**LIBRARY NEWS**
Library Hours
The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and Sundays 1:30 to 5pm. The Library will be closed Sunday, April 20 and Monday, April 21 in recognition of Easter and Patriot’s Day.
Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!
April: Lend a Hand
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library.
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, April 11: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, April 12: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, April 12: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
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.
Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Open Saturdays from 9:30am to 4pm until April 15
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 $68,000 or less, persons with disabilities; and limited English-speaking taxpayers. This is a walk in site with potential wait times. We can also help you file and extension if you need more time to finalize your taxes. Learn more at the library website 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 - 6pm (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).
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:
Apr 3: Water Lily Painting Artist Monet
Apr 10: Japanese Art Sumi Waterfalls
Apr 17: Tigers, Elephants, and Monkeys
Apr 24: Magnified Insects
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: 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! 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: Mini Pollinator Garden, Available Starting Tuesday, April 1
Starting Tuesday, April 1 stop by the library to pick up your very own Mini Pollinator Garden 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*
Parody Playhouse Concert, Saturday, April 5 @ 10:30am
Join us for a special kid-friendly spin on your favorite musical hits! Parody Playhouse features child-appropriate parodies of popular songs by a range of artists, which are educational and entertaining. Themes like learning shapes, colors, emotions, parts of the body, animals, and even social-emotional learning themes. It's sure to be a blast! No registration required.
Eid Celebration, Saturday, April 5 @ 3pm
Families - join us for a special celebration of Eid, complete with crafts, music, snacks, and more! For questions/to get involved, email Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net.
Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show, Monday, April 7 @ 1pm
Join us as we welcome Ed Popielarczyk for a one-of-a-kind magic show that is guaranteed to leave the whole family impressed! No registration required.
Petite Picassos, Monday, April 7 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting some Truffula Trees! 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 April 7 and April 14 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!
Doggie Tales, Monday, April 7 @ 4pm
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).
Spring Health Fair, Wednesday, April 9 @ 3:30pm
The Franklin Public Library and Franklin Health Department invite everyone to their Spring Health Fair to enjoy local vendors, health services, refreshments, face painting, health screenings, activities, kids zone, & much more! No registration required.
Petite Picassos, Monday, April 14 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting some Truffula Trees! 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 April 7 and April 14 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!
Doggie Tales, Monday, April 14 @ 4pm
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).
Teddy Bear Workshop, Friday, April 18 @ 1pm AND 2pm
Registration Required – 1pm
Registration Required – 2pm
Come to the library and make your very own teddy bear - no sewing needed! Each child will get to hand-stuff their new teddy bear, then make a wish on a rainbow star before tucking it safely inside their new friend. All materials will be provided. *Limit 1 bear per child* Please note - we will be making the same teddy bear that was made at our February Teddy Bear Workshop.
Fairytale Fun! Saturday, April 19 @ 10:30am
When will your life begin? Today! Join us for a special royal visit from a princess who spent 18 years living in a tower! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest. No registration required.
Local Hero Storytime, Tuesday, April 22 @ 10:30am
Join the library and our friends from the Franklin Fire Department and Franklin Police Department for a special storytime celebrating our local heroes! Be prepared for fun and surprises. No registration required.
The BenAnna Band, Wednesday, April 23 @ 10:30am
Join us for this super-fun, high energy, interactive music concert that is sure to have the whole family up dancing! No registration required.
Petting Zoo with Records and Burpee! Wednesday, April 23 @ 1pm
This fun and educational program brings goats, sheep, alpacas, and silkie chickens to pet and feed, as well as colorful macaws to admire! No registration required.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Wednesday, April 23 @ 6pm
What kind of trouble can a bunch of stuffed animals cause in an empty library? Here’s our chance to find out! Bring one of your favorite stuffed friends to the library for a cozy storytime, then leave them in our care for the evening. When you pick your friend up on Thursday, see what antics they might have caused! No registration required.
Animal Affair! Thursday, April 24 @ 10am
Make some new furry or feathered friends when the Animal Affair Traveling Petting Zoo visits the Franklin Public Library! Everyone is welcome to pet, brush, feed, hold, and play with the animals. Participants are taught the proper way to hold and handle the animals. Animal Affair will be bringing ducks, chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits! No registration required.
Dean Vocal Ensemble Concert: "Folk Princess", Tuesday, April 22 @1pm
Your favorite Disney hits paired with choruses and folk songs of the real (and unreal) cultures they come from. This includes a spinning song originally published in Lowell MA in 1841, the oldest secular song ever written (sung by special guest and Viking reenactor Elyssa Björkman), and sea shanties galore! You might hear characters sing your favorite Tolkien poetry, not to mention the vocal highlights of Ariel, Aurora, Snow-White, and of course Elsa. This program truly has something for all ages. No registration required.
Toe Jam Puppet Band, Friday, April 25 @ 10:30am
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. No registration required.
Flower Slime, Friday, April 25 @ 2pm
Make your very own slime at the library! No registration required.
Spring Carnival! Saturday, April 26 @ 1pm
Join us for an epic afternoon of fun for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of carnival games, crafts, snacks, and more! No registration required.
Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens
Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens, Mondays, 4 - 6pm (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).
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: Sea Glass Art, Available Starting Tuesday, April 1
Starting Tuesday, April 1 stop by the library to pick up your very own Sea Glass Art 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*
Spring Health Fair, Wednesday, April 9 @ 3:30pm
The Franklin Public Library and Franklin Health Department invite everyone to their Spring Health Fair to enjoy local vendors, health services, refreshments, face painting, health screenings, activities, kids zone, & much more! No registration required.
Boston Typewriter Orchestra Free Concert, Saturday, April 12 @ 3pm
It’s time for different type of music in a whole new key! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra (BTO) is a collective performance of rhythmic typewriter manipulation. Enjoy music, comedy, and satire while exploring the definition of ‘musical instrument’. Funding for this program is provided by The Franklin Cultural District, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. No registration required.
Second Annual Honey Tasting, Saturday, April 19 @ 2pm
Bee-lieve it or not, there are HUNDREDS of varieties of honey. This buzz worthy treat is a cornerstone of local agriculture and we’re going to taste the difference! We’ll start with a brief talk on honey making and history in Massachusetts followed by a tasting of local and flavored honeys and the grocery store bear. Bee sure to stay to the end to be entered in a prize drawing! This event is made possible by the support of The Friends of the Franklin Library. No registration required.
Afterschool Studios, Tuesday, April 22 @ 4pm
Registration Required
It feels like a perfect night to do some art! Join Miss Lily in painting you very own Mirrorball while listening to some Taylor Swift tunes. This program is best suited for students ages 10 to 18. All materials will be provided.
Dean Vocal Ensemble Concert: "Folk Princess", Tuesday, April 22 @1pm
Your favorite Disney hits paired with choruses and folk songs of the real (and unreal) cultures they come from. This includes a spinning song originally published in Lowell MA in 1841, the oldest secular song ever written (sung by special guest and Viking reenactor Elyssa Björkman), and sea shanties galore! You might hear characters sing your favorite Tolkien poetry, not to mention the vocal highlights of Ariel, Aurora, Snow-White, and of course Elsa. This program truly has something for all ages. No registration required.
Flower Slime, Friday, April 25 @ 2pm
Make your very own slime at the library! No registration required.
Events for Adults
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 very beginners. A tutor will be present to answer questions and help keep the conversation flowing, but the focus will not be on formal instruction. No registration required.
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.
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.
Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Tuesday, April 8 @ 7pm
Love the library? Then how about joining the Friends and attending our next meeting! Contact the FOFL at: fofl02038@gmail.com.
Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, April 5 @ 1pm
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: Intro to Paper Quilling (rescheduled from March)
The Weekend Watercolor, Sunday, April 6 @ 2pm
Registration Required
Relax with Sharon Carloni during a Sunday painting class for adults 18 and over!
Spring Health Fair, Wednesday, April 9 @ 3:30pm
The Franklin Public Library and Franklin Health Department invite everyone to their Spring Health Fair to enjoy local vendors, health services, refreshments, face painting, health screenings, activities, kids zone, & much more! No registration required.
Boston Typewriter Orchestra Free Concert, Saturday, April 12 @ 3pm
It’s time for different type of music in a whole new key! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra (BTO) is a collective performance of rhythmic typewriter manipulation. Enjoy music, comedy, and satire while exploring the definition of ‘musical instrument’. Funding for this program is provided by The Franklin Cultural District, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. No registration required.
Chess Group, Sundays, April 13 & 27 @ 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.
Second Annual Honey Tasting, Saturday, April 19 @ 2pm
Bee-lieve it or not, there are HUNDREDS of varieties of honey. This buzz worthy treat is a cornerstone of local agriculture and we’re going to taste the difference! We’ll start with a brief talk on honey making and history in Massachusetts followed by a tasting of local and flavored honeys and the grocery store bear. Bee sure to stay to the end to be entered in a prize drawing! This event is made possible by the support of The Friends of the Franklin Library. No registration required.
Tax Talk: Personal & Entrepreneur Workshop, Saturday, April 19 @ 3:30pm
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, "In this world, nothing can be certain except death and taxes." With the current tax season wrapping up (for those of us who did not file for an extension), get ahead of next year to maximize your deductions and credits, learn about free filing methods available in Massachusetts and much more! We are happy to welcome I.R.S. Stakeholder Liaison Jeffey Latessa to discuss record keeping, best practices, and more for both personal and small business. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who has thought, "why don't they teach taxes in school?!" No registration required.
Is the Future of Humanities and Libraries Digital? Tuesday, April 22 @ 6:30pm
Join us in welcoming guest speaker Dr. John Woitkowitz, Head of the Digital Labs at the Germany’s Berlin State Library (SBB), as we discuss the future of humanities and libraries in the digital age highlighting examples from the SBB. No registration required.
Dean Vocal Ensemble Concert: "Folk Princess", Tuesday, April 22 @1pm
Your favorite Disney hits paired with choruses and folk songs of the real (and unreal) cultures they come from. This includes a spinning song originally published in Lowell MA in 1841, the oldest secular song ever written (sung by special guest and Viking reenactor Elyssa Björkman), and sea shanties galore! You might hear characters sing your favorite Tolkien poetry, not to mention the vocal highlights of Ariel, Aurora, Snow-White, and of course Elsa. This program truly has something for all ages. No registration required.
JUNTO Non Fiction Book Club, Thursday, April 24 @ 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 April book is Six Days of War by Michael B. Oren. Get a physical or digital copy through the library catalog. No registration required.
Spring Carnival! Saturday, April 26 @ 1pm
Join us for an epic afternoon of fun for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of carnival games, crafts, snacks, and more! No registration required.
Painting for Adults, Saturday, April 26 @ 1pm
Registration Required
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is hosting it’s Ladybug Trail Walk on Saturday, April 26th, and the Library is joining in on the festivities! Join Miss Lily to create your very own step-by-step painting of some ladybugs. All materials will be provided.
From the Friends of the Franklin Library
Did you know that National Library Workers Day is celebrated on Tuesday, April 8, 2025? This is an opportunity to show love to those who keep our libraries running while we enjoy the wonderful books, programs, and opportunities they offer every day. Be sure to take a moment to thank your favorite librarians when you are next at our library, and especially if you happen to be there on April 8! From the Friends to the entire Franklin Public Library staff, THANK YOU for everything you do! If you want to be a part of supporting the library, become a Friend today. New Friends are always welcome.
Limited-Edition Gift Book: Members of the Franklin Library Association told their story of history of the Town of Franklin and its library in a limited-edition book published in 2022. The Franklin Library Association: Building the Future of the Nation’s First Public Library, 1858-2022 tells the whole story of the library, especially highlighting the role of the Franklin Library Association and the visionary philanthropists who funded and managed the library for the benefit of the public for more than a century. Do you love reading and learning about local history? If so, be sure to visit the Gift Book tab @ www.fofl02038.org for more information on obtaining a copy of this limited-edition gift book.