**LIBRARY NEWS**
Library Hours
The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am - 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am - 5pm, and Sundays 1:30 - 5pm.The library will be closed Monday, May 26 in recognition of Memorial Day.
Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!
May: Unearth the world
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library.
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.
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, May 16: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, May 17: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, May 17: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
**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 – 6pm (Ages 9+)
Registration Required
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.)
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 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 @ 4pm (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 @ 4pm
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.
Artsy Afternoons, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 5-11)
Registration Required
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. You must register for each date separately.
This month’s projects are:
May 1: Tessellation design in the style of Echer
May 8: Lighthouse's watercolor
May 15: Ice Cream Sundaes
May 22: Peacock designs
May 29: Circus diagram
Rockin’ Rhythms, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5)
Put on your dancing shoes and join Miss Bree for 30 minutes of dancing fun for the whole family! This upbeat, high-energy and interactive program will help kids develop coordination, rhythm and flexibility in a fun and engaging way. No registration required.
Barefoot Ballet, Thursdays @ 5pm (Ages 6-8)
Registration Required
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. Registration is for all 6 dates. Dates for this session are: May 1, 8, 15, 29 and June 5, 12.
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
Kids Take & Make: Morpho Butterfly Craft, Available Starting Thursday, May 1
Starting Thursday, May 1, stop by the library to pick up your very own Morpho Butterfly Craft Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own seasonal décor. SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. *LIMIT 1 PER CHILD*
The Whalemobile, Friday, May 2 @ 1 – 3pm
FOR KIDS IN GRADES K-6 - join us for a special event to learn about how whales and humans are similar and different! Explore the different learning stations, touch baleen, teeth and bones, including the chance to journey inside Nile—the life-sized inflatable humpback whale! No registration required, but only 20 Participants at a time will be admitted into the whale, so please bring your patience and flexibility.
The Music of Taylor Swift: A Concert Presented by the Blackstone Valley Quartet, Saturday, May 3 @ 10:30am
Taylor Swift is one of the biggest names in music today. This concert is an opportunity to enjoy her music like never before! The Blackstone Valley Quartet, based in North Grafton, specializes in mixed genre performances on stringed instruments. From iconic pop hits to timeless classical favorites, the Blackstone Valley Quartet reimagines familiar melodies with a fresh, innovative twist. The Blackstone Valley Quartet strives to unite people of all ages and all walks of life through the power of music. This event is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Investment Grant. No registration required.
My Lady & Me Jewelry Workshop, Wednesday, May 7 @ 5:30pm
Registration Required
FOR KIDS IN GRADES 3-5 - join local artist Paulina Teng for a special workshop with the special lady in your life, celebrating the love we have for the strong women who raise us and support us!
Pen to Picture, Saturday, May 10 @ 1pm
Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. This year we welcome three-time Pura Belpré award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Raúl the Third! Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available. This event was made possible with a grant from the Mass Cultural Council. No registration required.
Petite Picassos, Monday, May 12 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of some beautiful lilacs! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on May 12 and May 19 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!
Music at the Blissful, Saturday, May 17 @ 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. No registration required.
Holi Celebration, Saturday, May 17 @ 2pm
Join the Franklin Public Library for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the Town Common. Music, activities, and of course, COLOR! Wear something that you don't mind getting messy! In the event of inclement weather, the Rain date will be Saturday 5/31. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. No registration required.
Petite Picassos, Monday, May 19 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of some beautiful lilacs! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on May 12 and May 19 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!
Saturday Bookworm Bounce, Saturday, May 31 @ 10:30am
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to join us for a fun storytime full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration is required.
Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens
Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens, Mondays, 4 – 6pm (Ages 9+)
Registration Required
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.)
Code Club, Wednesdays @ 4pm (Ages 8+)
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 by emailing Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net. 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, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours. It's a win-win-win! No registration required.
Game Bytes, Thursdays @ 4pm
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
Teen & Adult Take & Make: Vintage Map Coaster, Available Starting Thursday, May 1
Starting Thursday, May 1, stop by the library to pick up your very own Morpho Butterfly Craft Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own seasonal décor. SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.*LIMIT 1 PER PERSON*
The Music of Taylor Swift: A Concert Presented by the Blackstone Valley Quartet, Saturday, May 3 @ 10:30am
Taylor Swift is one of the biggest names in music today. This concert is an opportunity to enjoy her music like never before! The Blackstone Valley Quartet, based in North Grafton, specializes in mixed genre performances on stringed instruments. From iconic pop hits to timeless classical favorites, the Blackstone Valley Quartet reimagines familiar melodies with a fresh, innovative twist. The Blackstone Valley Quartet strives to unite people of all ages and all walks of life through the power of music. This event is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Investment Grant. No registration required.
Holi Celebration, Saturday, May 17 @ 2pm
Join the Franklin Public Library for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the Town Common. Music, activities, and of course, COLOR! Wear something that you don't mind getting messy! In the event of inclement weather, the Rain date will be Saturday 5/31. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. No registration required.
Events for Adults
Teen & Adult Take & Make: Vintage Map Coaster, Available Starting Thursday, May 1
Starting Thursday, May 1, stop by the library to pick up your very own Morpho Butterfly Craft Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own seasonal décor. SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.*LIMIT 1 PER PERSON*
Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6pm
Registration Required (see below). 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.
Knitting Group, Fridays, 10am – 12pm
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! All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.
The Music of Taylor Swift: A Concert Presented by the Blackstone Valley Quartet, Saturday, May 3 @ 10:30am
Taylor Swift is one of the biggest names in music today. This concert is an opportunity to enjoy her music like never before! The Blackstone Valley Quartet, based in North Grafton, specializes in mixed genre performances on stringed instruments. From iconic pop hits to timeless classical favorites, the Blackstone Valley Quartet reimagines familiar melodies with a fresh, innovative twist. The Blackstone Valley Quartet strives to unite people of all ages and all walks of life through the power of music. This event is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Investment Grant. No registration required.
Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, May 3 @ 2pm
Registration Required
Get crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this new program. On the first Saturday of each month, we'll complete a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too! This month: Spring Palette Paper Wreaths.
Planning for Human Ingenuity in the Fight Against Climate Change, Saturday, May 3 @ 3pm
Join us in welcoming Professor Erin Baker of UMASS Amherst as we discuss the technologies for combating climate change and implications for energy justice. Erin is a Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering and the Faculty Director of the Energy Transition Institute. Her research is in decision making under uncertainty applied to the field of energy and the environment with focus on energy justice and publicly-funded energy technology Research and Development portfolios in the face of climate change. No registration required.
The Weekend Watercolor, Sunday, May 4 & 18 @ 2pm
Registration Required
Relax with Sharon Carloni during a Sunday painting class for adults 18 and over.
Chess Group, Sundays, May 11 & 25 @ 2:30pm
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 & tactical abilities, and improve endgame skills. Sets will be available. No registration is required and there is no fee.
Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Tuesday, May 13 @ 7pm
Love the library? Then how about joining the Friends and attending our next meeting! Our 2025 Annual Meeting is coming up in June, where we will review our past year’s activities and finances, discuss pending business, and elect members for our Board of Directors. If you would like to learn more about getting involved with the Friends, including if you are interested in joining our Board, please join us at our May meeting and/or email fofl02038@gmail.com for more information.
Painting for Adults, Saturday, May 14 @ 1pm
Registration Required
Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily to create your very own step-by-step painting! All materials will be provided.
Holi Celebration, Saturday, May 17 @ 2pm
Join the Franklin Public Library for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the Town Common. Music, activities, and of course, COLOR! Wear something that you don't mind getting messy! In the event of inclement weather, the Rain date will be Saturday 5/31. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. No registration required.
JUNTO Non Fiction Book Club, Thursday, May 22 @ 6:30pm
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 each month and share our insights from the book and beyond! The May book is The Book of Charlie by David von Drehle. Get a physical or digital copy through the library catalog. No registration required.
Music of Lennon & McCartney, Saturday, May 31 @ 3pm
Free Concert! Join us in welcoming Melodious Zach as we jam to the music and history of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. No registration required.
From the Friends of the Franklin Library
Congratulations to Liana Warnakulasooriya! Liana is the 2024 recipient of the Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters and we recently had the pleasure of presenting Liana with her scholarship check. She is completing her first year at Northeastern University where she is studying Computer Science and Business. The Friends wish Liana all the very best in her studies, activities, and beyond!
Additional passes now available for The Butterfly Place! The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA is an indoor garden filled with hundreds of freely flying butterflies and is a treat for all ages. Passes to The Butterfly Place are some of the most popular in the library’s museum pass program and the Friends were delighted to purchase additional passes for Franklin residents to enjoy. Reserve passes on the library's website and check out butterflyplace-ma.com to plan your visit.
If you want to be a part of supporting the library, become a Friend today. New Friends are always welcome.