October 2021 Library News & Events
Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, October 11 for Columbus Day/Indigenous People's 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 1:30-5:00 p.m.
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, October 22, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, October 23, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Wi-Fi Hotspots
The Franklin Public Library has received five hotspots from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners through the American Rescue Plan. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has distributed over 3000 hotspots to approximately 220 public libraries for loan to library users. Funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the hotspot lending program focuses on IMLS' primary goal for these funds, digital inclusion.
Any resident from a municipality certified in the State Aid to Public Libraries program by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is eligible to borrow a hotspot. Patron registration in the library system may be required. Hotspot borrowers must be 17 years old and in good standing with the library. Only one hotspot is allowed per household. Each hotspot will support up to 10 connected devices.
Hotspots may be borrowed for one week. Renewals are not permitted. Hotspots must be returned to the library and may not be checked out again for at least a 24-hour period. Hotspot borrowers will be fined $1 per day, up to $10 . Loss of a hotspot will incur a $35 fee. Borrowers will adhere to the library’s internet acceptable use policy when using the mobile hotspot. While checked out, the hotspot remains the responsibility of the borrower. Borrowers should not lose control of the device by lending to friends or associates. Any attempt to alter the configuration of the hotspot is strictly prohibited and may result in loss of borrowing privileges.
Hotspots may be reserved --just like a book-- through the library catalog https://find.minlib.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3628341 , or by calling the library service desk at 508-520-4941 during normal business hours. Hotspots are filtered by default using T-Mobile’s content filtering for education. Borrowers may request that hotspot filtering be disabled when borrowing a device. The library will not ask for a stated reason. Hotspots should be returned to a library service desk. Do NOT place the hotspot in the book drop. Hotspots should be returned with the power cord, SIM card, battery and case to the Library in the same good working condition as it was when it was checked out. If the hotspot is not returned within 7 days after the due date, service will be turned off and the hotspot will become unusable.
If the hotspot is damaged or not working, return it to the library desk. Report the nature of the damage to a staff person. Problems? Direct borrower technical support is provided by T-Mobile to library hotspot borrowers at: (844) 341-4834.
Homework Help Program
The Franklin Public Library is looking to restart its after school Homework Help program. The program will run Monday through Thursday, 3:00-5:00 p.m., and will be for first through twelfth grade. If you are a retired teacher and are interested in volunteering, please contact Library Director Felicia Oti at foti@minlib.net or 508-520-4941.
Room Reservations
The Friends of the Franklin Library Room, the Meeting Room, the Study Room and Conference Room are now able to be reserved by the public. Please visit https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/reserve-room to check for availability and view the Town of Franklin’s Municipal Facility Use policy. Room usage is limited to two hours per day. For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .
New Materials
Check out the list of new books, movies, music, and more added to the Library's catalog in the past month! https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/new-materials
Featured Database
The Library offers many databases, all free to use with your library card! This month, we are featuring O'Reilly for Public Libraries. This database includes includes more than 43,000 books and 30,000 hours of video in areas such as information technology and software; business; digital media; professional and personal development; and desktop and web applications. Serving the needs of patrons who are working to advance their careers, tune into business and technology trends, or explore new software, this collection—created and curated by O’Reilly—serves the business and technology needs of a wide range of users. Included are hundreds of books and videos for makers, gamers and tinkerers; more than 100 hobbyist titles including STEAM Lab for Kids and The Lego Build-It Book, Volumes 1 & 2; more than 900 books from the “For Dummies” series; and more than 150 titles on job-seeking and career development.
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!
Idea Club! Mondays @4:00PM
Join us for a weekly 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!
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 (7+)
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!
Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM
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! Tuesdays, Grade 3-5 @ 4:00PM
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!
Chess Club for Kids! Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:00PM (8-13)
A fun and educational program for kids? What more could you ask for? Whether you are new to the game or are a more seasoned player, we invite all kids ages 8-13 to join us!
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 Thursday of the Month (Sept 2) @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. Email bcomeau@minlib.net to sign up!
Baby-Wearing Dance Party! Alternating Fridays @9:00AM (September 10 & September 24)
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!
Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (3-5) (September 3 & September 17)
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!
Moving Machines! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (0-5) (October 8 & October 22)
This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities with a mechanical theme! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!
Special Events for Kids & Families
Saturday Morning Cartoons! Saturday Oct. 2nd 11:00 AM
Grab some cereal and chill out with some classic cartoons! Pjs encouraged! Want to help choose this month’s shows? Look for the poll on The Children’s Room on the Website!
Fall Crafts on the Library Lawn! Saturday October 2nd, 2:00-4:00PM
Celebrate Fall in Franklin and the Harvest Festival with some FREE kid-friendly crafts on the library lawn!
Make with Miss Mitzi, Saturday October 2nd @1:00PM
Calling ALL Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! All ages welcome! Email mgousie@minlib.net or register on the calendar to sign up!
Gamer's Haven! Once a Month! 4:00-5:00PM (7+) (Oct 8)
Monthly meeting of the local Gaming collective to make friends, talk games, and most importantly PLAY games.
Fortnite Free 4 All! ONLINE Friday, October 8th, 4:00-6:00PM
Fortnite Tournaments have been taken to the next level! See how you measure up against other local battle royale competitors in this FREE Private Custom Matchmaking Tournament, courtesy of One Up Games, Franklin Public Library and Epic Games! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!
Book Baddies Scavenger Hunt! October 15th -17th
Some of the baddest baddies have escaped their books! Help us search the Children's and Teen Rooms to get all the baddies back where they belong!
Baby Sensory! Third Saturday of the Month @9:30AM (October 16th)
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!)
Aprende Spanish Storytime! Saturday October 16th @11:00AM
Vamos Amigos! Join our friends from Aprende Spanish Immersion for a special bilingual storytime for kids!
Elijah T. Grasshopper and Friends! Saturday October 23rd @ 11:00AM
Join Elijah T. Grasshopper, Emma "Go-Go Green" Bean, their puppet pals and special guest: the Orange Farmer for some super-duper interactive kids' music and a hopping good time!
Trunk or Treat! In the Library Parking Lot! Saturday October 30 @ 10:30AM
Families! Dress up and join us in the library parking lot for a safe, little-kid friendly afternoon of trick-or-treating in the daylight! The parking lot will be full of decorated trunks and activities!!
** Rain date October 31st **
Story Tellers Guild! Once a Month! 2:00-3:00 PM (7+) (Oct 30) *Special October time*
A club for writers! Each month we meet to grow as story tellers through prompts, discussion, and sharing our creativity! Ideal for grades 3+
After Hours Among Us Saturday October 30th @4:00PM
Join One Up Games for a fun and spooktacular evening of Among Us at the Franklin Public Library! At this Halloween themed event, players will be able to use their detective skills as they try to figure out who the imposter is. They will take part in emergency meetings and discuss who is "Sus" and together try to vote the imposter off the ship! There will be multiple rounds and a point scoring system for survivors and imposters. Register on the Website Calendar or by emailing mgousie@minlib.net!
Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens
Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (7+)
Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!
Girls Who Code! Tuesdays, 6th-12th Grade 6:00-7:00PM
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! Focus: Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and more.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please email mgousie@minlib.net to join!
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.
BOOKTOK YA Book Club! 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:30-7:30PM (8th-12 Grade)
Join us each month for snacks and refreshments as we discuss a different YA book each month, recommended by TikTok book lovers! Since we will be discussing YA titles, this group is recommended for students in Grades 8 and up, however anyone age 12 and up is welcome at their own (and their parents) discretion.
Resistance: a WWII Book Club for Teens, 3rd Thursday of the Month, 6:30PM
Whether it's your first time reading these titles, or they're old favorites, join us each month as we discuss a different WWII-based book. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! October’s read: "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein!
Gamer's Haven! Once a Month! 4:00-5:00 PM (Oct 8)
Monthly meeting of the local Gaming collective to make friends, talk games, and most importantly PLAY games.
Story Tellers Guild! Once a Month! 2:00-3:00 PM (7+) (Oct 30) *Special October time*
A club for writers! Each month we meet to grow as story tellers through prompts, discussion, and sharing our creativity! Ideal for grades 3+
Special Events for Teens
Make with Miss Mitzi, Saturday October 2nd @1:00PM
Calling ALL Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! All ages welcome! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!
Saturday Morning Cartoons! Saturday Oct. 2nd 11:00 AM
Grab some cereal and chill out with some classic cartoons! Pjs encouraged! Want to help choose this month’s shows? Look for the poll on The Teen Scape on the Website!
Stand Out for College Virtual Seminar! Tuesday Oct 5th or Wednesday Oct 20th @7:00PM on Zoom
Calling All High School students and their Parents! Join us as we welcome Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, from Stand Out For College, LLC. as they help YOU understand how COVID-19 has changed the college admissions landscape and how it will affect Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. You will learn how admissions officers are handling the current situation and how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for college admission. To register for this event email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net
Fortnite Free 4 All! ONLINE Friday October 8th , 4:00-6:00PM
Fortnite Tournaments have been taken to the next level! See how you measure up against other local battle royale competitors in this FREE Private Custom Matchmaking Tournament, courtesy of One Up Games, Franklin Public Library and Epic Games! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!
Teen Disney Trivia! Wednesday September 22nd @6:30PM
How big of a Disney fan are you? Bring your team and come test your knowledge of all things Disney, with snacks and prizes!
Teen BAD Horror Movie Night! Friday October 22nd 4:00 PM
Join us for a night of chills, thrills, and laughs??? As we enjoy horror movies so bad it’s SCARY!!! Costumes encouraged, popcorn and candy provided! Want to help pick the movie? Look for the Poll on the Teen Scape on the website!
After Hours Among Us Saturday October 30th @4:00PM
Join One Up Games for a fun and spooktacular evening of Among Us at the Franklin Public Library! At this Halloween themed event, players will be able to use their detective skills as they try to figure out who the imposter is. They will take part in emergency meetings and discuss who is "Sus" and together try to vote the imposter off the ship! There will be multiple rounds and a point scoring system for survivors and imposters. Register on the website calendar or by emailing mgousie@minlib.net!
Events for Adults
Sustainable Landscaping with Melanie Trecek-King, Tuesday, October 5, 7:00 p.m.
Many of us spend our valuable time and money trying to attain the perfect lawn. But why? And is there an alternative? Trecek-King will share ways to garden with a lighter environmental footprint and transform your yard into a space that your family (and nature!) can enjoy. Join Trecek-King as she helps us to better understand the effects of our presence on nature and how we can improve our lawn, garden, and more in an environmentally conscious way without breaking the bank. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of the program.
Dolley Madison and the War of 1812, Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.
The men thought she was embroidering–but Mrs. Madison was listening- capturing every word she heard- as her President husband and his advisers discussed the War-related strategies, consequences and predictions! Marvel at the miscalculations, missteps and heroics related to this war such as generals without military experience, botched battles and Washington City in flames! But the fair and patriotic Mrs. Madison also addresses Commodore Oliver Perry's high-seas heroism, the battle that spawned our National Anthem and the way a wooden battleship came to be nicknamed Old Ironsides! Being adverse to historical fiction, Mrs. Madison will lead her audience on a journey packed with historically accurate drama, intrigue, and true, but unbelievable, tales that characterize the 2nd time our tiny country stood up to stare down the British empire. Janet Parnes, founder of Historical Portrayals by Lady J, will portray Mrs. Madison. This program is free and open to the public.
Paint Party for Adults, Saturday, October 16, 3:00 p.m.
Local artist Denise Palmieri will lead the class to paint a fun fall themed work of art. The class is limited to twenty adults. To register, please visit http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2021/... or call Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at 508-520-4941.
Stefano: The True Story of Shakespeare’s Shipwreck, Wednesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.
American public media series Hit and Run History presents their adventure-travel documentary on Mayflower pilgrim Stephen Hopkins, Stephano: The True Story of Shakespeare's Shipwreck.
The one-hour film follows the story of the only Mayflower passenger who had been to North American previously. A decade earlier, Hopkins had been aboard a Jamestown-bound ship that wrecked on Bermuda, inspiring Shakespeare's final play, The Tempest.
Shot on location, the intrepid Hit and Run History crew retraces Hopkins’ life crisscrossing the Atlantic just as England made its first steps as a colonial power. Hampshire, Bermuda, Jamestown, Plymouth and London, Hopkins’ came to know Native Americans in New World and Old. Pocahontas, Squanto and Massasoit – experience that would serve him and the Separatists aboard the Mayflower in establishing their fledgling settlement in New England.
Two-time Emmy-nominated producer and host Andrew Giles Buckley, a Hopkins descendant, grew up hearing stories that New Plymouth’s iconoclast tavern keeper may have the model of The Tempest’s drunken and mutinous Stephano. In their Gumshoe Historian style, Buckley and crew of Hit and Run History seek out the reality of a man who was everywhere at the founding of America.
The film was first broadcast on Rhode Island PBS in 2020 and has a screenings schedule starting February at the Pilgrim Hall Museum, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, and currently a dozen other locations in Massachusetts. Following the broadcast in New England, it will be available to run on other public media stations across the country.
The screening of the film will feature an introduction by producer Andrew Buckley, followed by a question and answer session. This program is free and open to the public.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.
The book for discussion is Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice.
For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . Book Club meetings are now taking place in-person at the Library.
Genealogy Club, Thursday, October 28, 6:30 p.m.
The Genealogy Club of the Franklin Public Library is a monthly program for genealogy enthusiasts, beginner and experienced alike. Each month a professional speaker will present the group with a lecture on a wide variety of family history and genealogy topics. This program is free and open to all who are interested. Meetings are scheduled for the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. There are no meetings scheduled in November, December, July or August.
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.