April 2023 Franklin Library News & Events
Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will be closed Sunday, April 9 for Easter and Monday, April 17 for Patriots Day. 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.
Library News – Get more eContent from Libby
Did you know that Libby app allows Minuteman users to borrow eBooks & audiobooks from other public library networks in Massachusetts? By adding these libraries to your Libby account, you can search, browse, and check out items from their digital collections. These networks include: Boston Public Library, SAILS Library network, CLAMS, NOBLE, CW MARS, OCLN, and the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. To add libraries, open your Libby app, tap on the settings menu in the bottom center of the screen-select “add a library” - Search for one of the following: Boston Public Library, CLAMS, CW MARS, Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, NOBLE, or OCLN (you will have to add them one at a time) - When asked to add a library card, choose "I'm visiting from Another Library." Choose "Minuteman Library Network." Enter your MLN card number and PIN. You can now search and check out materials from a partner library just as you do from Minuteman!
Featured Databases
Reference Solutions
Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA) is the premier source of business and residential information for reference and research. Used by entrepreneurs, businesses, students, job-seekers or anyone wanting access to information on tens of millions of businesses and hundreds of millions of consumers in an easy to search format. Access to this database is limited to Franklin residents.
Museum Passes
April vacation is coming, so now is a great time to reserve passes to the area’s most popular museums, aquariums, and attractions! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.
New Materials
Check out the latest additions to the library’s collection!
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, April 21, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, April 22, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
From Friends of the Franklin Library
Don’t miss out on a chance to own a piece of Franklin history! The Franklin Library Association’s (FLA) recent book, The Franklin Library Association: Building the Future of the Nation’s First Public Library 1858-2022, is full of fascinating characters and slices of life over more than 200 years as it tells the story of the FLA and the Franklin Public Library. This book is the perfect gift for anyone who loves books, libraries, and local history. Copies of the book are available now with a suggested donation of $15.00 or more to the Friends of the Franklin Library. Interested in a copy? Send us a note at fofl02038@gmail.com
Franklin Library 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. 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
April: A Book of Poetry
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!
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
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+)
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. Registration opens the Sunday before the event. Registration Links below each event.
April 20: “Sea Animals”
https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023...
April 27: “Pastel Pond Painting”
https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023...
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 Sunday, April, 16 & 30 2:00-4:30PM (All Ages)
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: April Showers
Starting Saturday, April 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own April Showers kit!
Kits include supplies and instructions for making the perfect rainy day craft!! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
April Alphabets: An ABC’s Scavenger Hunt! Starting Monday, April 3rd
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! Bonus: When you find a letter, take a picture of it with a book whose title begins with that letter!
Doggie Tales! Monday, April 3rd @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.
Kid’s Paint Party! Thursday, April 6th @ 4:00PM
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 bunny masterpiece! The same painting will be taught at the March, April and May event - please only register for 1 date. Register through the events calendar our website to reserve your spot.
Baby Sensory! Saturday April 8th @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!)
National Poetry Month Celebrations: Workshops Saturday, April 8, 12:00 PM
No registration required
You’re a poet, you just didn’t know it! Try “Found Poetry” by creating a poem from selected passages of other works with Camille Napier Bernstein or “I write – You Do, Too” were poets of all journey levels will experience writing when prompted by the energy of community, purpose and creativity. Everyone will have the opportunity to not only create, but share as well with Jamele Adams!
Baby Wearing Dance Party! Friday April 14th @9:00AM
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!
Fun with Drones! Friday April 14th @1:00PM
Join licensed drone pilot Brian Kourtz of Boston 25 News as he shows us the different types of drones, uses for drone footage, how to get your pilot's license, and of course, how to fly a drone!
Toe Jam Puppet Band! Tuesday April 18 @10:30AM
Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rockin' concert at the Franklin Public Library! This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along!
Angora Rabbits: Fluffy Bunny to Luxury Yarn Tuesday, April 18, 2:00 PM
All ages welcome and please be extra mindful with young children!
Coming down from Winterberry Homestead meet some of the fluffiest bunnies around! Brush an angora rabbit and slip them a carrot while you’re at it! Spin angora fiber on drop spindles made from recycled materials then take home spindles and fiber to keep on spinning!
Spring Sing Fling! Free Concert from Noteable Blend Wednesday, April 19th, 7:00 PM
Swing on down to the Library to put that April spring in your step! Enjoy 4-part a cappella renditions of show tunes including some ballads, up tunes, and songs from various movies and musicals!
Stuffed Animal Sleepover! Wednesday April 19 @6:30PM
What kind of trouble can a bunch of stuffed animals cause in an empty library? Here’s our chance to find out! Bring one of your favorite stuffed friends to the library for a cozy storytime, then leave them in our care for the evening! When you pick your friend up on Thursday, see what antics they might have caused!
Rockabye Beats Concert! Thursday April 20 @10:30AM
Hands on learning through music, dancing, Spanish, and fun! No matter your age, this original music program is enjoyable for the whole family!
Mobile Mini Golf! Friday April 21, 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.
Music at the Blissful Concert! Saturday April 22 @ 10:30AM
Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!
National Poetry Month Celebration: Reading Saturday, April 29, 12:00 PM
No registration required
Choose a favorite published poem that you have long treasured or recently discovered. Read it for a recording celebrating National Poetry Month for later inclusion on the Franklin Matters’ podcast!
Note: Poems may not be ones you or family members or friends have written.
Limit: Five minutes reading time.
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!
Girls Who Code! Grade 3 - 12 Meeting time Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM
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!
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+! 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, 6:00-7:00PM (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 Sunday, April, 16 & 30 2:00-4:30PM (All Ages)
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: Mini Photo Magnets!
Starting Saturday, April 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Mini Phot Magnet kit. Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own personalized magnets! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
National Poetry Month Celebrations: Workshops Saturday, April 8, 12:00 PM
No registration required
You’re a poet, you just didn’t know it! Try “Found Poetry” by creating a poem from selected passages of other works with Camille Napier Bernstein or “I write – You Do, Too” were poets of all journey levels will experience writing when prompted by the energy of community, purpose and creativity. Everyone will have the opportunity to not only create, but share as well with Jamele Adams!
Spring Sing Fling! Free Concert from Noteable Blend Wednesday, April 19th, 7:00 PM
Swing on down to the Library to put that April spring in your step! Enjoy 4-part a cappella renditions of show tunes including some ballads, up tunes, and songs from various movies and musicals!
Creating a Compelling College Application! Wednesday April 19 @7:00PM
A virtual seminar for all high school juniors and their parents. Join Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, from Stand Out For College, LLC. as they help you understand how to use the summer productively and what students should focus on to create a compelling college application. For the zoom link, email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.
Angora Rabbits: Fluffy Bunny to Luxury Yarn Tuesday, April 18, 2:00 PM
All ages welcome and please be extra mindful with young children!
Coming down from Winterberry Homestead meet some of the fluffiest bunnies around! Brush an angora rabbit and slip them a carrot while you’re at it! Spin angora fiber on drop spindles made from recycled materials then take home spindles and fiber to keep on spinning!
National Poetry Month Celebration: Reading Saturday, April 29, 12:00 PM
No registration required
Choose a favorite published poem that you have long treasured or recently discovered. Read it for a recording celebrating National Poetry Month for later inclusion on the Franklin Matters’ podcast!
Note: Poems may not be ones you or family members or friends have written.
Limit: Five minutes reading time.
Community Conversations! Thursday April 30 @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: Food Insecurity!
Events for Adults
Adult Take & Makes: Signs of Spring!
Starting Saturday, April 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Signs of Spring kit. Kits include supplies and instructions for making an adorable springtime wall hanging! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! 1 KIT 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.
Chess Club! Two Sunday, April 16 & 30, 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. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.
Friends of the Franklin Library Book Club, Tuesday, April 4, 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!
Reading: Vladimir: A Novel by Julia Jonas
YA Book Club (For Adults!), Tuesday, April 4, 7:00 PM
April Book: The Wide Starlight by Nicole Lesperance
Real talk; Young Adult Books are not just for young adults... Join a book club celebrating favorites young and old! Getting cozy STRONGLY encouraged! Check us out at https://www.franklinma.gov/adult-programs-services/pages/ya-book-club
Mid-Week Reset Wednesday, April 5, 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.
National Poetry Month Celebrations: Workshops, Saturday, April 8, 12:00 PM
No registration required
You’re a poet, you just didn’t know it! Try “Found Poetry” by creating a poem from selected passages of other works with Camille Napier Bernstein or “I write – You Do, Too” were poets of all journey levels will experience writing when prompted by the energy of community, purpose and creativity. Everyone will have the opportunity to not only create, but share as well with Jamele Adams!
Table Top Tuesday, April 11 & 25, 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!
Adult Crafts, Sunday, April 16, 2:00 PM
Registration Required
“Watercolor Ocean Animals”
Register Here: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023...
Genealogy Club, Thursday, April 20, 6:30 p.m. DNA Surprises
Our DNA series with Dr. Adina Newman continues! DNA testing is a powerful tool for genealogical research, but the test can have unexpected and sometimes life-changing results. This program is free and open to all who are interested. No registration required.
Angora Rabbits: Fluffy Bunny to Luxury Yarn Tuesday, April 18, 2:00 PM
All ages welcome and please be extra mindful with young children!
Coming down from Winterberry Homestead meet some of the fluffiest bunnies around! Brush an angora rabbit and slip them a carrot while you’re at it! Spin angora fiber on drop spindles made from recycled materials then take home spindles and fiber to keep on spinning!
Board Game Group, Tuesday, April 18, 6:30 PM
No registration required
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!
Spring Sing Fling! Free Concert from Noteable Blend Wednesday, April 19th, 7:00 PM
Swing on down to the Library to put that April spring in your step! Enjoy 4-part a cappella renditions of show tunes including some ballads, up tunes, and songs from various movies and musicals!
Tactics for Saving Money! Prescription Medications, Thursday, April 20, 7:00 PM
No registration required
Do you know what an Rx-savings card is? How about a co-pay card? Want to know how they work? Patricia Prewitt of My Personal Rx Advisor explains options, tricks, and tactics for paying less in the complex world of Healthcare!
RSVP to join us online here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lce2vrz0oG9yHtOsE7uz_URoopAZ...
Chocolate Talk & Tasting, Saturday, April 22, 1:00 PM
Registration required!
They say eating chocolate releases endorphins that make you happy. Let's find out if it's true!
Come try an array of gourmet chocolate delights brought to you by Therapy Gardens. Milk, dark, and LOW sugar chocolate will be offered for sampling. Learn about the ingredients, processing and where cocoa pods are grown. We will also share tips on where to get quality chocolate!
Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, April 25, 7:00 PM
The book for discussion is The Plot, by Jean Hanff Korelitz.
Professor Jake Bonner steals his late student’s premise for a novel, and publishes it as his own. Years later, now wealthy and successful, he receives an email, “You are a thief”. What is the real story behind the plot, and who stole it from whom?
For more information, please contact Deputy Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .
Community Conversations! Thursday, April 27, @6:00PM
No registration required
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: Food Insecurity!
National Poetry Month Celebration: Reading, Saturday, April 29, 12:00 PM
No registration required
Choose a favorite published poem that you have long treasured or recently discovered. Read it for a recording celebrating National Poetry Month for later inclusion on the Franklin Matters’ podcast!
Note: Poems may not be ones you or family members or friends have written.
Limit: Five minutes reading time.