May 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, May 29 for Memorial 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.

Featured Databases

Universal Class offers free and unlimited access to over 500 online courses. Interested in continuing your education, expanding your horizons or just learning something for fun? Choose from a diverse range of subjects including computer training, resume writing, home and garden, health and medicine, hobbies, self-help and more. Universal Class virtual classrooms are extremely easy to use and they are available any time, anyplace with an internet connection. To get started you’ll need an email address and your library card. Universal Class is also available through the Libby App!

Transparent Language Online for Libraries empowers anyone to learn 110+ languages anytime, anywhere, on any device — with unlimited simultaneous usage. Creating an account will let you save your progress and learned vocab, as well as access the mobile apps!

New Materials

Check out the latest additions to the library’s collection!

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, May 19, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 20, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
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 contact Deputy Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge

May: A nonfiction book on a subject new to you

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

Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own masterpiece!

May 4 - 3D. Fish mixed media

https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/04_Artsy_Afternoons

May 11 - Bugs and butterfly design

https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/11_Artsy_Afternoons

May 18 - Diorama Going to the beach

https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/18_Artsy_Afternoons

May 25 - Student art show Celebration! Craft and refreshments, all are invited!

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, May 14 & 28 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: May Flowers

Starting Monday, May 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own May Flowers kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own coffee filter flowers, the perfect craft to brighten your day!! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Star Wars Droid Scavenger Hunt! Thursday, May 4th – Saturday, May 5th

Calling all Jedi! Droids are loose in the library! Can you find them all?

Doggie Tales! Monday, May 1st & May 15th @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.

Baby Sensory! Saturday May 6th @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!)

Jamie Barrett Concert! Saturday May 6th @10:30AM

No registration required

Families! Join us for a rocking morning at the library! Local celebrity Jamie Barrett will bring the jams, and you bring your best dance moves!

Photography Tips for Mamas! Thursday May 11th @10:30AM

Join local photographer Ana of Lovely Pictures Studio for a special photography workshop! Learn how to take super lovely professional-looking photos of your little one with your camera phone! Parents should bring a couple of outfits (avoiding white because we'll have a white background). We will go over basic poses with babies between 0-12months and how to use lighting and how to frame the photo! REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023...

Baby Wearing Dance Party! Friday May 12 & Friday May 26 @9:00AM

No registration required

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!!

Pen to Picture: A Graphic Novelist Panel! Saturday, May 13th @ 12:00PM

Join us as we welcome three popular graphic novelists to Franklin! Meet/Hear from Scott Magoon, Matt Tavares and Maris Wicks and participate in interactive, creative breakout sessions, photo ops and book signings!

Shavuot Celebration! Saturday May 20 @1:00PM

Join us for a special celebration of the Jewish Holiday Shavuot! Learn and celebrate with crafts, snacks, activities and more!

Spring Health Fair, May 24, 3:00 PM

Join us for Local Vendors • Petting Zoo • Farm Stand • Refreshments • Health Services • Face Painting • Raffles & Give-a-ways • Kids Zone • Activities • Education for all ages • and More!

The Petting Zoo is by registration.

RSVP HERE: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/24_Spring_Health_Fair

Kid’s Paint Party! Saturday, May 27th @ 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 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.

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

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, May, 14 & 28 2:00-4:30PM (All Ages)

Special Events for Teens

Teen Take & Makes: Capiz Wind Chimes!

Starting Monday, May 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Capiz Wind Chime kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own mini wind chime, the perfect craft to brighten your day!! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Teen Stress Relief Night! Wednesday May 3 @6:30PM

Teens! Join us for a night of relaxation and rejuvenation before your big exams!

Community Conversations! Thursday May 11 @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!

Pen to Picture: A Graphic Novelist Panel! Saturday, May 13th @ 12:00PM

Teen Taylor Swift Trivia! Wednesday May 17th @6:30PM

Teens! Think you're the ultimate Swiftie? Join us for a night of trivia, snacks, and singalongs to find out!

Creating a Compelling College Application! Tuesday, May 23rd @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.

Spring Health Fair, May 24, 3:00 PM

The Petting Zoo is by registration.

RSVP HERE: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/24_Spring_Health_Fair

Popcorn and a Play! Wednesday May 24 @6:30PM

Teens! Join us for an evening of snacks and acting! We will be reading a one act play together on the spot, and enjoying some popcorn!

Events for Adults

Adult Take & Makes: Resin Photo Magnets!

Starting Monday, May 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Resin Photo Magnet kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very personalized magnet!! 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.

Friends of the Franklin Library Book Club, Tuesday, May 2, 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: Night Agent by Matthew Quirk

What is wrong with my Houseplants?!, Thursday, May 4, 2:00 PM

*Virtual Program*

As with our outdoor gardens, many things can go wrong when you grow plants indoors. Learn the factors that make for happy houseplants, including light, water, and soil...and how to provide them. Common houseplant pests and diseases are also on the agenda, as well as how to treat them. Led by Bonnie Power, a Massachusetts Master Gardener since.

Brought to you in collaboration with Tewksbury Public Library

RSVP: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6616795027780/WN_FqTxyrBCTSa_RLSedRdqog

Lotus Lantern Craft, May 6, 2:00 PM

Registration Required!

A Member of Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project will show us, step by step, how to make a lovely lotus flower lantern using colored paper and wire frames followed by a documentary film!

Adult Crafts Sunday, May 7, 2:00 PM

Registration Required

Pond Artist; a project inspired by Monet.

RSVP: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/07_Adult_Crafts

Table Top Tuesday, May 9 & 23, 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!

Community Conversations! Thursday May 11 @6:00PM

Chess Club! Two Sunday, May 14 & 28, 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.

In the Newsroom with NBC10Boston/NECN's Susan Tran, May 15, 5:00 PM

*Virtual Program*

Meet Susan Tran, on-air reporter for NBC10Boston/NECN! We'll be discussing how Susan got to where she is, her experiences in TV media, especially as an Asian American woman, and how local news impacts our perceptions of the world around us. Bring your questions, this is sure to be a fascinating and enlightening conversation!

Brought to you in collaboration with Ashland Public Library!

RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6016811510304/WN_QF8VMnXfQUSAMh_nl_h0ug

Board Game Group, Tuesday, May 16, 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!

Rain Garden Workshop, May 18, 6:30 PM

Rain gardens are specially designed and planted depressions in the ground that collect, filter, and treat storm water. Join a discussion with Franklin Dept. of Public Works on the installation and maintenance of a rain garden: site-selection, native plant choices, benefits, and more!

Lawns and Lawn Alternatives May 20, 2:00 PM

No registration required

Lawns are imported garden fixtures from places with cool, wet summers. Here a “perfect” lawn is a major drain on water supplies, a source of pollution, and a lot of work. Look at options for tailoring your lawn and your lawn care to fit your needs, potentially eliminating hundreds of hours of labor and expensive treatments every year. The talk will include some discussion of alternatives to the traditional grass lawn. Gretel Anspach is a Trustee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, a Lifetime Master Gardener with the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association, and a recently-retired systems engineer for Raytheon. She won the MMGA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Gretel established and maintains a 20,000 square foot food production garden that has provided fresh produce to the Marlboro and Maynard Food Pantries for the last ten years. Her primary interest and focus is always in the science behind horticulture.

Spring Health Fair, May 24, 3:00 PM

The Petting Zoo is by registration.

RSVP HERE: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/24_Spring_Health_Fair

Revolutionary Design: Modern Architecture in New England, May 22, 7:00 PM

*Virtual Program*

What do Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Gropius, Louis Kahn, Philip Johnson and Maya Lin have in common? Legendary architects? Yep. Innovators in Modern design? True. They all have work in New England?! Join us over Zoom to introduce each architect and explore their notable works in New England locales.

RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6616757058913/WN_pCRL4QPMTcmfzwAnA_DcfQ

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, May 22, 7:00 PM

The book for discussion is Interior Chinatown, by Charles Yu.

Every day Willis Wu leaves his tiny room in a Chinatown SRO and enters the Golden Palace restaurant, where Black and White, a procedural cop show, is in perpetual production. He's a bit player here too, but he dreams of being Kung Fu Guy-- and he sees his life as a script. After stumbling into the spotlight, Willis finds himself launched into a wider world than he has ever known, discovering not only the secret history of Chinatown, but the buried legacy of his own family, and what that means for him in today's America.

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

"50 Hikes in Eastern Massachusetts" with Author Madeline Bilis, May 23, 7:00 PM

*Virtual Program*

Just in time for summer! We are looking forward to chatting with author Madeline Bilis about her book "50 Hikes in Eastern Massachusetts". Hopefully, we'll all feel motivated to dust off our hiking shoes and hit the road!

Brought to you in collaboration with Ashland Public Library.

RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4116806470782/WN_066FNRNpT8Oal432C6sWcg

Adult Paint Party, Thursday, May 25th @ 6:00PM

Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this unique paint party for adults! We will be testing out different paint pouring techniques to create abstract artwork! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own pair of painting! REGISTRATION REQUIRED! All attendees must be at least 18.

RSVP HERE: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/25_Adult_Paint_Party

Genealogy Club, Thursday, May 25, 6:30 p.m. The Art of Finding Living People
Our DNA series with Dr. Adina Newman wraps up with this presentation. Each program is stand alone, so it’s not necessary to have attended the other presentations. This program is free and open to all who are interested. No registration required.

Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Wednesday, May 31, 7:00 PM

Love the Library? Then how about we be friends! Join us at the Friends of Franklin Library meeting!

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May 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

Town of Franklin