Franklin library outlines summer reading plans: registration opens June 2, programs begin June 13

The Franklin Public Library Board of Trustees heard detailed plans for the library’s 2025 summer reading program at its May 19 meeting, including registration dates, program themes and funding support from the library foundation.

Children’s librarian Britney Beckstrom told trustees registration for the system’s Beanstack platform opens June 2 and that programs will officially begin Friday, June 13. “Starting June 2, we will start summer reading program. This is when people can start, getting registered on Baystack or just reenrolling into the program. We won't officially start programs until Friday, June 13,” Britney said. She described the children’s schedule and themes — including “Summerween” (a Halloween-in-summer event), Rise and Shine outdoor storytimes (weather permitting), preschool paint-and-snack sessions, interactive movies, sensory-friendly evening story times, weekly scavenger hunts and special events such as “Games for Heroes” with planned fire- and police-department participation.

Britney and staff explained operational details trustees asked about: the library will use a two-week advance registration window for popular grades 1–5 sessions to reduce no-shows, and the children’s program schedule typically includes both 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. sessions for grade-based offerings. The board heard that caretakers have responded positively to staggered session times and that staff track repeat no-shows so patrons who repeatedly reserve and fail to attend can be counseled. An intern was scheduled to begin the day after Memorial Day to assist youth services.

Teen programming (grades 6–12) follows the same registration window and runs June 2–Aug. 1; offerings described by staff include takeout kits, a teen-run book club, a murder-mystery party, DIY crafts, a self-defense workshop, teen service projects and specialty events such as anime and boba workshops. Laura (Staff member) was credited with several teen activities; staff said teen registration and sign-up are handled through direct contact for teen book-club choices.

Adult offerings include recurring craft programs (take-and-make kits, Sip and Craft), tech classes from Sam (Staff member) including virtual-reality introductions and search-skills sessions, summer trivia and classic movie matinees. Sam also plans a puzzle contest and other special programs in partnership with county master gardeners and external speakers.

In foundation news, Annie Oclubgia reported that the Franklin Library Foundation committed $15,000 to summer programming and related needs: funding for the Summerween event, replacement of two children's-area public computers, support for Carrie’s ESL programming, renewed Milwaukee Zoo family passes for prize giveaways, and a $300 puzzle-purchase grant for a library puzzle contest. “The foundation donated $15,000 to various summer reading program things,” Annie reported. Board members said the foundation gift would support outreach and equipment replacement critical for summer operations.

Staff emphasized adjustments made since last year: roughly 60% of program elements are new or rotated to keep performers and themes fresh, interactive movies are scripted in-house, and the registration window instituted in prior summers has reduced no-shows. Trustees asked about misuse of online recording of reading minutes via Beanstack; staff said they have not seen more misuse than they observed under the prior paper system and that system reminders and renewal options reduce late returns.

The board did not vote on program budgets at the meeting. Staff will proceed with promotional work and operations timed to the June 2 registration and the June 13 program start; trustees thanked staff and the foundation for support and encouraged outreach to community partners.