April 2022 Franklin Library News & Events
Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will be closed Sunday, April 17th for Easter, and Monday, April 18th for Patriots Day. The Library’s regular 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 Sunday 1:30-5:00 p.m.
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, April 8th , 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 9th , 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, April 9th , from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Homework Help Program
The Franklin Public Library is now offering its free Homework Help program for grades 1-8. The program takes place Monday through Thursday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Students will be assisted by either retired teachers or high school students. Application forms for both participants and volunteers are available at the Circulation Desk and on the Library’s website https://www.franklinma.gov/children-teen-services/pages/homework-assista... .
Museum Passes
Your Franklin Library card gives you the opportunity to receive either free or reduced cost admission to many of the areas most popular museums and attractions! Some of the most popular destinations are the Boston Children's Museum, New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, and the Mass State Parks Pass. Reservations may be made up to thirty days in advance on the Museum Pass page of the library's website. Be sure to check back regularly as we are continually adding more passes for you to enjoy.
Friends of the Franklin Library
New museum pass - The Butterfly Place! Reserve your pass here (Please note: this pass is available for Franklin residents only)
From the Friends… Allow your mind to wander and your heart flutter at The Butterfly Place. The Friends of the Franklin Library recently donated 200 passes to The Butterfly Place, an indoor botanical garden filled with hundreds of freely flying butterflies - both native New England butterflies as well as tropical species from around the world. Go for the butterflies, but don't stop there, visit the koi fish, see the quail birds and enjoy the other exhibits. After you’ve seen it all, take a seat on the “Show and Tell” bench where volunteers are ready to answer any of your questions. Located in Westford, MA, The Butterfly Place is open from 10:00am – 4:00pm daily (except Easter Sunday and July 4th) now through October 10th. Ready to plan your trip? If you are a Franklin resident, you can use your Library Card to request up to 4 passes which will allow your group of up to 4 to visit this gem of a museum free of charge. The Friends hope that you enjoy your visit to The Butterfly Place!
The Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting The Franklin Public Library’s collections and programs. Want to learn more or get involved? Send us an email at fofl02038@gmail.com .
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! 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! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (10+)
Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!
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!
Homeschool Hangout! Tuesdays from 12:00-2:00PM
Join other local homeschool families in a space dedicated to you! Each Tuesday between 12-2PM, the Friends of the Franklin Library Room will be available for homeschool families to hang out, get work done, and connect!
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 3-5 Meeting time Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM
Spring 2022 Session Sign ups start January 1st on the library website!
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!
Science Junction! 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month @4:00PM
FHS Seniors Mani and Vedika are so excited to share their love for science and foster that love in elementary-level kids! Join them once a month for fun science experiments, activities, and more! From dinosaurs to chemical reactions the possibilities are endless!
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 30 minutes of craft and sensory play. For children ages 3 and up that can attend on their own. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room.
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!
Doggie Tales! 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month @4:30 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.
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!
Lego Free-Build Friday! Alternating Fridays @2:30 (0-5)
Let imaginations run WILD! Enjoy 2 hours of Friday fun time to build what you like with the Library Legos! Cool builds will be displayed on the Library Website & Facebook! ALL Legos are washed in between sessions!
Special Events for Kids & Families
Kids Take & Makes: Mini Art!
Starting Friday, April 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Mini Art kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own piece of artwork! Once you finish your painting bring your canvas back to the library to be part of a temporary art display! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Mini Art Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
StoryWalk Adventure at DelCarte Reservation! Saturday April 2 @10:30AM
Come celebrate the launch of our Spring StoryWalk with an interactive adventure! We'll walk the trail together and finish with a fun craft!
Idea Club! 2nd Monday of the Month! @4:00PM
Join us for a monthly storytime celebration of all the ways we are different and wonderful! We'll read, sing, play and learn about our diverse world and talk about how we can make it kinder and more inclusive!
Baby Sensory! Saturday Saturday April 16th @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!)
Book Character Costume Party! Saturday April 16th @10:30AM
Families! Dress up as your favorite book character and join us for a celebration including games, crafts, snacks, and a costume parade!
Mobile Mini-Golf! Tuesday April 19th, 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 10 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Poem Explosion! Wednesday April 20th @1:00PM
Calling all poets! Join us for an afternoon of creative fun as we make all kinds of poems, from cut out magazines, old book pages, and even book spines! Bring your creativity!
Earth Day Planting Party! Thursday April 21st @1:00PM
Families! Celebrate Earth Day by planting seeds at the library! Materials will be provided and you'll leave with a seedling! Take it home and watch it grow!
Mr. Vinny’s Shadow Puppet Show! Friday April 22nd @1:00PM
Mr. Vinny from the Toe Jam Puppet Band presents a dynamic and hilarious family show! Get ready for lots of jokes and audience participation, and a few fun surprises!
Weekend Wiggles! Saturday April 9th and April 23rd @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!
Weekly / monthly Events for Teens
Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (10+)
Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!
Teen Book Bites! Weekly on Wednesdays, 5:30-PM
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!
VolunTeens! 2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month, 6:00-7:00PM (6th-12th Grade)
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!
For more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.
Special Events for Teens
Teen Take & Makes: Mini Art!
Teens! Starting Tuesday, March 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Mini Art kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own piece of artwork! Once you finish your painting bring your canvas back to the library to be part of a temporary art display! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Mini Art Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Python Problem, Saturday, April 2nd, 2:00 p.m.
A Python challenge to: Learn some new expressions, Code new applications, or Fix broken code.
Each session starts with an explanation of a concept or code piece followed by a challenge using that code or concept!
Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday April 9th @2:00PM
AGES 13+ 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! Examine the evidence to uncover critical clues, corroborate alibis, create timelines, and identify each suspect’s means, motive, and opportunity! It is not required that you attend all 6 meetings, but since the episodes build on themselves, it is highly encouraged!
Teen Jewelry Making! Friday April 15th @1:00PM
Ideal for children and teens ages 10 and up! Join Franklin High School Junior Ji-Yann from our VolunTeen program as she teaches us how to make custom wire wrapped rings and more!
Fandom Fiesta for Teens! Wednesday April 20th @6:30PM
Teens! Join us in your favorite cosplay for a super epic celebration of all our favorite fandoms! Dress up, eat snacks, and play games!
Code-IT: Website Workshop April 30th @12:00 PM
Hey young Coders! Are you looking for some beginner friendly ideas for your next project or challenge? Mrs. Mitzi can show how to code a basic website from scratch with HTML! Great for kids with little to NO coding experience!
Spring Fever: Bad Horror Movie Series April 30th @4:30 PM
Enjoy an after-hours Teen Horror Movie Event! In April, May, and June; join us for a screening of some of the best 'bad' zombie movies ever made! Screaming this month: Anna & the Apocalypse! (R)
Events for Adults
Take and Make Craft for Adults: Mini Art Kit
For April, artists of all levels of experience are encouraged to express themselves creatively on a 3x3 canvas. A set of paints and a brush are included, but by no means should limit what you use to create on the canvas. Once completed, you are welcome to drop it off at the library for display! Our mini art display will last one month. Kits will be available starting April 1st at the Circulation Desk. Supplies are limited. There is a limit of one kit per adult.
Creativebug Database
Love crafting? Check out the CREATIVEBUG database! Available to Franklin residents with a valid Minuteman Library Network library card. Creativebug.com has more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes, taught by recognized design experts and artists.
Easy Rose Care with Author Teresa Mosher presented by the Franklin Garden Club, Tuesday, April 5, 7:00 p.m.
Teresa reviews uncovering winter protected roses, pruning various types, planting, fertilizing, and choosing hardy roses. Photos from her locally revered Zone 5 garden in Methuen are shared during the presentation. Handouts will be provided. This program is free and open to the public.
Nature in Your Neighborhood – The Secret Life of Backyard and Migratory Birds, Wednesday, April 6, 6:30 p.m.
Join us for this illustrated lecture focused on birds that are commonly seen throughout the Spring in Franklin! You'll get a glimpse into their secret lives, learn how and why birds migrate, and leave with newfound bird identification skills just in time for Spring migration. This program is provided by an LCC grant to Mass Audubon, and is presented by Kat Livar from the Mass Audubon Metro South's TerraCorps.
The Basics of Hydroponics with Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens, Tuesday, April 12, 7:00 p.m.
Grow all kinds of plants without soil from the comfort of your own home. Use water and nutrients to supply your family with veggies and herbs, all year long. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit https://www.blackstonevalleyveggiegardens.com/ .
How to Sell and Buy Successfully in a Low Inventory Market, Saturday, April 16, 3:00 p.m.
Kara Trombly of Suburban Lifestyle Real Estate and Signe Johns of Fairway Independent Mortgage are offering the real estate workshop “How to Sell and Buy Successfully in a Low Inventory Market.” Topics to be covered include understanding the current market, the role of Buyer's Agent and Seller's Agent, what does the process to buy and sell simultaneously look like, and strategies to effectively list your home AND make the transition to a new home. This workshop is free and open to the public.
Kara Trombly is a residential real estate professional with Suburban Lifestyle Real Estate out of Franklin, MA. She has also worked as a Sales Agent at Metro Realty based in Brookline, MA. She comes from a background of business and sales and is currently residing in the Franklin area with her family.
Signe Johns is a Mortgage Advisor at Fairway Independent Mortgage, who works out of the Brookline office, and is a resident of Framingham. She believes that her work through mortgages is the perfect combination of her love of numbers (she majored in Biology) and her passion to help people (she worked at community colleges for over a decade). She brings a lot of empathy and problem solving to the mortgage process, and is always available to her clients.
Letters from Red Farm: The Untold Story of the Friendship between Helen Keller and Journalist Joseph Edgar Chamberlin with Author Elizabeth Emerson
Saturday, April 30, 3:00 p.m.
In 1888, young Helen Keller traveled to Boston with her teacher, Annie Sullivan, where they met a man who would change her life: Boston Transcript columnist and editor, Joseph Edgar Chamberlin. Throughout her childhood and young adult years, Keller spent weekends and holidays at Red Farm, the Chamberlins' home in Wrentham, Massachusetts, a bustling environment where avant-garde writers, intellectuals, and social reformers of the day congregated. Keller eventually called Red Farm home for a year when she was sixteen.
Informed by previously unpublished letters and extensive research, Letters from Red Farm explores for the first time Keller's deep and enduring friendship with the man who became her literary mentor and friend for over forty years. Written by Chamberlin's great-great granddaughter, this engaging story imparts new insights into Keller's life and personality, introduces the irresistible Chamberlin to a modern public, and follows Keller's burgeoning interest in social activism, as she took up the causes of disability rights, women's issues, and pacifism.
Author Elizabeth Emerson is a former grant writer and award-winning artist based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She has contributed material to PBS's film biography Becoming Helen Keller and written guest articles for the American Foundation for the Blind's Helen Keller Archival Collection and the Perkins Archives' newsletter.
Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.
The book for discussion is The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig.
"'Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices... Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?' A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time. Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better? In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig's enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place"-- Provided by publisher.
For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . Book Club meetings are now taking place both in-person at the Library and on Zoom. To participate through Zoom, please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kduuppj0oGd1riTUPnGfsy7Qph0W... .
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.