March 2024 Franklin Library News & Events
NEWSLETTER QUICK LINKS:
Weekly/Monthly 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.
Franklin Public Library’s 2024 Reading Challenge!
March: A Book Written by More Than One Author
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!
Good Deeds: History Comes Alive - Franklin Public Library
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell, in collaboration with Quincy Access Television, embarked on a project to create videos that feature historic area landmarks, with the aim of showcasing historic buildings and places from each town in Norfolk County. This month's featured landmark is...the Franklin Public Library! Click HERE to watch the video.
Consumer Reports - just a click a way!
Are you thinking about buying new household appliances because the old ones are making scary noises? You may need Consumer Reports! Franklin residents have home access to all of the valuable content on the Consumer Reports Database. This library subscription offers 1,000+ ratings, reviews, expert buying advice, product comparisons, consumer user reviews, and even “price & shop” links to major retailers. Grab your Minuteman Library card and head over to the alphabetically list of free library databases!
The Massachusetts Legal Forms Library
Official, Massachusetts Specific, Federal, Business, Personal, Real Estate and General forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues, all downloadable in Microsoft Word and ready to be personalized. Home access available with your Minuteman card. Find it on the list of free online library databases
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 15th, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday March 16th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, March 16th, 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 started 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 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 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 @ 10:30 AM (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 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!
Pre-K Pals! Thursdays @ 10:30 AM (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:
Mar 7 - Carousel Horses Part 1
Mar 14 - Carousel Horses Part 2
Mar 21 - Stick Puppets
Mar 28 - Zoo Animals à la Warhol
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: Rainbow Tambourine! Available Friday, March 1st
Starting Friday, March 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Rainbow Tambourine Kit!
Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own musical instrument! The perfect craft to brighten your day! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Rainbow Tambourine Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
March Madness: Battle of the Books! Voting Begins Monday, March 4th
It's time for our favorite books to once again battle it out! Cast your votes each week at the Franklin Public Library! 16 books will start but only 1 can be named Franklin's Favorite book!
Doggie Tales! Monday, March 4th @ 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.
Todd Brodeur Frisbee Demonstration! Wednesday March 6th @1:00PM
Join 2-time World Freestyle Frisbee Champion Todd Brodeur for a super fun hands on frisbee demonstration! Learn some new moves and have fun! No registration required!
Tricky Trivia Thursday, March 14th @ 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!
Petite Picassos! Tuesday March 11th & 25th @3:00PM
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a ladybug! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided! REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Doggie Tales! Monday, March 18th @ 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 March 23rd @ 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 butterfly themed masterpiece! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! The same painting will be taught in March & April - please only register for 1 date.
Henry the Juggler! Thursday March 28th @1:00PM
Join us for a show that is known to cause spontaneous outbursts of laughter! You will be left completely amazed as you watch Henry the juggler juggle his CLUBS, RINGS, TORCHES and MORE! Caution: Henry is known to use innocent bystanders in his act!
Mike Bent‘s AbraKIDabra Show! Friday March 29th @1:00PM
Join us for an exciting and fun comedy magic show developed especially for kids and families! AbraKidabra!™ combines amazing magic, big laughs, audience participation and hilarious surprises for a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience that will leave the whole family impressed!
The Library is so excited to partner with Dean College for a giant egg hunt on the library lawn and Dean College grove! Bring your own basket, and enjoy crafts and activities!
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! 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, March 19th @ 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
Tricky Trivia Thursday, March 14th @ 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!
Events for Adults
Adult Take & Makes: Lucky Leprechaun Hat! Available Friday, March 1st
Starting Friday, March 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Lucky Leprechaun Hat kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own St. Patrick’s Day Ornament! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! *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.
Introduction to Vegetable Gardening, March 2nd @ 1:00 PM
Join Ali Coakley of Night Owl Farm for a class designed for the absolute beginner, but all are welcome in this foundational course. We will show you everything you need to know to start your gardening journey. This course is designed for those who aren’t sure where to start, but have the desire to grow. At the end of the class you will have a basic understanding of what plants will grow best in your space, where to get the plants you desire to grow, how to address the most common growing issues, and when to harvest your bounty. We will focus on the most common crops grown in gardens, but will be open to questions specific to you and your growing space throughout our time together. This course will be from a no-till, organic perspective, including a focus on supporting life in your soil and why that’s important. Those interested in other approaches to gardening are absolutely welcome, but our focus will be on the values that we hold at the farm!
The Weekend Watercolor Sunday, March 3rd & 17th @ 2:00 PM
Registration Required. Register here.
Project Details: Snowy landscape painting & Patterns in Watercolor a’ la Gustav Klimpt
Relax with a Sunday watercolor class for adults 18 and over.
Healthy Soil for Healthy Plants, Tuesday March 5th @ 7:00 PM
No Registration Required
Hosted by Franklin Public Library & Franklin Garden Club. Join Donald Demers of Buxton Hollow Farm to discuss Soil Health. This will include examining the role of the soil biome, how to read a soil lab report, how various minerals and amendments play in the regeneration of soil in your gardens and answering your questions about soil.
Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Wednesday, March 6th @ 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
Adult Paint Party! Saturday March 9th @1:00PM
Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for adults! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own seasonal masterpiece! All attendees must be at least 18. REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Table Top, Tuesday, March 5th & 19th @ 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, March 14th @ 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!
Irish in America Concert, Saturday, March 16 @3:00 PM
No Registration Required!
A musical journey celebrating the ‘Irish in America ‘, for all ages! Irish immigrants captured the heart of the nation with their mix of Irish jigs, ballads, folk songs, storytelling and humor. Get your green on, warm up your voices and enjoy the warmth, spirit and hilarity of the ‘Irish in America’. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Chess Group, Sundays, March 10th & 24th @ 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.
Board Game Group, Tuesday, March 12th @ 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!
Bringing the stars Indoors, Thursday March 21 @ 6:30 PM
Explore the stars in comfort without the light pollution and travel! This presentation will explore Stellarium; an open source project showing a realistic sky in 3 dimensions. We’ll be distributing glasses for the solar eclipse at this event!
Tax Preparation Help with VITA Site Open Saturdays 10 AM - 4PM
The site is open for appointments! Walk-in clients may be seen, but are always welcome for appointment making and document confirmation!
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
Genealogy Club Thursday March 28th @ 6:30 PM
Tips for Navigating Rhode island Records with Diane MacLean Boumenot
Many Americans have roots in Rhode Island, and there are some unique sources available to trace Rhode Island’s colonial families. The post-Revolutionary War period was a time of industrialization and enormous change. The immigrants to Rhode Island in the later 1800’s left completely different clues. Let’s review the best tips for breaking through to your ancestor’s Rhode Island story.
Open to all, no registration required!
**FRIENDS OF THE FRANKLIN LIBRARY**
Valentine’s Day Fudge Sale: THANK YOU for your support! A big thank you to those who ordered fudge as part of the Friends’ 2024 Valentine’s Day Fudge Sale. We hope you enjoyed your fudge, and we thank you for your support of the Friends!
Limited Copies of Franklin Library Association Book Available. Do you or someone you know love reading about local history? If so, we have the perfect book for you: The Franklin Library Association: Building the Future of the Nation’s First Public Library 1858-2022. The book tells the story of the Franklin Library Association which managed and funded the Franklin Public Library for more than a century. Copies of this book are available now with a donation to Friends of the Franklin Library. Interested in a copy? Reach out to us at fofl02038@gmail.com.
Be A Friend! Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library’s collections and programs. We welcome new ideas and new Friends as we grow our organization. Please join us on Wednesday, March 6 th at 7:00pm in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room to Learn more about becoming a Friend!