News & Events December 2022

December 2022 Press Release

 

Library Hours

 

The Library’s 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 closing at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23rd, and Saturday, December 24th for Christmas Eve. The library will also be closing at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 31st for New Year’s Eve. The library will be closed on Sunday, December 25th and Monday, December 26th for Christmas Day (observed).

 

Book Sale

 

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, December 9th ,  1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, December 10th , 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!


Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, December 10th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
 

Volunteer Tutors Needed for ESL & Adult Literacy Program

 

The Franklin Public Library is starting 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 one orientation session, 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 Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or fill out the registration form on the library’s website .

 

Volunteers Needed for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

 

Volunteers are always needed for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs… better known as VITA and TCE. Many volunteer roles are available. You can help as a greeter, an interpreter or a computer specialist. Most of all, we need tax preparers!

Learn more & Sign up at: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers

 

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!

 

Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! Tuesdays @ 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

Last month for the Fall Clubs! Look for Final projects on the website!

Spring session sign ups start January 1!

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!

 

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!

 

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!

 

Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @ 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!

 

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!

 

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00PM

Registration required: Visit the calendar of events on our website to register for each date!

December 1st: Would you like to paint a Snowman? Kids and guardians are invited to paint together!

 

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!

 

Special Events for Kids & Families

 

Miss Bree’s Bookopoly! November 1-December 31

Join the fun for a super awesome interactive game to finish out the year! Roll the dice, move your piece on our giant board, and have fun with a variety of reading and creative challenges, and chances to win prizes galore!

 

Hot Cocoa and Coloring! Friday afternoons in December (12/2, 12/9, 12/16), 2:30-4:30PM

Join us every Friday in December! We’ll provide the cocoa and the coloring supplies, and you provide the creativity and good cheer!

 

Kids Take & Makes: Ping Pong Snowmen!

Starting Monday December 5th stop by the library to pick up your very own Ping Pong Snowmen kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own custom snowman! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

 

Bollywood Dance Party! Saturday December 3rd @11:00AM

Kids and grownups join us! Have fun, make some moves and learn how to Bollywood dance with Deepa Bhaskar! Bollywood Dance is an expressive and eclectic dance form. It’s a fusion of Indian classical and folk dance with various other dances styles from all around the world!

 

Doggie Tales! Monday, December 5th and December 19th @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.

 

Weekend Wiggles! Saturday, December 10th @ 10:30AM

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!

 

Kid’s Paint Party! Saturday, December 10th @ 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 owl-y masterpiece! The same painting will be taught at all 3 dates - please only register for 1 date.

Register through the events calendar our website to reserve your spot.

 

Pancakes and Pajamas! Saturday December 17th @10:30AM

Keep your jammies on and join us for a cozy pancake breakfast, hot cocoa, and holiday music with Jamie Barrett! What better way to celebrate the warmth of the season than in the coziest way we can think of!

 

Last Minute Wrapping Station! Friday December 23rd 10:00AM-1:00PM

Families are welcome to drop in to wrap their last minute gifts at the library! We’ll have rolls of paper, tape, scissors, ribbons, (and of course hot cocoa!) for all your wrapping needs!

 

Pumpernickel Puppets! Tuesday December 27th @10:30AM

Join us for a fun show, including a cast of colorful puppet characters, live voices and sound effects!

 

Trevor the Games Man! Wednesday December 28th @10:30AM

Featuring Stiltwalking and Cooperative Games, TREVOR leads the audience through a wide variety of unusual, interactive, cooperative, FUN, participatory activities!

 

Box City! Wednesday December 28th 3:00-5:00PM

We're turning the Meeting Room into a city made out of boxes! Donate your empty boxes from the holidays between now and December 29! Then join us as we decorate the boxes with all sorts of materials and make a whole box town to play with! Creativity is encouraged!

 

Music at the Blissful Concert! Thursday December 29th @10:30AM

Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Hallor brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

 

Mobile Mini Golf! Friday December 30th, 1:00-4:00PM

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.

 

Noon Year’s Eve Party! Saturday December 31st @11:00AM

Let’s send off 2022 in style! Join us for an end of the year bash as we ring in 2023 early! We’ll have snacks, games, and a super new year’s celebration! See you there!

 

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!

 

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+!

 

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!

 

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.

 

Special Events for Teens

 

Teen Take & Makes: Resin Ornament!

Starting Monday December 5th stop by the library to pick up your very own resin ornament kit. Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own custom ornament! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Resin Ornament Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

 

Bollywood Dance Party! Saturday December 3rd @11:00AM

Kids and grownups join us! Have fun, make some moves and learn how to Bollywood dance with Deepa Bhaskar! Bollywood Dance is an expressive and eclectic dance form. It’s a fusion of Indian classical and folk dance with various other dances styles from all around the world!

 

Be Your Own Barista! Saturday December 3rd 4:00PM

Registration Required!

There is nothing like a Peppermint Mocha in December, so let’s make one!! Mrs. Mitzi has the ingredients set, so let’s get MERRY!

Register here: http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2022/12/03_Be_Your_Own_Barista

 

Community Conversations! Wednesday December 21st @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: "I wish you knew..." Connecting through Generation Gaps.

 

Teen Yule Ball! Wednesday December 28th @6:30PM

Join the Volunteens for a night of Harry Potter-themed crafts, games, and dancing!

 

Teen Murder Mystery Party! Murder at the 80’s Prom! Thursday December 29th @2:00PM

Tweens and teens, you are invited to join us for a totally awesome murder mystery party. Enjoy snacks, refreshments and music as you mingle with other guests and question the suspects. Popular 80's fashion is encouraged!

 

Mobile Mini Golf! Friday December 30th, 1:00-4:00PM

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.

 

Events for Adults

 

Cook Book Collage!

Find me near the new books!

The holidays are a time for family traditions, especially food! Fill out an index card with your favorite family recipe for the holidays and pin it to our community collage! With enough recipes we hope to make a Community Holiday Cookbook for our Library’s reference collection!

 

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.

 

Bollywood Dance Party! Saturday December 3rd @11:00AM

Kids and grownups join us! Have fun, make some moves and learn how to Bollywood dance with Deepa Bhaskar! Bollywood Dance is an expressive and eclectic dance form. It’s a fusion of Indian classical and folk dance with various other dances styles from all around the world!

 

Be Your Own Barista! Saturday December 3rd 4:00PM

Registration Required!

There is nothing like a Peppermint Mocha in December, so let’s make one!! Mrs. Mitzi has the ingredients set, so let’s get MERRY!

Register here: http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2022/12/03_Be_Your_Own_Barista

 

Adult Crafts Sunday December 4th 2:00 PM

Registration Required

Enjoy acrylic painting collaged with poetry!

 

Adult Take & Makes: Winter Wonderland Luminaries!

Starting Monday December 5th stop by the library to pick up your very own Winter Wonderland Luminary kit. Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own luminary! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

 

YA Book Club Monday December 5th 7:00 PM

The Whispering Dark by Kelly Andrew (Available on Hoopla!)

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

Remote option available:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkfu-hpzgpGtb7_lTktoi1W1S5zjI6aio

 

Friends of the Franklin Library Book Club Tuesday December 6th 6:30PM

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson (Available on Hoopla!)

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

 

Friends of Franklin Library Meeting Wednesday December 7th 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

 

Community Conversations! Wednesday December 21st @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: "I wish you knew..." Connecting through Generation Gaps

 

An Evening with Mystery Writers: Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk!

Thursday, December 8th 7:00 PM

Virtual Event

"She's on the Case"  Join us for an evening with Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk moderated by Rachel Raczka of the Boston Globe.

 

Everything was fine until it wasn’t—a scream in the library, books gone missing the first day on the job, a secret threatening to tear apart a perfect life. We’ll discuss intriguing mysteries with critically acclaimed authors Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk.

Find more information on the authors and their latest books on our events calendar and Facebook Page!

Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_smBSt3ejTD2saBpyVXY6Og

 

Crafting Your Cocktail December 12th 6:30 PM

Virtual Event

Chef Liz Barbour of The Creative Feast will show students how to shake, stir, and swizzle their way to creating two seasonally inspired cocktails. You'll learn how to incorporate herbs, spices, and other seasonal ingredients into craft-style cocktails. Classic mixology methods get a tasty twist with Liz's help.

Register here! https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkc-muqD4vHNPRDGV90B-1S22iaBi-WiM4

 

Table Top, Tuesday, December 13th & 27th 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 for more info!

We are currently exploring the mist shrouded moors in Curse of Strahd.

 

An Introduction to Hanukkah December 15th 7:00 PM

Virtual Event – All Ages

Learn about Hanukkah -- a fun-filled eight-day festival celebrated by people all around the word who practice the Jewish faith -- in this virtual presentation from the Lappin Foundation.

 

Hanukkah is a holiday honoring the Maccabees's victory over King Antiochus, who forbade Jews to practice their religion. It is celebrated on the 25th day of Kislev (the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar), which is generally in late November to mid-December. For eight nights, candles are lit in a menorah, a candelabrum with spaces for nine candles -- one for each night plus a helper candle called the shamash. On each night, one more candle is added and lit. During the lighting, people recite special blessings and prayers. Families also play games, sing songs, and exchange gifts during the celebration.

 

The Lappin Foundation is a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that provides exciting programs for children, teens and adults that spark an interest in Jewish living and learning, as well as foster positive relationships through education with individuals of all faiths. The Foundation’s core mission is to enhance Jewish identity across generations.

Brought to you in collaboration with the Tewksbury, Carlisle, Danvers, Georgetown, Groton, Hopkinton, Peabody, Saugus, Swampscott, Wakefield, Waltham, & Wellesley Public Libraries.

Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2416685478169/WN_hN7VV6gASQWhchifnIagLQ

 

Holiday Concert from NoteAble Blend Saturday December 17th 3:00 PM

Bring a little festive cheer and maybe even sing along with a dynamic Women’s Barbershop Chorus!

NoteAble Blend is an energetic women’s a cappella barbershop chorus that shares a passion for singing, a support of friendship, a love for teaching and promoting the art of barbershop music, and a desire to contribute to the local artistic community through musical expression.

 

Board Game Group Tuesday December 20th 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!

 

Franklin Public Library Book Club Tuesday December 27th 7:00 PM

The book for discussion is Circe, by Madeline Miller

 

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child -- not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power -- the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves. Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus. But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

 

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

 

Movie Club Monday 7:00 PM

No Meeting this month please enjoy your holiday!

Franklin Film Fanatics! Welcome to Movie Club where we watch movies then get together to Discuss, Dish and Devour the critique and trivia of beloved films! Remote Access Available

 

Genealogy Club Thursday 6:30 PM

It is time for our annual break! We’ll be back with more great history and knowledge to share in 2023!

The Genealogy Club of the Franklin Public Library is a monthly program for genealogy enthusiasts, beginners and experienced alike. Each month a professional speaker will present the group with a lecture on a wide variety of family history and genealogy topics. This program is free and open to all who are interested. Remote Access Available