February 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Library’s regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library will be closed on Monday, February 20th for Presidents Day.

 

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, February 17, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, February 18, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!


Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, February 18, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
 

From Friends of the Franklin Library
LAST CALL - Place your orders for our Valentine’s Day Fudge Sale. Fudge orders are being accepted through Friday, February 3 rd . If you want to save a stamp and skip mailing in your form, feel free to drop off your order during our February 1st meeting between 7:00-8:00 pm in the Friends Meeting Room (1st Floor). CLICK HERE for the fudge order form!

Franklin Library Association Gift. Thank you to the Franklin Library Association for their years of service and their generous gift to us, 60 copies of their recently published book The Franklin Library Association: Building the Future of the Nation’s First Public Library 1858-2022. Copies of the book are available now with a donation to the Friends of the Franklin Library. Interested in a copy? Reach out to us at fofl02038@gmail.com.

Congratulations, Gwenne! As we previously announced, Gwenne Balcius was the 2022 recipient of the Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters. We had the pleasure of presenting Gwenne with her scholarship check for $1,000 at our January meeting. Even better, we heard about how she is loving her first semester at Clark University where she majors in Community, Youth and Educational Studies. Gwenne’s future plans include a graduate degree in library science with a goal to one day become a librarian as inspiring as the ones who were so influential in her own life. The Friends wish Gwenne all the very best in her studies and beyond!

I Love My Local Library! February is National Library Lover’s Month and what better way to show your love for the Franklin Public Library than by becoming a member of the Friends. Join us at an upcoming meeting (7pm on Wednesday, February 1 st or Wednesday, March 1 st ) to find out how you can get involved. Don’t have time to attend meetings? No worries, you can still support our mission and your library by making a direct donation to the Friends. Membership dues and donations are both tax deductible. CLICK HERE for our brochure. We hope to see you soon!

 

Volunteer Tutors Needed for ESL & Adult Literacy Program

The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities. If you have the time and interest to help adult learners improve their English reading, writing, speaking and listening, please consider volunteering!

To volunteer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have patience, and be able to speak English clearly. Prior teaching experience is not required. Volunteer Tutors will be given training and all supporting materials will be provided. The time commitment is 18 hours of tutor training, and to meet with your student 2 hours per week for one year. Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please contact Deputy Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or fill out the registration form on the library’s website .

 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

SITE IS OPEN - By Appointment Only!

Register for an appointment on the Library Calendar of Events!

The Franklin Public Library VITA site is by Appointment only and is certified for Basic returns. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

People who generally make $60,000 or less

Persons with disabilities; and

Limited English-speaking taxpayers

Before going to a VITA or TCE site, see Publication 3676-BPDF for services provided and check out What to Bring to ensure you have all the required documents and information our volunteers will need to help you.

Learn more here: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifyi...

 

Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge

February: A book set in your home town/ city or state

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!

 

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00PM (7+)

Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 10 and up)

Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!

 

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30AM

Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

 

Get Ready for Kindergarten! Tuesdays @10:30AM (3–5)

This 45 minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and crafts will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten.  Parents and caregivers can attend with their child if they wish.  No registration required!

 

Home School Hangout 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:30 PM

Homeschoolers! The Hangout returns with activities, crafts and more! Get to know the community and have fun doing it! Look for more information on the calendar of events!

 

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.

 

Girls Who Code! Grade 3 - 12 Meeting time Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM

First Meeting February 7th!

This club is a great introduction to coding languages and concepts while building the community and group work skills needed to excel! Whether you want to try something new, build on skills, make friends, or help someone else grow... Welcome to our club!

 

Terrific Toddlers! Wednesdays @10:30AM (18 mos–3yrs)

Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities for families and children from birth to age 3. No registration required!

 

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+)
No meeting February 1st!

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!

 

Story and Craft, Thursdays @10:30AM (3+)

Join us for 30 minutes of themed stories, songs, and movement followed by a craft! For children ages 3 and up that can attend on their own. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room. No registration required!

 

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.

 

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00PM

Registration required. Links below.

 

Feb 2nd People designs, artist Keith Harding

http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/02/02_Artsy_Afternoons

 

Feb 9th Snow Day Diorama, drawing people

http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/02/09_Artsy_Afternoons

 

Feb 16th My Favorite Food, artist Andy Warhol

http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/02/16_Artsy_Afternoons

 

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!

 

Silly Songs and Stories! 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!

 

Chess Club! Two Sundays a Month, 2:00-4:30PM              

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 & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Remember:  Chess makes you smarter; Smart people play chess. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.

 

 

Special Events for Kids & Families

 

Kids Take & Makes: Little Heart Keychains!

Starting Wednesday, February 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Little Heart Keychain kit!

Kits include supplies and instructions for making your own keychain! The perfect little trinket to help spread the love! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Little Heart Keychain Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

 

Baby Wearing Dance Party! Friday February 3rd @9:30AM

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!

 

Kid’s Paint Party! Saturday, February 4th @ 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 snowy masterpiece! The same painting will be taught at the December, January and February event - please only register for 1 date. Register through the events calendar our website to reserve your spot.

 

Doggie Tales! Monday, February 6th @4:00 PM (1st grade +)

Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Register on our website to reserve your spot.

 

Baby Sensory! Saturday February 11th @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!)

 

Girl Scouts World Thinking Day! Saturday February 11th @1:00PM

 

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show! Tuesday February 21 @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!

 

Jewelry Making with PT color Market! Tuesday February 21 @1:00PM

FOR KIDS IN GRADES 3-5! Join local artist Paulina Teng for a special workshop celebrating what makes us unique! We will be journaling some personal affirmations, creating a positive affirmation board, & make a leather bracelet together! REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Register on our website to reserve your spot.

 

Mr. Vinny's Shadow Puppets! Wednesday February 22 @1:00PM

Mr. Vinny from the Toe Jam Puppet Band presents a dynamic and hilarious family show! Mr. Vinny specializes in storytelling with unique puppets! Get ready for lots of jokes and audience participation, and a few fun surprises!

 

Snowflake Sing-Along! Thursday February 23 @10:30AM

Come enjoy a winter fairy tale party! Dress up in your favorite fancy clothes and meet a special Winter Queen you may be familiar with!!

 

Winter Beach Party! Saturday February 25 @10:30AM

Families! Let’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!

 

Weekly / monthly Events for Teens

 

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00PM (7+)

Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 10 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!

 

Home School Hangout 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1:30 PM

Homeschoolers! The Hangout returns with activities, crafts and more! Get to know the community and have fun doing it! Look for more information on the calendar of events! No registration required!

 

Animation Nation Anime Club! Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00PM (10+)

No meeting February 1st!

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 Book Bites! Weekly on Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30PM

Teens! Bring along a snack and join us in the teen room each Wednesday for a casual chat about what we're all reading!

 

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30PM

Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!

 

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!

 

VolunTeens! 2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month, 6:30-7:30PM (14+)

An elite volunteering program for dedicated library volunteers, this program is designed to facilitate unique volunteer opportunities for committed teens to work on special library projects. You will learn all about event planning and execution, hone your creative and crafty skills, and build your resume!

To apply and for more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

 

Chess Club! Two Sundays a Month, 2:00-4:30PM              

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 & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Remember:  Chess makes you smarter; Smart people play chess. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.

 

 

Special Events for Teens

 

Teen Take & Makes: Wooden Heart Plaques!

Starting Wednesday, February 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Wooden Heart kit. Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own heart! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Wooden Heart Plaque Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

 

Navigating College Admissions in 2023! Wednesday February 15 @7:00PM

A virtual seminar for all high school students and their parents. Join Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, from Stand Out For College, LLC. as they help you understand how the lingering effects from the pandemic have changed the college admissions landscape and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for college admission. For the zoom link, email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

 

Teen Interactive Movie Screening! Wednesday February 22 @5:30PM

Teens! Join us for a special interactive screening of a movie chosen by you!

 

Community Conversations! Thursday February 23 @6:00PM

Folks of all ages are welcome to join us each month as we unpack, discuss, and engage with topics relevant both within our community and beyond. Come with an open mind, leave with plenty of food for thought! This month’s topic: Black History is American History

 

 

Events for Adults

 

Adult Take & Makes: Hearts of Love!

Starting Wednesday, February 1st, stop by the library to pick up your very own Hearts of Love kit. Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own heart! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! LIMIT 1 PER PERSON! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

 

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.

 

Community-wide Read! Winter 2023

Beginning January 1, 2023, copies of Kindred: A graphic novel adaptation by Octavia E. Butler, adapted to a graphic novel by Damian Duffy and John Jennings will be available. Find out more on the library’s website.  Kindred: A graphic novel adaptation is also available on Hoopla!

 

Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Wednesday, February 1th 7:00 PM

Love the Library? Then how about we be friends! Join us at the Friends of Franklin Library meeting!

Contact us at: fofl02038@gmail.com        Follow us on Twitter: @FriendsFranklin

 

Mid-Week Reset Wednesday February 1th 7:00 PM

No registration required

Join us for a mid-week breather at our guided meditation. This event is open to all levels and no prior experience is required. The only thing necessary is the desire to disconnect for a few moments and allow yourself some peace.

 

Adult Crafts, February 5th, 2:00 PM

Registration Required

Register Here: http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/...

Enjoy a Still life project!

 

The Challenges of Being a Debut Author – Virtual- February 6th 7:00 PM

Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6416717231133/WN_SdPpBfhTRdyfqv...

In collaboration with Ashland Public Library!

Debut author (and librarian) was very excited to publish her first book, "Of Crown and Legends". And then came the book signing where only 2 people showed up and the Twitter storm of support when Chelsea posted about the experience. Now, we speak with Chelsea in conversation with debut authors Laura Gao, Brian D. Kennedy, Jean Louise, and XiXi Tian to chat about the challenges and joys of getting your first book out in the world.

 

YA Book Club, Tuesday, February 7th 7:00 PM

February Book: (Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health

March Book: Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches by Kate Scelsa

Real talk; Young Adult Books are not just for young adults... Join a book club celebrating favorites young and old! Getting cozy STRONGLY encouraged!

 

Friends of the Franklin Library Book Club, Tuesday, February 7th 6:30PM

Join the Friends for an evening book club! Enjoy discussion and fun with some of the best advocates a Library could ask for!

 

Ladies Night: Empowerment Workshop –Virtual- February 8th 7:00 PM

Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUld-qqpj4pHNERv5o8zZxNOmio9Zk...

Have you ever wanted more from your romantic relationships? Join us for a chat with Laura Amador, a certified Laura Doyle relationship coach, to see how you might empower yourself for the relationship you want!

 

Q&A with author Kate Clayborn! –Virtual- February 9th 7:00 PM

Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3016688713105/WN_OVz8h3bQR1SZKJ...

In collaboration with Ashland Public Library!

We love Kate Clayborn! Her book, "Love Lettering" was one of our favorites of the last year. And now we have the opportunity to ask Kate our burning questions about ALL of her books, including her newest "Georgie" All Along". Bring your questions because this is going to be rapid fire and awesome!

 

Adult Paint Party! February 11th 2:00 PM

Register Here: http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/...

Get ready to paint your heart out!

 

Women Lead Slave Revolts with Dr. R Hall –Virtual- February 11th 2:30 PM

Register Here: https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/webinar/register/9816709617607/WN_XlCdeNkBR...

In collaboration with Watertown Public Library

This year's Black History Month honors Black Resistance throughout history and today. Archivist, scholar, and graphic novelist Rebecca Hall joins us on Zoom to discuss her groundbreaking book, Wake!

 

Chess Group, Sundays, 2:00-4:30PM       

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 & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Remember:  Chess makes you smarter; Smart people play chess. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.

 

Table Top, Tuesday, February 14th & 28th 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!

 

Edward M. Brooke February 15th 6:30 PM

Join Alan Earls through the exploits of Senator Edward M. Brooke of Massachusetts. The first African American elected to the Senate!

 

Navigating College Admissions in 2023! Wednesday February 15 @7:00PM

A virtual seminar for all high school students and their parents. Join Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, from Stand Out For College, LLC. as they help you understand how the lingering effects from the pandemic have changed the college admissions landscape and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for college admission. For the zoom link, email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

 

Community Conversations! Thursday February 23 @6:00PM

Folks of all ages are welcome to join us each month as we unpack, discuss, and engage with topics relevant both within our community and beyond. Come with an open mind, leave with plenty of food for thought! This month’s topic: Black History is American History

 

Highwaymen Concert with Matt, Saturday, February 25th 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. York was recently 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. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Franklin Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency

 

Board Game Group, Tuesday, February 21th 6:30 PM

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! No registration required!

 

Harriet Tubman: She Came to Slay! –Virtual- February 22nd 7:00 PM

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2016739822162/WN_BRHEU9mhTB6HCq...

In collaboration with Belmont Public Library!

Erica Armstrong Dunbar presents the exploits of Harriet Tubman and her Boston connections! E.A. Dunbar is a Professor of History at Rutgers University, the National Director of the Association of Black Women Historians, and was the Inaugural Director of the Program in African American history at The Library Company of Philadelphia.

 

Genealogy Club, Thursday, February 16th, 6:30 p.m.


DNA Painter basics with Dr. Adina Newman. This is the second of a 5 part “Genetic Genealogy” series with Dr. Newman. Free and open to anyone interested, no registration required.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86953016984?pwd=SEZxNEthWEtqbjhLQnJpSkZDL1NVdz09
 

Genealogy Database Spotlight! MyHeritage Library Edition– MyHeritage Library Edition is one of the largest, most internationally diverse genealogy databases of its kind, with access to billions of historical documents, millions of historical photos and other resources in thousands of databases that span the past five centuries.

 

Franklin Public Library Book Club Tuesday, February 28, 7:00 PM

The book for discussion is Kindred: a graphic novel adaptation, by Damian Duffy and John Jennings. Based on the novel by Octavia Butler.

Home is a new house with a loving husband in 1970s California that is suddenly transformed into the frightening world of the antebellum South. Dana, a young black writer, can't explain how she is transported across time and space to a plantation in Maryland. But she does quickly understand why: to deal with the troubles of Rufus, a conflicted white slaveholder - and her progenitor. Her survival, her very existence, depends on it. This searing graphic-novel adaptation of Octavia E. Butler's science fiction classic is a powerfully moving, unflinching look at the violent, disturbing effects of slavery on the people it chained together, both black and white - and made kindred in the deepest sense of the word.

For more information, please contact Deputy Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .