July 2023 Franklin Library News & Events
July 2023 Newsletter
Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th for Independence Day. 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. Sunday hours will resume after Labor Day.
SUMMER READING 2023!!!
It is time for the annual Summer Reading Program from Franklin Public Library! The theme this year is Find Your Voice! So, this year we have a full schedule of events and activities to help you explore and share yours! This year we also have a Summer Reading Program for our Adult community, too! More information can be found on our summer reading page of the Library Website and the summer reading page under Adult Programs & Services!
Sign Up Here!
Kids & Teens: https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/summer-reading-2023
Adults: https://www.franklinma.gov/adult-programs-services/pages/summer-reading-2023-adults
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 (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.
Summer is in full swing! 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.
Check out the latest additions to the library’s collection!
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale Friday, July 21, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Franklin Library Bag Sale, Saturday, July 22, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
$5 A Bag -- Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
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 fill out the registration form on the library’s website.
Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge
July: A book Borrowed from another Library
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!
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 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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
Move Along! 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!
Special Events for Kids & Families
Kids Take & Makes: Mini Mega Phones!
Starting Saturday, July 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Mini Mega Phone Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own mega phone! The perfect craft to celebrate this year's summer reading theme "Find Your Voice"! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Mini Mega Phone Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Pumpernickel Puppets! Saturday July 1st @10:30AM
Join us for a fun show, including a cast of colorful puppet characters, live voices and sound effects!
Stars & Stripes Scavenger Hunt! Monday, July 3rd – Saturday, July 8th
In honor of Independence Day, can you find the 13 striped stars hiding throughout the Children's and Teen rooms?
Sing with Your Baby! Saturday July 8th @10:30AM
Join the wonderful Julie Stepanek for a morning of music and engagement with your little one!
Science Series! Saturday July 8th @1:00PM
Join us for a special science workshop, brought to you by volunteers from the Franklin High School Science department! Ideal for ages 7+!
Todd Brodeur Frisbee Show! Monday July 10th @1:00PM
Join Frisbee champion Todd Brodeur for a super fun hands on frisbee demonstration! Learn some new moves and have fun!
Storytime at Patriot Place! Tuesday July 11 @10:00AM
Join Miss Caleigh for a special storytime at Patriot Place! If you love the energy and movement of Move Along, you'll have a blast at this special off-site storytime!
Baby-Wearing Dance Party! Friday July 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!
Farmer’s Market Fun! Friday July 14th, 2:00-4:00PM
Join the Franklin Public Library for a special monthly visit at the Franklin Farmer's Market!
Mr. Vinny Bubble Show! Monday July 17th @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!
Buildwave Family Night! Wednesday July 19th @6:00PM
Want to foster your child's interest in STEM, while igniting their creative spark at the same time? Buildwave is a creative building program that feels like a video game! Over the course of the workshop families will create with over a dozen different building materials, including Lego®, PlusPlus®, and custom-made Buildwave materials. The workshop is structured like a video game, with an audiovisual setup featuring animations and music that guide you through the different building waves!
Rockabye Beats! Thursday July 20th @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!
Rainforest Reptiles! Friday, July 21st @ 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! Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages! No registration required.
Baby Sensory! Saturday July 22 @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!)
Toe Jam Puppet Band! Saturday July 22nd @10:3AM
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!
Comic Workshop for Kids with Maris Wicks! Monday July 24th @1:00PM
Kids Ages 4-10. Do you love comics and graphic novels? Have you ever wondered how they’re made? Then this special workshop run by graphic novelist Maris Wicks is for you! Taking inspiration from her newest picture book "You and the Bowerbird”, you’ll learn how to make your own comic about birds and nature!
Music at the Blissful Concert! Monday July 24th @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!
Kid’s Paint Party! Wednesday, July 26th @ 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 sleepy sloth masterpiece! The same painting will be taught at the June, July, and August event - please only register for 1 date. Register through the events calendar our website to reserve your spot.
Comic Workshop with Maris Wicks! Thursday, July 27th @ 5:30PM
Kids and Teens Ages 10+. Have you ever wanted to create your own comic series? Then this special workshop run by graphic novelist Maris Wicks is for you! Come and learn how comics work, the different types of comics, character design and development, world-building, and more!
Baby-Wearing Dance Party! Friday July 28th @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!
Talewise: Science Heroes! Friday July 28th @1:00PM
Science and stories collide in this brand new interactive STEM program! Two unlikely heroes must learn to WORK TOGETHER to stop a super polluting mastermind! Throughout the story, you’ll help the performer conduct amazing science experiments all about air pressure, the laws of motion, chemical reactions, and much more! Ideal for kids ages 5+
Harry Potter Party! Monday July 31st @1:00PM
Celebrate our favorite wizard's birthday at the library! Dress up as your favorite character and enjoy crafts, games, and more!
Weekly / monthly Events for Teens
Crime Time Mysteries! Tuesdays @ 1:00PM
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!
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 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!
Collage Club for Teens! Thursdays @1:00PM
Teens! Join us each Thursday afternoon at 1:00PM all summer long for a casual lunchtime collage- session! Materials will be provided (though you can always bring your own magazines!) Feel free to bring your own lunch/snack and your creativity!
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!
Special Events for Teens
Teen Take & Makes: Air Plant Terrariums!
Starting Saturday, July 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Air Plant Terrarium kit!
Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own hanging terrarium! The perfect plant-lovers craft! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis! To keep things equitable and because they will be picking out their air plant, teens must be present when picking up this craft.
Movie Monday, Mondays 6:00 PM
Enjoy a movie at the Library! Bring your own candy. Popcorn Provided!
July 10 – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (PG)
July 17 – A Man Called Otto (PG-13)
July 24 – The Meg (PG-13)
July 31 – Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (PG-13)
Learn to Play Ukulele Saturday July 8 @1:00 PM
Julie Stepanek will teach us how to hold, tune, strum, fret, read chords and play songs on a ukulele!
Smart Phone Photography Wednesday July 12 @ 6:00 & 7:00 PM **Registration Required**
Join Steve McGrath and get better photos from your phone! Learn how to use essentials controls on your phone along with the best free and low-cost tools for editing and image management. This Class is dedicated to helping you with understanding how to use your smartphone to take and create great Images!
Teen Paint Party! Thursday, July 13th @5:00PM
FOR TEENS AGES 12+! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! 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 beach-fun masterpiece! Register through the events calendar our website to reserve your spot.
Escape from the Rogue Planet Saturday, July 22 Starting at 1:00 PM ** Registration Required**
You and your group are members of the USS Zephyr, an exploratory Space Ship returning home from a long journey when your ship crashes onto a Rogue Planet. You have to repair your ship, find out where you are, launch your ship, and survive the journey home!
Comic Workshop with Maris Wicks! Thursday, July 27th @ 5:30PM
Have you ever wanted to create your own comic series? Then this special workshop run by graphic novelist Maris Wicks is for you! Come and learn how comics work, the different types of comics, character design and development, world-building, and more!
Events for Adults
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.
Movie Monday, Mondays 6:00 PM
Enjoy a movie at the Library! Bring your own candy. Popcorn Provided!
July 10 – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (PG)
July 17 – A Man Called Otto (PG-13)
July 24 – The Meg (PG-13)
July 31 – Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (PG-13)
Learn to Play Ukulele Saturday July 8 @ 1:00 PM
Julie Stepanek will teach us how to hold, tune, strum, fret, read chords and play songs on a ukulele!
Table Top Tuesday, July 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!
Smart Phone Photography Wednesday July 12 @ 6:00 & 7:00 PM **Registration Required**
Join Steve McGrath and get better photos from your phone! Learn how to use essentials controls on your phone along with the best free and low-cost tools for editing and image management. This Class is dedicated to helping you with understanding how to use your smartphone to take and create great Images!
Board Game Group, Tuesday, July 18, 6:00 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!
Escape from the Rogue Planet Saturday, July 22 Starting at 1:00 PM ** Registration Required**
You and your group are members of the USS Zephyr, an exploratory Space Ship returning home from a long journey when your ship crashes onto a Rogue Planet. You have to repair your ship, find out where you are, launch your ship, and survive the journey home!
Childhood 2.0 Movie Screening, Wednesday July 26th @5:30PM
Parents: Join us for an important film screening of Childhood 2.0, followed by a discussion, brought to you by members of the Franklin School Committee.