August 2022 Franklin Public Library News & Events
Library Hours
The Library’s summer 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. The Library is closed on Sundays in July and August.
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, August 12th, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 13th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, August 13th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Your Franklin Public 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!
See the newest additions to our collections at the Franklin Public Library!
Franklin Public Library Customer Satisfaction Survey
Let us know what you think about our services, staff, programs, and collections in this brief survey!
Franklin Public Library Customer Satisfaction Survey
From the Friends of the Franklin Library
From the friends…We have a couple items to note this month starting with an exciting announcement for a local teen. We’d like to congratulate recent Franklin High School graduate Gwenne Balcius, the 2022 Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship recipient. This year participants were asked to reflect on the heroes in their life, we received many stellar submissions and want to thank all who participated. Gwenne’s delightful essay identified the hero figures she’s had throughout her life as she moved across the country and entered new schools, local librarians. Thank you, Gwenne, for sharing your story and the important role libraries and local librarians have had on you. Gwenne will be heading off to Clark University in the fall. Keep an eye out for an update and feature on Gwenne in the coming months
The annual $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a college-bound senior in memory of Wilma Winters, a dedicated Franklin Public Library volunteer. Thank you again to all applicants.
Next, how about a meet up? It’s summer and there are plenty of wonderful happenings around town including the Franklin Farmers’ Market. So, we thought why not join in on the fun? We invite you to stop by our Friends of the Franklin Library table on Friday, August 5 to learn more about the Friends, meet some of our members and enter our “Bucket of Summer Fun” giveaway! We can’t wait to see you there.
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 about becoming a Friend? Drop us a line at FoFL02038@gmail.com for more information on the Friends.
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!
Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 5:00-6:00PM (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+!
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!
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.
Un-Bored! Wednesdays @10:30AM
A pop-up playtime that's fun for the whole family! We've got jumbo Legos, Lincoln logs, trucks, puzzles, board games and more! Let's escape the summer heat and play!
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!
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!
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!
Camp Crafts! Alternating Fridays @ 3:30PM
Let's wrap up our weekly "training camp" with some fun camp-themed crafts!
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
Mr. Vinny Bubble Show! Monday, August 1st @ 4:00PM
Mr. Vinny, using giant bubble wands designed and constructed by the Bubble Guy himself, will gather kids for an hour long game of watch, chase, and pop the bubbles!
Read with Riley! Wednesday, August 3rd @ 4:00PM
Join us this summer for 3 special storytimes with our therapy dog Riley and her human friend Ally! We'll read some of Riley's favorite books, sing some of her favorite songs, and of course there will be lots of puppy snuggles!
Whalemobile! Thursday, August 4th 10AM-12PM
Kids ages 5+ are welcome to join us for a special 30 minute journey inside Nile—the life-sized inflatable humpback whale,to learn about how whales and humans are similar and different, and have a chance to touch baleen, teeth and bones! REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Register on our website to reserve your 30 minute time slot.
Elijah T. Grasshopper! Saturday, August 6th @ 10:30AM
Join Elijah T. Grasshopper, Emma "Go-Go Green" Bean, their puppet pals for some super-duper interactive music and a hopping good time! Ideal for kids Ages 2-8!
Kid's Paint Party! Wednesday, August 10th @ 1:00PM *REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
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 magical masterpiece!
Baby Sensory! Saturday, August 13th @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!)
Will Parker Concert! Saturday, August 13th @10:30AM
Will Parker is a children's songwriter and teaching artist who writes and performs music for "kids ages 1-100." During Will's whimsical and interactive shows, he plays guitar and harmonica and sings original songs that engage the audience in singing-along, dancing, high-fiving, and imaginative play!
Rainforest Reptiles! Wednesday, August 17th @ 1:00PM
Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the alligators, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home! Animal Fun for All Ages!
Bollywood Dance Party! Wednesday August 17 @6:30PM
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!
Weekend Wiggles! Saturday, August 20th @ 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!
Read with Riley! Wednesday, August 24th @ 4:00PM
Join us this summer for 3 special storytimes with our therapy dog Riley and her human friend Ally! We'll read some of Riley's favorite books, sing some of her favorite songs, and of course there will be lots of puppy snuggles!
Grown-Up & Me Paint Party! Thursday, August 25th @ 1:00PM *REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
For kids ages 5-11 + a grown-up! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step partner paint party! Each child registered will need to be accompanied by a grown-up - a parent, a grandparent, aunt, uncle, nanny - anyone will do! Together, each pairing will paint a single canvas to create this fish-tastic masterpiece!
Mobile Mini Golf! Friday, August 26th @ 1:00PM
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.
Summer Reading Wrap Up Party! Saturday, August 27th @2:00PM
Celebrate the end of summer reading at the library with a special celebration! Games! Snacks! Face Painting! Balloons! and More!
Weekly / monthly Events for Teens
Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 5:00-6:00PM (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+!
TinkerCad Tuesdays! 4:00-5:00PM
Tinker-CAD is a free, easy-to-use web app that equips the next generation of designers and engineers with the foundational skills for innovation: 3D design, electronics, and coding! Join Mrs. Mitzi as you learn to use Tinker-CAD and make a cool themed creation each week!
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!
Collage Club for Teens! Thursdays, 1:00PM
Teens! Join us each Thursday afternoon at 1:00PM all summer for a casual lunchtime collage- session! Materials will be provided, just bring your own lunch/snack and your creativity!
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!
Special Events for Teens
Teen Take & Makes - Resin Bookmarks!
Starting Monday, August 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Resin Bookmark kit, the perfect craft for any and all bookworms! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Teen Paint Night! Wednesday, August 3rd @ 5:00PM **REGISTRATION REQUIRED**
For teens ages 12+! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for teens! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own magical masterpiece!
D&D 1-Shot Wonders! August 13th @ 2:00PM
Prospective DMs practice your skills! Players get ready to roll! Everyone will be setting out on pre-generated one-shot adventures as we practice the art of playing Dungeons & Dragons
Bollywood Dancing! Wednesday, August 17th @6:30PM
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!
Teen Potluck Party! Friday, August 19th @1:00PM
Teens! Join us for a summer version of our Teensgiving! Bring along a dish to share (cooked or storebought, we don't care!) Friends, food and summer: the perfect combo!
Mobile Mini Golf! Friday, August 26th @ 1:00PM
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.
Bollywood Dancing! Saturday, August 27th @9:30AM
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!
Events for Adults
Take and Make Craft for Adults: Lighthouse Windchimes
Kits will be available starting August 1st at the Circulation Desk. Supplies are limited. There is a limit of one kit per adult.
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.
Documentary Film Night, Tuesdays, August 2, 9, & 16, 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of enlightening documentary films! Light refreshments will be provided. This program is free and open to the public. All of the films can also be viewed on kanopy.com with your library card.
Tuesday, August 2, American Insurrection (2021)
FRONTLINE investigates the rising threat of far-right violence in America. With ProPublica, this film exposes the individuals and ideologies behind a wave of crimes, culminating in the attack on the Capitol.
Tuesday, August 9, Savior for Sale (2021)
Salvator Mundi (The Savior of the World) became the world’s most expensive painting when it was sold at Christie’s for $450 million in 2017. Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, the painting unleashed passions while revealing the excesses of our time. But is it really the work of the Italian genius, or one of the greatest scams in the history of art? A modern tale of globalization, SAVIOR FOR SALE delves into the secrets of the art world and explores the influence that one painting can exert on personal and geopolitical interests.
Tuesday, August 16, Love Between the Covers: A Look at the Billion Dollar Romance Fiction Industry (2015)
Romance fiction outsells all other genres of writing, from crime to science fiction, combined. So why is the genre so often dismissed as frivolous "scribble"? Could it be that it's because the overwhelming majority of writers and readers are women? This funny and inspiring look into a billion dollar industry turns up trailblazers who push the discussion on gender, race, sexuality and diversity at the front lines of the biggest power shift in publishing.
In LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS, Laurie Kahn turns her insightful eye towards another American pop culture phenomenon: the romance industry. This documentary offers fascinating insights into the history and popularity of this female-centric literary world.
Paint Pouring for Adults, Saturday, August 13, 1:00 p.m. **REGISTRATION REQUIRED**
Explore your creative side with an afternoon of paint pouring! No experience is necessary. This program is for adults 18 and over. Space is limited to 20 participants. To register, please visit the Calendar of Events on the Library’s website https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library . For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net or 508-520-4941.
Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, August 23, 7:00 p.m.
The book for discussion is Anxious People, by Fredrik Backman.
Taken hostage by a failed bank robber while attending an open house, eight anxiety-prone strangers--including a redemption-seeking bank director, two couples who would fix their marriages, and a plucky octogenarian--discover their unexpected common traits.
For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .
Bollywood Dancing! Saturday, August 27th @9:30AM
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!
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.