The Lower Macungie Library is now open by appointment only; no walk-ins are permitted. A mask is required per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Contactless pickup service is available. Computer services and browsing by appointment is available. The book drop will be open 24/7 for book returns; returns must be made through the book drop. All returns are quarantined for seven days. Staff will be available by email and phone. The library will be closed Nov. 3.

The library is holding a food drive. Items can be dropped through Nov. 13 at the library; they will be distributed to local food banks.

The Lower Macungie Library Book Club is meeting virtually. The discussion for “The Day the World Came to Town” by Jim DeFede will be held 10:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 4. Register online by 8 a.m. Nov. 3. The book for Dec. 2 is “Letters To My Palestinian Neighbor” by Yossi Klein Halevi.

There will be an ABCDEats Family Scavenger Hunt in November. Eat your way through the alphabet, trying new foods. Email a list of the foods tried and send them with two photos to lisau@lowermaclib.org. Submissions are due by Nov. 15.

Facebook story times are being offered through the library Facebook page. Virtual story time rooms are open to the public. There will be a weekly story time for children ages 2-6 years and some infant/toddler programming. Virtual story time play-along kits are available for pick up with a reservation. There will be online registration for the story times.

Halloween grab and go craft kits will be available starting Oct. 26 by the book drop. Supplies are limited.

There will be a special Vote 2020 story time on Facebook Live 10:30-11 a.m. Oct. 27.

There will be a Halloween costume Zoom story time 10:30-11:15 a.m. Oct. 29. Wear your costume and listen to stories, rhymes and songs. Online registration is required.

There will be a monthly after-school STEM Squad program via Zoom for children in grades K-5. The next program is 3:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Registration ends noon Oct. 26.

Library patrons can still access digital services including Overdrive. Other digital resources are available for free during the COVID-19 crisis. For more information, go to library website www.lowermaclib.org or call 610-966-6864.

The Lower Macungie Township building has reopened and township offices have moved back. The tax office and the office of state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, will remain at the Lower Macungie Community Center until renovations are completed. Staff is available by phone 610-966-4343 or email info@lowermac.com for information.

Trick or treating in Lower Macungie Township will be held 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31. Some homeowners associations may have set alternate dates for their neighborhoods.

Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore will have a truck available at the community center to collect unwanted but new and gently used furniture, appliances and building supplies for resale 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7.

The Lower Macungie Historical Society will hold its annual Veterans Day event virtually this year. A recognition program will be held online at www.lmthistory.org and will be announced on Facebook.

The Lower Macungie Board of Commissioners and staff are holding the 15th Annual Troop Support Program to collect donated items to send to township residents in the armed services who won’t be home for the holidays. To register a loved one in the holiday program, call 610-966-6924 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donations of new food, toiletry items, batteries, magazines and phone cards will be accepted at the community center 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 to noon Saturday and 8-10 a.m. Sunday through Nov. 25. A list of acceptable donations is available at the community center.

The community center will collect children’s new pajamas and books during the fall and holiday season. Items will be donated to local area children’s shelters. A large receptacle is located in the lobby through Dec. 31.

Curbside leaf collection begins the week of Oct. 19 and continues through the week of Nov. 30. Leaves should be out for collection by 7 a.m. Nov. 30 to ensure collection.

The following events have been canceled this year: the annual craft show and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The community center is open to the public while following CDC guidelines. The center will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Public restrooms are not available. There are no free open gym sessions. There will be facility rentals, gym rentals and Tuesday morning “Walk and Talk” for adults 8-10 a.m. Class participants and renters will be contacted with more information.

The following classes for adults will be offered this fall: belly dance and Latin partner dance. New virtual classes include Help for Cramped Hands and Living Room Funkadelics. Adult fitness classes include barre, metabolic conditioning, Pilates, tai chi and yoga. Fall classes for children include pre-ballet and toddlers and tutus. Staff will be available by phone 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 610-966-6924. Updates will also be posted on Facebook and www.lowermac.com.

The yard waste center hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 31. November and December hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Yard waste permits are required for drop-off.

A few weeks ago, Ben said to my husband, “Dad, our house is cool.” Appreciating the compliment, Matt replied, “Yeah, I think our house is pretty cool, too.” Ben’s reply caught my husband off guard: “No, Dad. I think it’s cold in the house.”

The next township column will be published Nov. 18; copy deadline is Nov. 12.