February 2024 Franklin Library News & Events
NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Weekly/Monthly Events for Children
Special Events for Kids & Families
Weekly/Monthly Events for Teens
Special Events for Teens
Events for Adults
**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 on Monday, February 19th for Presidents Day.
Franklin Public Library’s 2024 Reading Challenge!
February: A book with “and” in the title!
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. If you complete all 12 months (again, submissions must be received on time to qualify) you will be entered in to win one of multiple grand prizes! For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!
Mobile Print Service at the Library
Did you know that you can use your personal computer or mobile device to print to the library’s printer from anywhere? Simply submit documents for printing and come to the library to release and pick up your document using your email address. Printouts are 10 cents a page for black & white, and 50 cents for color (coins and bills only!) Click HERE for more info!
February is National Library Lover’s Month!
Check out this reader curated list of library-themed books here, and find some great ways to support the library here.
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 16th, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 17th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, February 17th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
In our second year of providing free tax preparation assistance through the VITA IRS program the Franklin Public Library is looking for volunteers! While tax season starts in February; planning, training, and scheduling can begin today! To sign up or to find more information please email Site Coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net!
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 Events 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, 4:00-6:00PM (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! For more information, or if you are interested in joining, contact Miss Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net. (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and 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!
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!
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 18mos. – 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!
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!
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:
Feb 1 - Winter Sky Painting
Feb 8 - Penguins Part 1
Feb 15 - Penguins Part 2
Feb 22 - Drawing Owls
Feb 29 - "Cave Art"
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 (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 & Makes: Heart Air Balloons! Available Thursday, February 1st
Starting Thursday, February 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Heart Air Balloon Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own Valentine's Day Card! The perfect craft to share with someone special! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Heart Air Balloon Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Tape Town! Friday, February 2nd 1:00-4:00PM
Families! Spend an imaginative afternoon at the library! Bring along a small toy vehicle (or borrow one of ours) and cruise along our "roads" made of tape all through our program room, and enjoy a series of interactive pretend play stations all through the town! No registration required!
Alphabet Scavenger Hunt! Monday, February 5th – Saturday, March 2nd
Join us all month long for a fun alphabet scavenger hunt throughout the library! Each week the letters will move so you have 4 chances to play! Hint: Pay attention to the colors of the letters, there's a pattern to how they're hidden!
Doggie Tales! Monday, February 5th @ 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.
Kids Paint Party! Saturday February 10th @ 1:00PM
For kids ages 5-11! 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 penguin themed masterpiece! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! The same painting will be taught in Dec, Jan, and Feb - please only register for 1 date.
Tricky Trivia Thursday, February 15th @ 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!
Winter Beach Party! Saturday, February 17 @ 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!
Science Series! Saturday, Feb 17 @1:00PM
Join us for a special science workshop, brought to you by volunteers from the Franklin High School Science department! Ideal for kids ages 7+!
Jenny the Juggler! Tuesday, February 20th @ 10:00AM
Join us for Jenny the Juggler's fabulous interactive variety show which includes magic, music, comedy, a BUBBLE EXTRAVAGANZA and of course, juggling! No registration required!
Tween Jewelry Workshop with PT Color Market! Tuesday, Feb 20 @1:00PM
FOR KIDS IN GRADES 3-5! Join local artist Paulina Teng for a special jewelry making workshop celebrating what makes us unique! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Pumpernickel Puppets! Wednesday, Feb 21 @10:30AM
Join us for a fun show, including a cast of colorful puppet characters, live voices and sound effects!
Mr. Vinny Shadow Puppets! Thursday, Feb 22 @10:30AM
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!
Solar Science Family Craft Thursday, Feb 22 @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required (Best for School Age Children)
April 8th is a near total eclipse of the sun! Grab a pair of eclipse glasses, and learn a little solar science with crafts!
“Drive-In” Movie! Friday, Feb 23 @1:00PM
Families! Join us for a “Drive-In” movie (indoors of course!) in our program room! First we’ll decorate our “cars” (aka boxes we’ve been saving up for the event) then we’ll relax and enjoy a movie and some popcorn in our spiffy new rides! You’re welcome to bring your own box to decorate, or use one of ours!
Enchanted Fiesta! Saturday, February 24th @ 10:30AM
Gather your whole familia and join us and special guest, The Miracle Keeper, for an energetic and exciting morning fiesta! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest! No registration required!
Escape from the Wizards Workshop! Wednesday, February 28th @ 1:00-3:00PM
Welcome to Magicarium, the international school for young aspiring wizards! You have found yourself locked in Professor Wumblemore’s forbidden workshop! Can you solve the puzzles and escape before he returns?! Ideal for kids Ages 5-8 - Gameplay last approx. 45-60 minutes - For groups of 2-5 people.
No Registration Required!
Leap Frog Scavenger Hunt! Wednesday, February 28th – Saturday, March 2nd
The leap frogs have gotten loose and are hiding in the Children’s and Teen Room! Can you help us find them all?!
Weekly/Monthly Events for Teens
Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, @ 4:00-6:00PM (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). Teens looking for volunteer hours can earn them being a Dungeon Master. For more information, or if you are interested in joining, contact Miss Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net.
C0de C1ub, Tuesdays 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Grade 3-8)
Welcome to Code Club!
This is an after school hour of code for grades 3 - 8 focusing on exploration of computer programming through play. This is not a classroom. This is a playground where Coders have access to: optional tutorials & walk-throughs, 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 of Computer Programming and see what learning to code can do for you!
Sign up here to let us know you are coming and if you need any technology from the library!
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! 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!!
Board Game Group, Tuesday, February 20th @ 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!
Special Events for Teens
Teen Take & Makes: I 
U Blocks! Available Thursday, February 1st
Starting Thursday, February 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own I U Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own Valentine's Day decor! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! * To keep things equitable, teens must be present when picking up this craft.
Paint-Teens! Friday, February 2nd @1:00PM
Teens! Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of shiny heart-shaped balloons! This paint party is a great fit for teens ages 12+! All materials will be provided, and REGISTRATION is required!
Tricky Trivia Thursday, February 15th @ 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!
Teen Pirate Mystery Party! Wednesday February 21st @5:30PM
Welcome aboard the pirate ship Revenge, the most feared ship on the water! Captain Meed has been found dead in his quarters, and his murderer could have only been a member of the crew! Now everyone aboard is a suspect in his murder, and the mutineer must be discovered and face his judgment by Davy Jones himself.
Events for Adults
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.
Tax Preparation Help with VITA Saturdays 10 AM - 4PM
This VITA site is by appointment only. Come to the site anytime we are open to make your appointment! While making your appointment we will verify your paperwork and if our site is the best fit for your needs. The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. 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
Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Wednesday, February 7th @ 6:30 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
The Weekend Watercolor Sunday, February 4th & 18st @ 2:00 PM
Registration Required. Register here.
February Project Details: Winter Sky in Silhouette & Building Landscapes
Relax with a Sunday watercolor class for adults 18 and over.
Chocolate 101 Talk & Tasting, Thursday February 8th 6:00 PM
Registration required for chocolate!
Eating chocolate releases endorphins that make you happy. Come try samples of craft, small batch chocolate, totally unlike the industrial, mass-produced chocolate you’ve had before. Also learn about the ingredients, processing, and where cocoa pods are grown from our own resident chocolate expert. We will also review the latest nutritional and health information. A very popular introduction! Great for all you chocoholics out there! Presented by Coco Beantown!
Chess Group, Sundays, February 11th & 25th @ 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 & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.
Table Top, Tuesday, February 13th & 27th @ 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 Table Top Role Playing Games for Adults!
Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up or get more info!
Tricky Trivia Thursday, February 15th @ 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!
Board Game Group, Tuesday, February 20th @ 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!
Genealogy Club Thursday February 29 @ 6:30 PM
To the Map Case! Discovering Your Ancestor’s World Using Local Maps
Historic maps are not necessarily a first stop on the genealogical journey, and yet maps can provide you with new clues as well as context into your ancestors’ lives. But where do you begin? What maps are out there? We’ll make pathways from local history books through physical map cases and then head out onto the web to explore epic digital collections.
Open to all, no registration required!
***From the Friends of the Franklin Library***
LAST CALL to place your order for our Valentine’s Day Fudge Sale. Fudge orders are being accepted through Saturday, February 3rd . [If you didn’t leave time for mailing in your order, contact the Friends at fofl02038@gmail.com to see about possible drop-off options.] CLICK HERE for the fudge order form!
**And a reminder, if you want to order Sugar Free Chocolate Fudge, just write it in on your order form.**
Congratulations, Ji-Yann! Ji-Yann Chin was the 2023 recipient of the Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters. We had the pleasure of presenting Ji-Yann with her scholarship check for $1,000 at our January meeting. Ji-Yann is loving her first year at UMASS Amherst where she majors in Microbiology and is considering a double major in Public Health with a concentration in disease prevention. In her scholarship essay, Ji-Yann wrote passionately about what gives her hope for the future. After visiting with Ji-Yann at our meeting we think she is a young leader who inspires hope for the future, and we look forward to saying “We knew her when…” The Friends wish Ji-Yann 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 7th or Wednesday, March 6th) 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 to become a Friend!