Franklin Parish Library

Virtual Author Talk: Psychological Thrillers and the Queen of Twists– An Author Talk with Freida McFadden
2024-06-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Thursday, June 13th at 7:00 PM CDT

Get your popcorn and take a seat as we pick the brain of the queen of twists herself, Freida McFadden! McFadden will join us to chat about writing psychological thrillers, her mega-bestselling hit The Housemaid series, in particular her forthcoming (June 11, 2024) third installment, The Housemaid Is Watching.
The next installment is full of unbelievable twists and tension as it continues to follow Millie Calloway. She used to clean other people’s houses—now, she can’t believe this new home is actually hers. The charming kitchen, the quiet cul-de-sac, the huge yard where her kids can play. She and her husband saved for years to give their children the life they deserve.
Even though she’s wary of their new neighbor, Mrs. Lowell when she invites them over for dinner, it’s their chance to make friends, so they accept the invitation. Mrs. Lowell’s maid opens the door wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun. Millie knows exactly what it’s like to be in her shoes. But the maid’s cold stare gives her chills…
The Lowells’ maid isn’t the only strange thing on their street. Millie’s sure she sees a shadowy figure watching them. Her husband leaves the house late at night. And when she meets a woman who lives across the way, her words chill to the bone: Be careful of your neighbors.
Millie wonders: Did they make a terrible mistake moving their family here?
About the Author: #1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Sunday Times, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into over 30 languages.
Freida lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Franklin Parish Library.

Summer Reading Program: Black Bayou Wildlife Refuge
2024-06-14 14:00 - 15:00

Virtual Author Talk: Unpacking a History of Systemic Racism in the American Education System with Tiffany Jewell
2024-06-20 13:00 - 14:00
Thursday, June 20th at 1:00 PM CDT

Join us as #1 New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Jewell highlights the inequities Black and Brown students face from preschool through college as she presents lessons and knowledge from her new book Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School.
From preschool to higher education and everything in between, Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School focuses on the experiences Black and Brown students face as a direct result of the racism built into schools across the United States.
The overarching nonfiction narrative follows author Tiffany Jewell from early elementary school through her time at college, unpacking the history of systemic racism in the American educational system along the way. Throughout the book, other writers of the global majority share a wide variety of personal narratives and stories based on their own school experiences.
Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School provides young folks with the context to think critically about and chart their own course through their current schooling—and any future schooling they may pursue. A true “don’t want to miss” event–so register now!

About the Author: Tiffany Jewell is a Black biracial writer, twin sister, first-generation American, cisgender mama, anti-bias antiracist (ABAR) educator, and consultant. She is the author of the #1 New York Times and #1 Indie Bestseller, This Book Is Anti-Racist, a book for young folks and everyone to wake up, take action, and do the work of becoming antiracist as well as The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism the recently released Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School (2024).
Tiffany has been working with children and families for nearly two decades and has worked as a Montessori educator for fifteen years. She enjoys exploring social justice with young folks, especially the history of racism and resistance, economic justice, and socially and personally constructed identities. Tiffany enjoys working with educators and supporting them building strong, authentic communities in which every child can be seen and valued. She is the co-founder, alongside Britt Hawthorne, of ABARatSchool, an organization that strives to support educators and caregivers in their anti-bias anti-racist journeys. She also served as the president of the founding board of the national organization Montessori for Social Justice- seeing it through to completing nonprofit status and creating a strong mission to support and amplify Montessorian of the Global Majority across the country. Tiffany lives on the homeland of the Pocumtuc and the Nipmuck with her two young storytellers, husband, and a turtle she’s had since she was nine years old.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Franklin Parish Library.

Summer Reading Program: Poverty Point World Heritage Site
2024-06-21 14:00 - 15:00

Summer Reading Program: Louisiana Snake ID!
2024-06-28 14:00 - 15:00

Virtual Author Talk: A Visit to Deckawoo Drive with Mercy Watson and Kate DiCamillo (PreK-2nd Grade)
2024-07-09 13:00 - 14:00
Tuesday, July 9th at 1:00 PM CDT

Join us for a visit to Deckawoo Drive with everyone’s favorite adventure loving pig, Mercy Watson! Newbery Medal winning author Kate DiCamillo will be sharing the stories behind the creation of her early chapter book series, the original Mercy Watson, and the follow up series, Tales from Deckawoo Drive. We will also be celebrating the publication of the final book in the Mercy Watson series!
Mercy is selfish and impulsive, but no matter how much trouble she gets in, Mr. and Mrs. Watson continue to love her and see her in the best possible light. Young readers love to join along in her hilarious adventures, taking comfort in the fact that their parents and guardians will love them no matter what as well. BYOBT – Bring Your Own Buttered Toast!
About the Author
Kate DiCamillo is the award-winning author of over 30 books for children. She served as the 2014-2015 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, appointed by the Library of Congress. Several of her books have been turned into movies, and one was even adapted as an opera. She grew up in Florida and currently lives in Minnesota.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Franklin Parish Library.

Virtual Author Talk: Surviving the Summer with The Last Kids on Earth and Max Brallier (3rd-6th Grade)
2024-07-16 13:00 - 14:00
Tuesday, July 16th at 1:00 PM CDT

Would you survive a zombie apocalypse? Join us to talk with New York Times bestselling author Max Brallier about The Last Kids on Earth, both the book series and the animated series on Netflix. In this virtual event, Max will share how he came up with the different monsters and villains as well as the unique ways that Jack and his friends figure out to defeat them.
Ever since the monster apocalypse hit town, average thirteen year old Jack Sullivan has been living in his tree house, which he’s armed to the teeth with catapults and a moat, not to mention video games and an endless supply of Oreos and Mountain Dew scavenged from abandoned stores. But Jack alone is no match for the hordes of Zombies and Winged Wretches and Vine Thingies, and especially not for the eerily intelligent monster known only as Blarg. So Jack builds a team: his dorky best friend, Quint; the reformed middle school bully, Dirk; Jack’s loyal pet monster, Rover; and Jack’s crush, June. With their help, Jack is going to slay Blarg, achieve the ultimate Feat of Apocalyptic Success, and be average no longer! Can he do it?

About the Author
Max Brallier is the New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty books, including the middle-grade series, The Last Kids on Earth. Under the pen name Jack Chabert, Max is the creator and author of the Eerie Elementary series and author of the New York Times bestselling graphic novel Poptropica: Mystery of the Map. He has also written books for properties including LEGO, Adventure Time, Regular Show, Steven Universe, and Uncle Grandpa. Max has written for adults as well, including the pick-your-own-path series Can YOU Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? and an entry in the zombie anthology Nights of the Living Dead. Max lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Franklin Parish Library.

Virtual Author Talk: Learning the Power of Poetry with Bestselling Author Elizabeth Acevedo (9th-12th)
2024-07-23 13:00 - 14:00
Tuesday, July 23rd at 1:00 PM CDT

You’re invited to learn about the power of poetry with Elizabeth Acevedo! In this exciting author conversation and Q&A, Acevedo will provide a short reading from her National Book Award winning and New York Times bestselling novel-in-verse, The Poet X serving as the backdrop to this amazing chat!
The Poet X is about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth. Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking. But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about.
With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself. So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out. But she still can’t stop thinking about performing her poems. Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.
A virtual author talk you don’t want to miss–come create out loud with Elizabeth Acevedo! Register now!
About the Author
Elizabeth Acevedo is the New York Times-bestselling author of The Poet X, which won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the Carnegie medal, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and the Walter Award. She is also the author of numerous other titles including Family Lore; With the Fire on High, which was named a best book of the year by the New York Public Library, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal; and Clap When You Land, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor book and a Kirkus finalist. Acevedo has been a fellow of Cave Canem, Cantomundo, and a participant in the Callaloo Writer’s Workshops. She is a National Poetry Slam Champion, and resides in Washington, DC with her husband.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Franklin Parish Library.

Virtual Author Talk: Graphic Novels are Life! Telling Your Own Story in a Graphic Novel with Dan Santat (5th-8th Grade)
2024-07-30 13:00 - 14:00
Tuesday, July 30th at 1:00 PM CDT

Join this year’s winner of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, Dan Santat, as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. His winning book, A First Time for Everything, is a graphic memoir based on his own awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life.
Dan Santat began drawing as a young boy and although he first studied microbiology, he pursued his passion in illustration. He spent many hours as a child and teenager teaching himself to draw by copying illustrations from comic books until he developed the unique, recognizable style that we see today. His talk will inspire listeners to draw their own story as well as give them practical tips on the creation of graphic novels.

About the Author
Dan Santat is a Caldecott Medal winner, a National Book Award winner, and a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator. His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels. Santat created the animated television show, “The Replacements,” as well. He lives in Southern California with his wife and two children.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Franklin Parish Library

Toddler Storytime - Wisner Branch
2026-05-21 10:00 - 10:45
Come join Ms. Carrie for silly songs, stories, and crafts!
Target Audience is 0-5 years old.

Questions? Call Ms. Carrie at 318-435-4336

CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY
2026-05-25 08:00 - 17:00
Franklin Parish Library will be closed for Memorial Day.

Novel Quilting Club
2026-06-01 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-06 09:00 - 16:00
First Monday of each month
Experience a full day of creativity, relaxation, and connection with fellow quilters right here at home.
Bring your equipment & any projects you’re currently working on & join in.
All skill levels welcome.
Call Kayla at 318-435-4336 with Questions.

FRANKLIN PARISH LIBRARY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY EQUIPMENT OR ITEMS THAT YOU BRING.

Teen D&D Club - For High School Teens, Led by High School Teens
2026-06-01 13:00 - 15:00
Did you know we have a group of high school teens who lead their own D&D Club?! Now you do!
For any high school teens who are interested in joining in, come visit us on June 1 at 1:00 PM in the Learning Center Rm B (second meeting room in the blue building).
Any skill level is welcome and no supplies are needed.
All you need to bring is your imagination and positive attitude.

SR 2026 - Adult Lunch & Learn: Poverty Point World Heritage Site
2026-06-05 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a ranger-guided discussion of the ongoing work and current understandings of Poverty Point World Heritage Site. This presentation takes us back over 3,000 years ago when indigenous peoples created the largest mounds and earthworks in North America. The ancient site was the center for exchange, ceremony, and community in North America between 1700 and 1100 BCE. Please give us a call to RSVP so we can get an accurate lunch count.

SR 2026 - Children & Family Program - Poverty Point World Heritage Site
2026-06-05 14:00 - 15:00
Children & Family Program:Get hands on with archaeology with a ranger-guided presentation showcasing artifacts and replicas from Poverty Point World Heritage Site. This talk includes film, Q and A, along with the guided artifact and replica experience itself.

LAYERED - Adult & Teen Activity
2026-06-08 10:00 - 11:30
Adults & Teens:
Peel back the surface and discover your inner artist! Join us for Layered, a new mixed-media journaling monthly activity where we transform blank pages into personal masterpieces. Using a blend of collage, paint, ink, and found objects, you’ll build texture and meaning one layer at a time. Journals and art supplies will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you’d like.
No “artistic talent” required—just a desire to create.
Join us the 2nd Monday of every month
10am in the Learning Center

Noon Nibbles - Adult Lunch & Learn
2026-06-11 12:00 - 13:00

SR 2026 - Children & Family Event - Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo
2026-06-12 10:00 - 11:00
Children & Family Program:We’re bringing the zoo to you! Come join us as we meet some adorable animals and learn all about them from our pals at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo!

SR 2026 - The Dinosaur Experience
2026-06-19 14:00 - 15:00
Children & Family Program:
We’ve partnered up with Friends of Crowville to bring the Dinosaur Experience to the library this year!
Come join us in the Learning Center on June 19th at 2:00 PM for a roaring good time with Ranger Nash & his mischievous dinosaur friends!
We expect this event will fill up quickly and space is limited.

Toddler Storytime at the Main Branch
2026-06-22 10:00 - 10:30
Come join Ms. Carrie for silly songs, dancing, and crafts.
10:00 am in the program room upstairs at the Main Branch in Winnsboro
Target Audience is generally 2-6 Year olds

SR 2026 - Movie & Popcorn: Jurassic Park!
2026-06-22 14:00 - 16:00
Bring your favorite movie snacks and join us in the Learning Center on June 22 at 2pm for popcorn & Jurassic Park!
Parents, this movie is rated PG-13 for “intense science fiction terror.”
No drop offs. Parent/guardians must accompany all minors.

Wellspring Parent Cafe
2026-06-26 10:00 - 11:00
Come a little early the day of Louisiana Snake ID and visit with our friends from the The Wellspring My Community Cares Team for their Parent Cafe – Friday, June 26 from 10-11 am in the Learning Center at the Main Branch

SR 2026 - Louisiana Snake ID (show #1 of 2)
2026-06-26 10:30 - 12:30
Is it even summer reading if we don’t have our friends from Louisiana Snake ID join us?!? Friends of Crowville teamed up with us this year to bring them back to town.
We’re so excited they’re coming back to visit us again this year!We’ve got two time slots for you to choose from. Join us on June 26th in the Learning Center at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm.
Slither on over and learn about snakes! In this hands-on show, Kevin Hood with Louisiana Snake ID will discuss misconceptions about snakes, explain why they benefit our environment, share some cool facts, and present some common species native to our state. Kevin & his family members will also provide information about how to identify venomous snakes. At the end of each show, audience members will be welcomed to form a line to pet, hold, and take photos with a few of the snakes presented.
Kevin Hood, his wife, Rachel, and their two sons run Louisiana Snake ID. The family travels the state for educational shows and has been featured on Bayou Wild TV and in articles in Louisiana Sportsmen Magazine. Join us for an educational and interactive event enjoyed by all ages!

SR 2026 - LA Snake ID (Show #2 of 2)
2026-06-26 14:30 - 16:30
Is it even summer reading if we don’t have our friends from Louisiana Snake ID join us?!? Friends of Crowville teamed up with us this year to bring them back to town.
We’re so excited they’re coming back to visit us again this year!
We’ve got two time slots for you to choose from. Join us on June 26th in the Learning Center at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm.
Slither on over and learn about snakes! In this hands-on show, Kevin Hood with Louisiana Snake ID will discuss misconceptions about snakes, explain why they benefit our environment, share some cool facts, and present some common species native to our state. Kevin & his family members will also provide information about how to identify venomous snakes. At the end of each show, audience members will be welcomed to form a line to pet, hold, and take photos with a few of the snakes presented.
Kevin Hood, his wife, Rachel, and their two sons run Louisiana Snake ID. The family travels the state for educational shows and has been featured on Bayou Wild TV and in articles in Louisiana Sportsmen Magazine. Join us for an educational and interactive event enjoyed by all ages!

SR 2026 - Louisiana Jonesie & the Mound Builders
2026-06-29 14:00 - 15:00
Join us in the Learning Center June 29 at 2pm for this interactive storytelling experience for children between the ages of 5-12 and their accompanying adults. The program takes audiences into the world of Poverty Point as it existed 3400 years ago, with a special emphasis on “a day in the life of a Poverty Point child.” kids will learn how ancient people built massive earthworks without modern tools and how archaeologists pieced together this puzzle using science. Best of all, the adventure includes interactive games and fascinating facts that will make history come alive in ways no textbook ever could.

This special program is presented by the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum with funding administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the State of Louisiana.

Read & Craft Book Club for Adults
2026-06-30 18:00 - 20:00
Calling all adults!
We have so much fun chatting books & crafts! Bring whatever craft your working on or just come to chat & have a great time socializing with readers & crafters.
Don’t craft? No worries! Come hang out. Don’t read? No worries! Come hang out. You might learn about a craft or new book that peaks your interest!
Read & Craft meetings monthly on the last Tuesday of every month from 6pm to 8pm. Can’t stay the whole time? No biggie. Come hang out while you can.

Water Safety Class for Elem/Jr High Kids presented by the US Army Core of Engineers
2026-07-02 14:00 - 15:00
Join us in the Learning Center on Thursday, July 2, at 2:00 PM for a Water Safety Class for kids
Target audience: elementary / Jr high students.

LAYERED: Mixed Media Journaling for Adults & Teens
2026-07-13 10:00 - 11:00
Adults & Teens: Peel back the surface and discover your inner artist! Join us for Layered, a new mixed-media journaling monthly activity where we transform blank pages into personal masterpieces. Using a blend of collage, paint, ink, and found objects, you’ll build texture and meaning one layer at a time. Journals and art supplies will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you’d like.
No “artistic talent” required—just a desire to create.

Virtual Author Talk: Small Towns and Big Secrets: In Conversation with Bestselling Author Karin Slaughter
2026-07-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Online Event
Join us for a thrilling evening with acclaimed author Karin Slaughter as we chat about her North Falls series, consisting of We Are All Guilty Here, in which two teenage girls vanish in rural Georgia, and her upcoming sequel, The Secrets
We Hide.
In The Secrets We Hide, Slaughter welcomes readers back to North Falls. A small town with big secrets…
1601 Iris Drive looks like any other house on the quiet, residential street. But rumors are rampant about the Vickery family, and what goes on behind closed doors.
When gunshots ring out, Sheriff Emmy Clifton and her sister, ex-federal agent Jude Archer, discover a devastating crime scene. Allison Vickery has been murdered in her own kitchen, and her teenage daughter is bleeding upstairs, left for dead.
Everyone thinks they know what happened. But secrets are buried everywhere in this small town.
And it’s up to Emmy Clifton to uncover the truth…
Register now to take part in the discussion, and for an exclusive sneak peek of The Secrets We Hide, coming out August 11, 2026!
About the Author:
Karin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular storytellers. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-five novels, including the Edgar nominated Cop Town and standalone novels Pretty Girls and False Witness. An international bestseller, Slaughter is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. Pieces of Her, based on her novel, debuted at #1 worldwide on Netflix as an original series in 2022. Her bestselling thriller series, Will Trent, is now a television and streaming sensation in its 4th season. The Good Daughter has been adapted into a limited series starring Rose Byrne and Meghann Fahy, and further projects are currently in development for film/TV. Karin Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Franklin Parish Library.
