Photo: Kailyn Gee
Photo: Dave Shapiro
Photo: Kailyn Gee
Franklin Public Library
★4.5(131 reviews)FreeLibrary
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 0-12. Babies and toddlers enjoy the storytime sessions and board book collection, preschoolers love the interactive programs and play areas, while elementary-aged kids thrive with the STEAM activities, chapter books, and summer reading challenges.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
Franklin Public Library is a modern, family-friendly library that goes far beyond just books. With an extensive children's section packed with age-appropriate materials, regular storytimes, hands-on STEAM programs, and exciting summer reading challenges, it's a wonderful free resource that keeps kids engaged while fostering a love of learning and reading.
Highlights
- ✓Regular storytimes that introduce young children to books and early literacy skills
- ✓Hands-on STEAM programs teaching science, technology, engineering, arts, and math concepts
- ✓Extensive children's book collection with new releases and classic favorites
- ✓Summer reading challenges with prizes and incentives to keep kids reading year-round
- ✓Family-friendly events throughout the year that bring the community together
Pro Tips
- 1.Check their online calendar before visiting to catch storytimes (typically mornings) and special STEAM programs that fill up quickly
- 2.Visit on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings when they're open until 8 PM for a quieter experience after the after-school rush dies down
- 3.Sign up for the summer reading challenge early in June - kids earn prizes and it keeps them reading all summer long
- 4.Bring your library card on every visit to check out materials, but guest passes are available if you're visiting from out of town
- 5.The children's section has cozy reading nooks perfect for settling in with new finds before you decide what to take home
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) are ideal for attending scheduled storytimes and enjoying the children's section before it gets busy. Saturday mornings work well for working parents but expect more crowds. Avoid the 3-4 PM after-school rush on weekdays.
What to Know
All library services are completely free with a library card (free for Wisconsin residents). Ample free parking is available in the library lot. No food is allowed in the library, but there's a quiet reading area and family restrooms available.
Seasonal Notes
Summer reading programs run June through August and are extremely popular - register early. The library hosts special holiday events around Halloween, winter holidays, and spring break. Reduced Sunday hours (1-4 PM) year-round, closed on major holidays.
Nearby Eats
Head to Culver's (less than 2 miles away) for kid-friendly burgers, chicken tenders, and their famous frozen custard, or visit Noodles & Company nearby for quick, customizable pasta dishes that please picky eaters.
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