Library and Community News

AstroNights: Live Virtual Astronomy Events, from the McAuliffe Center at FSU

The FSU Planetarium on campus may be closed for now, but our innovative approach to learning is as active as ever!

Next AstroNights Event, Friday, May 1, 7pm

We are excited to announce that live virtual events with our planetarium educators will continue under our new series AstroNights! You can now find information about all upcoming and past AstroNights events, and other planetarium-inspired resources, at our NEW page: www.cm-center.org/dometohome. 

We hope you will join us for the next AstroNights event THIS FRIDAY May 1st at 7:00PM! We know that some of you were not able to join live last time, so this time we are offering 2 ways to participate live:

  • Register for the Live Webinar. Registration link will be available on the event page on May 1st at 6:30PM. We have expanded the capacity for this live webinar, but we still expect to reach capacity.
  • View Live on our YouTube Channel! No registration required. The video will not be visible on the channel page until the live stream begins. You may need to refresh your browser.

Ways to Stay Informed About COVID-19 in Framingham

City of Framingham sealYou can stay informed about COVID-19 in Framingham in several ways:

  • By text: To receive information from the City on a mobile device, text "Join FraminghamMA" to 30890.
  • Social media: Residents also can find updates on Facebook and Twitter @Framingham_MA.
  • Call: For questions regarding COVID-19 in Framingham, please call the Emergency Operations Center at (508) 532-5800.
  • Receive phone messages. If there is an urgent update, the City will employ the "Alert Framingham" phone messaging system, otherwise known as Rave. To sign up for the City's Rave system, please go here:https://www.smart911.com.

Framingham Establishes Temporary Financial Assistance for Those Impacted by COVID-19

In response to the pandemic, the City of Framingham will provide relief of rent, mortgage, and/or utility payments for two months to alleviate the burden for households that have lost their employment and primary income as of March 10, 2020. For application information, visit the Resources for Residents page on the City’s COVID-19 website and select the “Temporary Financial Assistance” tab.

Online Zoom Community Hour with Mayor Spicer and Dr. Wong, April 21, 5-6pm

Mayor Spicer and Dr. Wong will answer resident questions live about how the City is managing COVID-19. Questions can be posed during the hour via the Zoom's Chat function. If you cannot attend and have questions, please email kmcfalls@framinghamma.gov with the subject line: April 21 Community Hour. Click here for information on how to join. A video recording of the Zoom session will be available on the City's Facebook page and Mayor's Facebook page following for those who couldn't attend

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

From Maria Robinson, State Representative, 6th Middlesex District:

Claimants are now able to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

You can do so by applying on the Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance page of the Mass.gov website.

PUA is a program open to the following individuals:

  • Self-employed individuals, including gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors
  • Those seeking part-time employment
  • Claimants that have an insufficient work history to qualify for benefits
  • And claimants that have been laid off from churches and religious institutions and are not eligible for benefits under state law




 

Calling for Donations of Homemade Cloth Face Coverings!

From April 19 City of Framingham Press Release:

Framingham Public Library and Health Department to collect and distribute donated cloth face coverings: On Tuesday, April 21, the City will start collecting homemade cloth face coverings at the drive-up book returns at both Library locations, 49 Lexington Street and 746 Water Street. The first phase of this project is collection. Distribution information will be released in the coming days as the City receives donations. People can find examples of how to make a homemade cloth face coverings from the Centers for Disease Control’s website. Once created, please package the cloth face coverings in an envelope or plastic bag, and drop them off at the specially marked drive-up library book returns. Remember, cloth face coverings protect you and others. Thank you for keeping us all healthy and safe!

 

Face mask donation drop off main library
Donation sign in Main Library parking lot
Mask drop off bin at the Main Library
Donation sign in McAuliffe parking lot
Mask drop off bin in McAuliffe parking lot

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Always Available on Hoopla until April 30

Hoopla is happy to announce that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will be instantly available on both eBook and audiobook until April 30th as part of the hoopla Bonus Borrows collection.

All titles in the hoopla Bonus Borrows collection are complimentary to libraries and cost a hoopla patron zero borrows. The hoopla Bonus Borrows collection is here for a limited time only and runs through April 30th.

For more information about hoopla, click here.

Community Resources to Help You During the COVID-19 Pandemic

collection of street signs that read HELPWe are working on gathering a collection of community resources to help you through the COVID-19 crisis. If you're feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, see our listing of mental health hotlines; if you are struggling with food insecurity, check our listing of food banks. If you're a senior wanting to find special hours at supermarkets and pharmacies, click here.

Services in many other categories will be added on a daily basis.