**LIBRARY NEWS**

Library Hours
The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will close at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 24^th and will be closed Wednesday, December 25^th for Christmas. The library will close at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 31^st for New Year’s Eve.

Franklin Public Library’s 2024 Reading Challenge!
December: A 2024 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee or Winner!
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

MyHeritage Library Edition - a must for genealogy research!
What's in the MyHeritage Library Edition?

Museum Passes
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.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, December 13^th, 1:00-5:00pm; Saturday, December 14^th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale
Saturday, December 14^th, 1:00-4:00pm - $5 Per Bag
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer, please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Volunteers are always needed for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs… better known as VITA and TCE.
Many volunteer roles are available. You can help as a greeter, an interpreter, and many other roles, but most of all, we need tax preparers. Training for certification is provided! Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net

JUNTO, a Non-Fiction Book Club, Starts in January!
The JUNTO (from the Spanish junta or assembly) was a club for mutual improvement established in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Public Library’s JUNTO Book Club is a place to discuss a book of the month and share our insights from the book and beyond! The first meeting is Thursday January 9^th at 6:30PM. The January Book is Think Again by Adam Grant! Get a physical or digital copy through the Library Catalog!

**LIBRARY EVENTS**

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
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, 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 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 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM
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 this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time! No registration required.

Pre-K Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment! No registration required.

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. From tip toeing, twirling and skipping to jumping and tapping, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required.

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! 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.

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! No registration required.

Pre-K Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment! No registration required.

Ballet Buddies! Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 3-5)
Put on your dancing shoes and join Miss Bree for a special dance program for the littlest dancer! This 30-minute class, with a focus on ballet basics, will help kids develop coordination, rhythm and flexibility in a fun and engaging way! Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes! No registration required.

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)
Registration required per event. Register on the Calendar of Events.
Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided as we study art history through the creation of unique and beautiful artwork!
This month’s projects are:

• Dec. 5: Printmaking Mandala design
• Dec. 12: Snow globe
• Dec. 19: Winter landscape "Collage"

Barefoot Ballet! Thursdays @ 5:00PM (Ages 6-8)
Registration Required (Registration is for all 6 dates)
Calling all aspiring ballet dancers! Join Miss Bree for this special 6-week introductory Ballet class. Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes! Dates for this session are: November 7, 14, 21 and December 5, 12, 19.

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let’s play some music and dance! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required.

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 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 (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let’s play some music and dance! Laughter and giggles are definitely expected during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class! No registration required.

Special Events for Kids & Families

Miss Bree’s Bookopoly! Starting Friday, November 1^st 
Join the fun for a super awesome interactive game to finish out the year! Roll the dice, move your piece on our giant board, and have fun with a variety of reading and creative challenges, and chances to win prizes galore! Deadline to "buy" prizes is Saturday, January 11^th

Petite Picassos! Monday, December 2^nd @ 4:00PM
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a festive gingerbread cookie! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided.

Doggie Tales! Monday, December 2^nd @ 4:00PM
For Kids in Grade 1+. 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. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net to register. Please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Holiday Crafternoon! Saturday, December 7^th @ 1:00PM
‘Tis the season! Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting for kiddos of all ages! We'll have an assortment of winter and holiday themed crafts for all to enjoy! No registration required.

Concert: Celtic & Christmas with Jeff Snow, Saturday December 7^th at 3:00 PM
Join us in welcoming Jeff Snow as he combines the music, stories and history from Scotland, Ireland and England into a concert on the ‘softer side of Celtic’ to warm the heart.

Mike Bent’s Ho-Ho-Hocus Pocus Magic Show! Wednesday, December 11^th @ 1:00PM
Join us for a winter wonderland of amazing magic, hilarious comedy, music, puppets, and snowy surprises! Children (and adults) of all ages will love this holiday-themed magic show! No registration required.

Pancakes & Pajamas! Saturday, December 14^th @ 10:30AM
Keep your jammies on and join us for a cozy pancake breakfast, hot cocoa, and holiday music with Jamie Barrett! What better way to celebrate the warmth of the season than in the coziest way we can think of!

Doggie Tales! Monday, December 16^th @ 4:00PM
For Kids in Grade 1+. 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. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net to register. Please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Fairytale Fun! Saturday, December 21^st @ 1:00PM
Bundle up in your winter finest and join us for a special visit from our favorite royal sisters! After all, the cold has never bothered us! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest! No registration required.

Mobile Mini Golf! Monday, December 23^rd @ 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.

Pumpernickel Puppets! Thursday, December 26^th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a fun show, including a cast of colorful puppet characters, live voices and sound effects!

Toe Jam Puppet Band! Friday, December 27^th @ 1:00PM
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!

Scott Martell Magic Show! Saturday, December 28^th @ 10:30AM
Join us as we welcome Magician Scott Martell and enjoy a family magic show featuring lots of comedy and surprises!

Wish Upon a Star Slime! Saturday, December 28^th @ 1:00PM
Wrap a little glimmer of star glitter in slime as we wish for a shiny new year!

Zoo Show with Records & Burpee! Monday, December 30^th @ 1:00PM
Join us for a Wild and Educational program featuring live exotic animals! Best for ages 5 and up.

Noon Year’s Eve Party! Tuesday, December 21^st @ 11:00AM
Let’s sendoff 2024 in style! Join us for an end of the year bash as we ring in 2025 early! We’ll have music, snacks, games, and a super new year’s celebration! See you there!

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, @ 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 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 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Code Club! Wednesdays @ 4:00 PM (3rd-8th Grade)
This is an after school hour of code focusing on exploration of computer programming through play. This is not a classroom. This is a playground where Coders have access to: optional tutorials & walkthroughs, monthly challenges, and mentoring in their coding journey. All levels of skill are welcome and personal projects are encouraged! This can be a great way to dip your toes in the pool and see what learning to code can do for you! Let us know if you need technology from the library and join the mailing list for news about this program by filling out the form on our website!

Teen Advisory Board! 2^nd 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! Thursdays @ 4:00PM
Bring a snack and let's play! Bring your own devices or try a retro game while we talk shop about the latest and greatest in Video Games! New Releases, Events, Streamers, Speed Running and more!! No registration required.

Special Events for Teens

Musical BINGO: Carol Edition! Wednesday December 4^th @ 5:00PM
Join us for a fun edition of Musical Bingo! Part Bingo, part trivia, participants will listen to the music as it plays and fill in their bingo cards! This month's Bingo theme: Carols!

Hack Your College App! Wednesday, December 4^th @ 6:00PM
Applying to college? Come by and meet with Jorge Marinez, a former College Guidance Counselor and a current Admissions Counselor to help you stand out on your college applications.

Concert: Celtic & Christmas with Jeff Snow, Saturday December 7^th at 3:00 PM
Join us in welcoming Jeff Snow as he combines the music, stories and history from Scotland, Ireland and England into a concert on the ‘softer side of Celtic’ to warm the heart.

Wrapping Station Opens December 16^th – 23^rd 
The wrapping station returns! All the usual wrapping tools are available for use at the library.

Wrap-a-Thon, Thursday December 19^th @ 6:00PM
Join us for a Thursday Night Wrap-a-thon with music and cocoa!

Wish Upon a Star Slime, Saturday December 28^th @ 1:00PM
Wrap a little glimmer of star glitter in slime as we wish for a shiny new year!

Paint-Teens! Monday, December 30^th @ 5:00PM
Registration Required
Teens! Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of some festive holiday lights! Best fit for teens ages 12+. All materials will be provided.

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.

Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6:00 PM
Registration Required. No Experience Necessary.
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 Tabletop Role Playing Games for Adults! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up or get more info!

Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Tuesday December 17th @ 7:00 PM
Love the Library? Then how about joining the Friends! Attend the next Friends of Franklin Library meeting! Contact the FOFL at: fofl02038@gmail.com | Follow the Friends on Twitter: @FriendsFranklin

The Weekend Watercolor Sunday, December 1^st & 15^th @ 2:00 PM
Registration Required
Relax with Sharon Carloni during a Sunday painting class for adults 18 and over!
Project Details:
December 1: Decorative tree in the style of Gustav Klimpt
December 15: Sum-e Birds on a branch

Chess Group, Sundays, December 8^th & 15^th @ 2:30 PM
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 & tactical abilities, improve endgame skills. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.

Jewelry Gifts with Comer Teng Studio, Thursday December 5^th @ 6:30 PM
Registration Required 
Make a gift for yourself or a loved one with Comer Teng Studio of Franklin!

Concert: Celtic & Christmas with Jeff Snow, Saturday December 7^th at 3:00 PM
Join us in welcoming Jeff Snow as he combines the music, stories and history from Scotland, Ireland and England into a concert on the ‘softer side of Celtic’ to warm the heart.

Sondheim Showcase, Monday December 9^th @ 7:00 PM
The Sondheim Showcase is a tribute show to one of the most influential musical theatre composers in the world. This piece is song cycle directed by Dean College senior Avery Sullivan. With the help and talent from multiple Dean College Performing Arts Students, this showcase is to share and celebrate Stephen Sondheim's music in a fun an educational way.

Maker Moments: Silk Scarves, Saturday December 14^th @ 1:00 PM
Registration Required
Take a moment to try a craft this holiday with Mrs. Mitzi! This craft class for adults will cover painting on silk with alcohol inks.

Wrapping Station opens December 16^th – 23^rd 
The wrapping station returns! All the usual wrapping tools are available for use at the library.

Wrap-a-Thon, Thursday December 19^th @ 6:00PM
Join us for a Thursday Night Wrap-a-thon with music and cocoa!

**From the Friends of the Franklin Library**

The holiday season is upon us, and we have a lot to be thankful for this year. Like so many, the Friends took some time to reflect on the past year and the activities we’ve been fortunate to participate in. Here is a look back at some of our 2024 highlights:

• Museum Passes for The Butterfly Place
• National Library Week Library Staff Appreciation Brunch
• Annual $1,000 Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship to a graduating FHS ’24 Senior
• Honey Tasting Education Event
• 350+ Books given out at the Harvest Festival
• 2024 Reading Challenge Prizes
• Snacks for Teen and Children’s After-School Programs

Were you able to enjoy any of the above programs or find yourself frequenting our Library and the many wonderful activities and programs they offer? Why not play an active role in supporting the amazing programs offered to our local community.

Here are ways that you can show your support:

1. Become a Friend. New Friends are always welcome! [Current areas of expertise needed include Wix website design, MailChimp email communications, and social media communications.]
2. Make a donation in the name of your favorite bookworm. Have that one Franklin person on your holiday list who is hard to buy for? Why not make a donation in their name that will support their local library?
3. Take advantage of your company’s employee match program. Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Check now to see if your company has a match program.

Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library’s collections and programs. Membership dues and contributions are tax deductible. To join or make a donation, Click Here!