got jumbo Legos, Lincoln logs, trucks, puzzles, board games and more! Let's escape the summer heat and play!
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!
After School Anime! Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00PM (10+)
Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 10+!
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!
Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (2-4)
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.
Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (2-4)
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!
Move Along! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (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 (2-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! 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. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! Ideal for children ages 2-5!
Special Events for Kids & Families
Kids Take & Makes: Cupcake Line Kites
Starting Tuesday, August 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Cupcake Liner Kite Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own colorful kite! The perfect craft for summer days! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Cupcake Liner Kite Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Kid’s Paint Party! Wednesday, August 2nd @ 1:00PM
FOR KIDS AGES 5-11! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! 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 own sleepy sloth masterpiece! The same painting will be taught at the June, July, and August event - please only register for 1 date. Register through the events calendar our website to reserve your spot.
Read with Riley! Friday, August 4th and August 18th @ 4:00PM
Join us this summer for 2 special storytimes with our therapy dog Riley and her human friend Ally!
We'll read some of Riley's favorite books, sing some of her favorite songs, and of course there will be lots of puppy snuggles!
Elijah T. Grasshopper: Rainbow Dance Party Concert! Saturday, August 5th @ 10:30AM
Join Elijah T. Grasshopper, Emma "Go-Go Green" Bean, their puppet pals for some super-duper interactive music and a hopping good time! Ideal for kids Ages 2-8!
Science Series! Saturday August 5th @1:00PM
Join us for a special science workshop, brought to you by volunteers from the Franklin High School Science department! Ideal for ages 7+!
Storytime at Patriot Place! Tuesday August 8th @10:00AM
Join Miss Caleigh for a special storytime at Patriot Place! If you love the energy and movement of Move Along, you'll have a blast at this special off-site storytime!
Baby Wearing Dance Party! Friday August 11th @ 9:00AM
No registration required
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!!
Farmer’s Market Fun! Friday August 11th, 2:00-4:00PM
Join the Franklin Public Library for a special monthly visit at the Franklin Farmer's Market!
Rainforest Reptiles! Saturday, August 12th @ 1:00PM
Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the alligators, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home! Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages! No registration required.
Baby Sensory! Saturday August 19th @ 9:30AM
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!)
Kids Ask an Organizer, August 17th @ 2:00 PM
Join home organizer Danielle Nicholas of Oasis Organizing Solutions as she shares tips & organizing concepts with kids and their caregivers. Kids can enjoy activities that promote executive functioning & learn how organizing can be fun while benefiting healthy development.
Robotics Showcase August 18th @ 11:30 AM
Come see ALARM Robotics's robot Pinocchio in action. ALARM stands for A Lot of Awesome Robot Makers, we are a community high school robotics team from Franklin. ALARM Robotics was started by a group of dedicated and invested volunteer mentors in 2007. We are the FIRST Robotics Competition(FRC) team 2079, and we are set up at the RedBrick School House in Franklin. This season we competed in 2 events. At RIDE our team won the Team Spirit Award and at WPI we were in the top 24 teams at the competition. Students learn machining, CAD, programming, design and electrical and wiring and most importantly team work. Come check out our robot and team in action!
Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show! Saturday August 19th @10:30AM
Join us as we welcome Ed Popielarczyk for a one-of-a-kind magic show that is guaranteed to leave the whole family impressed!
Music at the Blissful Concert! Monday August 21st @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!
Summer Reading Wrap Up Celebration with Mobile Mini Golf! Friday August 25th, 1:00-4:00PM
Celebrate the end of summer reading with mini golf, balloons, prizes, and more! Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages*!! *Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Weekly / monthly Events for Teens
Movie Monday, Mondays, @ 6:00 PM
Enjoy a movie at the Library! Bring your own candy. Popcorn Provided!
August 7 - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13)
August 14 - Scream VI (R)
August 21 - A Silent Voice (NR)
August 28 - The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)
Crime Time Mysteries! Tuesdays @ 1:00PM (Last Meeting August 15th)
Join us for an immersive murder mystery game from "Hunt a Killer" that is told over the course of six “episodes.” Each episode contains different clues that you'll use to solve the ongoing investigation!
Animation Nation Anime Club! Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00PM (10+)
Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 10+! No registration required!
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!
Game Bytes Weekly on Thursdays 4:00PM
Bring a snack and talk shop about the latest and greatest in Video Games! New Releases, Events, Streamers, Speed Running, AND PLEASE bring your own devices to play! No registration required!
Special Events for Teens
Snack Attack! Monday, August 14th @ 1:00PM
Join us for a yummy afternoon as we taste test snacks and candy from around the world!
Ask an Organizer: Back to School August 17th @ 6:00 PM
Join home organizer Danielle Nicholas of Oasis Organizing Solutions to learn organizing tips to prepare for back-to-school. We'll explore ideas for at home and in school so adults, teens and kiddos are set up for success!
Robotics Showcase August 18th @ 11:30 AM
Come see ALARM Robotics' robot Pinocchio in action. ALARM stands for A Lot of Awesome Robot Makers; we are a community high school robotics team from Franklin. ALARM Robotics was started by a group of dedicated and invested volunteer mentors in 2007. We are the FIRST Robotics Competition(FRC) team 2079, and we are set up at the Red Brick School House in Franklin. This season we competed in 2 events. At RIDE our team won the Team Spirit Award and at WPI we were in the top 24 teams at the competition. Students learn machining, CAD, programming, design and electrical and wiring and most importantly team work. Come check out our robot and team in action!
Events for Adults
Adult Take & Makes: Capiz Shell Wind Chimes
Starting Tuesday, August 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Capiz Shell Wind Chime kit!
Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own mini wind chime, the perfect craft to brighten your day! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis! *LIMIT 1 PER PERSON*
Movie Monday, Mondays, @ 6:00 PM
Enjoy a movie at the Library! Bring your own candy. Popcorn Provided!
August 7 - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
August 14 - Scream VI
August 21 - A Silent Voice
August 28 - The Super Mario Bros. Movie
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.
The Highwaymen Concert, Saturday, August 5th @ 2:00 PM
Longtime New England musician/author Matt York will perform the songs of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings and tell stories of their careers. The four songwriting legends joined forces in the 1980's to form the country supergroup The Highwaymen. However, prior to that, they'd each established themselves as stars and their careers intersected many times since the 1960's. In 2022, York was nominated for the Boston Music Award for Best Country Artist and his album Gently Used was just named one of Worcester Magazine's best albums of 2022.
Table Top Tuesday, August 8 & 22 , 6:00 PM
Registration Requested!
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 Table Top Role Playing Games for Adults!
Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up or get more info!
Seaside Escapes: The Art & Architecture of the New England Coast, Monday, August 14th @ 7:00 PM
Virtual Program
We all know the New England shoreline is an inspiration. Let's dive into the works of beloved American artists including Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper! Then explore the over-the-top elegance of Newport, RI summer homes alongside Gloucester's eccentric summer retreat Beauport.
About the presenter: Jane Oneail curates and delivers art appreciation programs to audiences throughout New England. Jane holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state's most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator.
RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9016757060709/WN_cosqIV5vThOtT6K6KlZMKA
Brought to you by Ashland Public Library, Belmont Public Library, and Franklin Public Library
Board Game Group, Tuesday, August 15, 6:00 PM
No registration required
Try and 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!
Ask an Organizer: Back to School August 17th @ 6:00 PM
Join home organizer Danielle Nicholas of Oasis Organizing Solutions to learn organizing tips to prepare for back-to-school. We'll explore ideas for at home and in school so adults, teens and kiddos are set up for success!
Adult Paint Party! Saturday, August 26th @ 1:00PM
REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for adult! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own peacock masterpiece! All attendees must be at least 18. Register through the events calendar our website to reserve your spot.
Cracking the Chains of Convention, Tuesday, August 29th @6:30 PM
From Historical Portrayals by Lady J - Meet Frances Perkins! She was the architect of Social Security, the first female in the US Cabinet, and an object of admiration and contempt from her male colleagues. Frances Perkins started out as a teacher and became an unstoppable force in advocating safety and justice for working adults, children, and retirees.