Finished with "A Series of Unfortunate Events" and want to know what to read next? Looking for a book discussion guide? Want read-a-likes for your favorite author? Find all of this in NovelstPlus for teens and adults and Novelist K-8 for grade schoolers.  Novelist offers reviews, summaries, series information, articles and "Best of" lists.

We've compiled these lists of easy things you can do to help the environment:

Saving Energy

Go Green at the Grocer

Reduce Paper Waste

Reduce Plastic Waste

Composting

Adjust Your Refrigerator and Water Heater

Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, typically accounting for about 18% of your utility bill. The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F to get comfortable hot water and reduce energy expenditure.

Starting now, Northbrook Public Library cardholders can register online for our technology classes.  Our calendar, events, and Technology Classes pages display a "Register" link for those programs requiring signup.  Click on the link, enter your valid Northbrook Library card number - without spaces - and fill in your information.

Try composting as a way to use your kitchen and yard waste to benefit your garden. Not sure how to get started? Check out these composting resources at the library.

Reduce Plastic Waste

Plastic Bags:
The library has started recycling newspaper bags. You can do the same by bringing yours to the Bag2Bag recycling bin at Sunset or another participating store. They also accept dry cleaning bags and other plastic bags and some shrink wraps. See the Bag2Bag site for more information on what they recycle.

Interested in volunteering at the library this summer? Need some service hours for NHS? We've got flexible hours, short shifts, interesting projects and we can work around your summer plans!

Sound good?

Well, then make sure you register to attend ONE of our MANDATORY meeting for summer volunteers. We'll go over everything you need to know.

Meetings:

Reduce Paper Waste

Pay your bills online and switch to paperless statements.

Register at www.catalogchoice.org and www.dmachoice.org to stop getting catalogs and junk mail you don’t want.

Think before printing. Set your printer default to double-sided and use Print Preview to print only the pages you need. Save files on your computer instead of printing them for your records.

The Sports Center Pool will open for the 2013 season on Saturday, May 25. Preseason hours are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on weekends and the holiday and 3 - 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The regular season begins on June 8 when Meadowhill Aquatic Center opens. Visit nbparks.org

Go Green at the Grocer

Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.

Concentrated detergents save on plastics and water.

A carrot typically travels 1,838 miles to reach your table. Shop at your local farmer’s market in season, or check for signs in your grocery store indicating locally grown and made foods.

Buying organic produce helps reduce pesticides and groundwater contamination.