Library Hours
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 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, March 17, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, March 18, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Volunteer Tutors Needed for ESL & Adult Literacy Program
The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities. If you have the time and interest to help adult learners improve their English reading, writing, speaking and listening, please consider volunteering!
To volunteer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have patience, and be able to speak English clearly. Prior teaching experience is not required. Volunteer Tutors will be given training and all supporting materials will be provided. The time commitment is one orientation session, 18 hours of tutor training, and to meet with your student 2 hours per week for one year. Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please contact Deputy Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or fill out the registration form on the library’s website .
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
SITE IS OPEN - By Appointment Only!
Register for an appointment on the Library Calendar of Events!
The Franklin Public Library VITA site is by Appointment only and is certified for Basic returns.
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
People who generally make $60,000 or less
Persons with disabilities; and
Limited English-speaking taxpayers
Before going to a VITA or TCE site, see Publication 3676-BPDF for services provided and check out What to Bring to ensure you have all the required documents and information our volunteers will need to help you.
Learn more here: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifyi...
From Friends of the Franklin Library
Thank You for purchasing fudge! Thank you to those who participated in the Friends’ recent fudge fundraiser. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed your sweet treats!
Franklin Library Association Gift. Thank you to the Franklin Library Association for their years of service and their generous gift to us of copies of their recently published book The Franklin
Library Association: Building the Future of the Nation’s First Public Library 1858-2022. This book is full of fascinating characters and slices of life over more than 200 years as it tells the story of the FLA and the Franklin Public Library. This book is the perfect gift for anyone who loves books, libraries, and local history. Copies of the book are available now with a suggested donation of $15.00 to the Friends of the Franklin Library. Interested in a copy? Reach out to the Friends at fofl02038@gmail.com.
Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library. Join us at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 5 th at the library for our next meeting and the opportunity to meet other Friends and get involved in our organization. If you don’t have time to attend meetings, you can still support our mission and your library by making a direct donation to the Friends. Membership dues and donations are both tax deductible. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Friends.
Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge
March: Mass Book Awards Honoree
Do you have a cozy reading corner you’ve been wanting to spend more time in? Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.
If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.
Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge
Featured Databases
ConsumerLab.com HOME ACCESS Provides comprehensive information about vitamin, herbal and other supplements, and nutritional products. Includes ConsumerLab.com's independent product evaluations, test results for ConsumerLab.com selected products and Approved Products from ConsumerLab.com’s Quality Certification Program, product recalls, and safety warnings. A science-based encyclopedia of natural products is also provided, including a drug-interaction database
Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union, an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization. Since 1936, CU's mission has been to test products, inform the public and protect consumers. It is a comprehensive source for unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Access to this database is limited to Franklin residents.
Check out the latest items added to the library's catalog
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!
Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! 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!
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 Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (2-4)
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! Grade 3 - 12 Meeting time Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM
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!
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!
After School Anime! Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00PM (10+)
Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 10+!
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 a craft! For children ages 3 and up that can attend on their own. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room. No registration required!
Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (2-4)
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.
Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00PM
Registration required. Registration opens the Sunday before the event. Registration Links below each event.
March 2 - Asian brush painting waterfalls
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/...
March 9 - Dragonflies, Asian brush painting
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/...
March 16 - Dragon kite
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/...
March 23 - Fish painting
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/...
March 30 - Whimsy bird puppets
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/...
Happy Feet! Friday, March 10 & 24 @10:30AM (2-4)
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!
Silly Songs and Stories! Friday, March 3, 17 & 31 @10:30AM (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! Saturday, March 4 & 18 @ 10:30AM (2-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! 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. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! Ideal for children ages 2-5!
Chess Club! Sunday, March 12 & 26, 2:00-4:30PM
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 & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Remember: Chess makes you smarter; Smart people play chess. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.
Special Events for Kids & Families
Kids Take & Makes: Rainbow Twirler!
Starting Wednesday, March 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Rainbow Twirler kit!
Kits include supplies and instructions for making your own twirler! The perfect craft to bring you some luck this St. Patrick’s Day! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Baby Wearing Dance Party! Friday March 3rd @9:30AM
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!
March Madness: Battle of the Books! March 6 - April 1
It's year 6 of our annual contest and we're switching it up! What is Franklin’s Favorite Book? Be sure to check back each week to cast your vote! Which book will be our 2023 winner? Only YOU can decide!
Doggie Tales! Monday, March 6th & March 20th @4:00 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. Register on our website to reserve your spot.
Baby Sensory! Saturday, March 11th @9:30AM
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!)
Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt! March 13-March 17
Can you find the mischievous leprechaun hiding in the library? Drop in to the library at any point during the week of St. Patrick’s Day and follow the clues to win your share of the treasure!
Kid’s Paint Party! Saturday, March 18th @ 1:00PM
FOR KIDS AGES 5-11! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own bunny masterpiece! The same painting will be taught at the March, April and May event - please only register for 1 date. Register through the events calendar our website to reserve your spot.
Get It Girls! A Women's History Celebration! Friday, March 17 @3:30PM
Join us for an afternoon of caterpillar craziness! We’ll have games, crafts, and more! Fun for all ages!
Girl Power Engineering Night! Wednesday, March 22 @ 5:30PM
Join Girl Scout troop #62394 and learn about women engineers! Then join in on the marshmallow toothpick tower contest!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day! Friday, March 24 @ 2:30PM
Join us for an afternoon of caterpillar craziness! We’ll have games, crafts, and more! Fun for all ages!
Tape Town! Saturday, March 25 @10:30AM
Families! Let’s bring a little summer warmth to this cold month! Join us as we turn our big program room into an indoor summer oasis! Grab a cold drink and hit the play sand, enjoy beach balls, sand castles, snacks, and groovy tunes!
Click Here to View the More Information About Franklin Public Library News And Events - March 2023
