**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.
Franklin Library ESOL & 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. Now is an especially great time to join as we have two tutor training sessions coming up: Saturday, March 8 at 2pm and Tuesday, March 18 at 6pm. See you there!
Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!
March: Say her name!
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website. Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library.
Museum Passes
It's always 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, March 14, 1:00-5:00pm
Saturday, March 15, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, March 15, from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Open Saturdays from 9:30 to 4:00 PM
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Qualified individuals generally includes: people who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities; and limited English-speaking taxpayers. This is a walk in site with potential wait times. Learn more here or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net.
**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, 4:00-6:00PM (Ages 7+)
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). Email Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net to register.
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 @ 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!
Artsy Afternoons, Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (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:
Mar 6: Landscapes
Mar 13: Victorian style houses “Dream House”
Mar 20: Animal painting
Mar 27: Owls mixed media painting
Rockin’ Rhythms, Thursdays @ 4:00PM (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 @ 5:00PM (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: March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 3, 10.
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 during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class! No registration required.
Special Events for Kids & Families
Kids Take & Make: Button Rainbow, Available Starting Saturday, March 1
Starting Saturday, March 1, stop by the library to pick up your very own Button Rainbow 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*
Petite Picassos, Monday, March 3 @ 4:00PM (Ages 6-12)
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a desert scene! All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on March 3rd and March 17th - please sign up for only ONE of these dates.
Doggie Tales, Monday, March 3 @ 4:00PM (Grade 1+)
Registration Required
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! We have 6 slots of 10 minutes each. Please only register for 1 slot per month (siblings should share a time slot).
Music at the Blissful, Saturday, March 8 @ 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.
Irish Dance Showcase, Saturday March 8 @1:00PM
Join us for a spectacular showcase of Irish dance, featuring an awesome lineup of local talent! Watch a lineup of incredible dancers, and then learn a few steps yourself. No registration required.
Mario Party! Tuesday, March 11 @ 1:00PM
It’s a half day for the Franklin Public Schools and we are celebrating with a special in-person real life version of Mario Party! Work your way through the stations and games, and find more surprises along the way. No registration required.
“Drive-In” Movie, Wednesday, March 12 @ 1:00PM
Families - join us for a “Drive-In” movie (indoors of course) in our program room! First we’ll decorate our “cars” (aka boxes we’ve been saving up for the event) then we’ll relax and enjoy a movie and some popcorn in our spiffy new rides. You’re welcome to bring your own box to decorate, or use one of ours. No registration required.
Petite Picassos, Monday, March 17 @ 4:00PM (Ages 6-12)
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a desert scene! All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on March 3rd and March 17th - please sign up for only ONE of these dates.
Doggie Tales, Monday, March 17 @ 4:00PM (Grade 1+)
Registration Required
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! We have 6 slots of 10 minutes each. Please only register for 1 slot per month (siblings should share a time slot).
Local Hero Storytime, Tuesday, March 18 @ 1:00PM
Join us as we welcome our friends from the Franklin Fire Department for a special local hero storytime! No registration required.
Crafternoon, Tuesday, March 18 @ 2:00PM
Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting for kiddos of all ages! We'll have an assortment of seasonal crafts for all to enjoy. No registration required.
Kat Chapman Concert, Saturday, March 22 @ 10:30AM
Join us for a super fun music and movement program for kiddos! Kat Chapman has an extensive background as a touring singer-songwriter, performer, and music enrichment specialist. Come and sing or play along with rhythm and props! No registration required.
Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens
Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens, Mondays, 4:00-6:00PM (Ages 7+)
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). Email Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net to register.
Code Club, Wednesdays @ 4:00PM (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! Bring your own device or email Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net to let us know if you need technology from the library. 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! No registration required.
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
Teen & Adult Take & Make: Wood Heart Wreath, Available Starting Saturday, March 1
Starting Saturday, March 1, stop by the library to pick up your very own Wood Heart Cutout Wreath 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*
Road Map to Admissions: for Teens and Parents, Wednesday, March 5 @6:00PM
Join Jorge Marinez for an informative presentation designed to help parents and students plan out what each year of high school should be focusing on, as well as what should be done during the summers as they gear up for life and education after high school. No registration required.
Events for Adults
Teen & Adult Take & Make: Wood Heart Wreath, Available Starting Saturday, March 1
Starting Saturday, March 1, stop by the library to pick up your very own Wood Heart Cutout Wreath 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*
English Conversation Group, Tuesdays @ 6:30PM
Looking for a casual, low-stress place to practice your English language skills? Join us on Tuesday evenings for a friendly group chat with your fellow English learners. Please note: this group is meant for folks who have a basic grasp of English and are looking for conversational practice, not early beginners. A tutor will be present to answer questions and help, but the focus will not be on formal instruction. No registration required.
Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00PM
Love to knit or crochet? Drop in our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. No registration required.
Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6:00PM
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.
Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, March 1 @ 2:00PM
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 work on a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too!
This month: Intro to Paper Quilling
The Weekend Watercolor, Sunday, March 2 & 16 @ 2:00PM
Registration Required
Relax with Sharon Carloni during a Sunday painting class for adults 18 and over!
Hydrangeas P's & Q's, Tuesday, March 4 @7:00PM
This presentation addresses common issues raised about hydrangeas, including when and how to plant; how to raise or lower the soil pH to control bloom color; when and how to prune hydrangea that bloom on old wood (e.g. H macrophylla, H serrata) and new wood (e.g. H arborescens, H paniculata); and common fungal problems and pests. And extra time will be saved to answer your questions. No registration required.
Maker Moment: Hand Warmers, Thursday, March 6 @6:30PM
Registration Required
Join Mrs. Mitzi for a craft class guaranteed to warn your hands and hopefully your heart! We will be stitching together heart shaped hand warmers. All materials provided. This program is designed for adults 18+, but open to ages 15+.
Irish Dance Showcase, Saturday March 8 @1:00PM
Join us for a spectacular showcase of Irish dance, featuring an awesome lineup of local talent! Watch a lineup of incredible dancers, and then learn a few steps yourself. No registration required.
Chess Group, Sundays, March 9 & 23 @ 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.
Community Game Night, Tuesday, March 11 @ 6:00PM
Try a 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. No registration required.
Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Tuesday, March 11 @ 7:00PM
Love the Library? Then how about joining the Friends and attending our next meeting! Contact the FOFL at: fofl02038@gmail.com.
Irish in America Concert, Saturday, March 15 @3:00PM
A musical journey celebrating the Irish immigrants captured the heart of the nation with their mix of Irish jigs, ballads, folk songs, storytelling and humor. Every year is a new show so, get your green on, warm up your voices, and enjoy the warmth, spirit and hilarity of the ‘Irish in America’. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council. No registration required.
JUNTO Nonfiction Book Club, Thursday, March 20 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 March Book is Eve by Cat Bohannon. Get a physical or digital copy through the library catalog.
Painting for Adults, Saturday, March 29 @ 1:00PM
Registration Required
Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily to create your very own step-by-step painting of a covered bridge! All materials will be provided.
From Friends of the Franklin Library
Valentine’s Day Fudge Sale: THANK YOU for your support! We hope you are enjoying your fudge!
The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA is open now through October 13th for the 2025 season. Featuring an indoor garden filled with hundreds of freely flying butterflies, visiting is truly a treat for all ages! The Friends are delighted to have purchased passes to The Butterfly Place as part of the library’s awesome Museum Passes program. We encourage Franklin residents to check out their website (www.butterflyplace-ma.com) and plan your visit. An important reminder: these passes are for Franklin residents only.
Do you enjoy creating eye-catching graphics? If so, please consider sharing your talents with the Friends! You can email us at fofl02038@gmail.com or visit our website www.fofl02038.org for more information on becoming a Friend! Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library’s collections and programs. We welcome new ideas and new Friends as we grow our organization!