The Lower Macungie Library will be closed Sept. 2 and 4 in observation of Labor Day.

Lower Macungie Library hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The library has partnered with Plant a Row Lehigh to collect fresh produce for the food pantry at Grace Lutheran Church in Macungie. Donations are accepted 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 10 and can be placed in a cooler inside the library.

The Lower Macungie Library Book Club book for 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 6 is “The Book of Lost Friends” by Lisa Wingate. The book for Oct. 4 is “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” by Fiona Davis. The book club meets virtually.

There will be a Build It! Block Party for ages 2-6 years 10:30-11:15 a.m. Sept. 7.

Library Explorers for grades K-5 will meet 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. There will be a new topic and activity each month.

Books & Beyond will meet 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 11 in the library’s multipurpose room to discuss “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb.

Homeschool Hour for grades K-5 will meet 1:30-2:30 p.m. Sept. 12 for a story and activity. The theme for September is Hispanic Heritage.

A program for adults - “From Liverpool to Abbey Road” - will take place 6-8 p.m. Sept. 14 and follow the Beatles on their journey from cover band to Beatlemania.

There are many toddler and preschool story times. Check the website for dates and times.

For more information on library events, go to their website www.lowermaclib.org or call 610-966-6864.

The Alburtis Seniors will meet noon Sept. 20 at Church of the Good Shepherd, 135 Quarry Road, Alburtis. There will be a potluck buffet lunch followed by a meeting and bingo. There is a small charge. Bring a covered dish. For more information, call Doris at 610-966-3653.

Lower Lehigh AARP will not meet in August. Their next meeting will be noon Sept. 7 in the lower level of Macungie Memorial Hall at Macungie Memorial Park. Dues will be collected at the Oct. 12 meeting; bring both cards. For more information, contact Dot at 610-967-3284.

The Lower Macungie Township Senior Citizens will meet noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 5 in the community center. Members are welcome to stay after the meeting to socialize and play games.

The Lower Macungie Community Book Club will meet 2-3 p.m. Sept. 6 to discuss “The Huntress” by Kate Quinn. This in-person book club will meet in the multipurpose room of Lower Macungie Library. For more information, call Sandra at 678-576-9796.

Lower Macungie Pool is open noon to 7 p.m. through Aug. 27. The pool will be open noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 2-4 for Labor Day weekend. Adult lap swim will be available 9-10 a.m. and 10-11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings. Preregistration is required.

For information on Lower Macungie Garden Club events, go to LMGC2.shutterfly.com or email lmgctoday@yahoo.com.

Island Time will play Jimmy Buffet style music 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Hills at Lockridge Park band shell, 7125 Scenic View Drive, Macungie.

The Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners and staff are holding the 18th 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. weekdays. Donations of food, toiletry items, batteries, magazines and more will be accepted at the community center 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Sept. 1 to Nov. 22. A list of acceptable donations is available at the community center.

Lower Macungie Community Center will be collecting children’s new pajamas and books during the fall and holiday season. Items will be donated to local area children. A large receptacle is located in the lobby Sept. 1 to Dec. 29.

The Lower Macungie Township building is open; staff is available by phone 610-966-4343 or email info@lowermac.com for information.

Lower Macungie Township now offers indoor pickleball at the community center gymnasium. Advance registration is required.

Open gym is available at the Lower Macungie Township Community Center. Residents must purchase an annual membership to use the gym.

Lower Macungie Township offers many programs for adults and children. For more information, go to http://www.lowermac.com/recreation/activities-programs/. Adult classes include baking, belly dance, yoga, karate, ballroom dance and tai chi. Youth classes include cooking, Kindermusik, Safe Sitter, tennis, pre-ballet and tot sports.

The community center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Staff will be available during those times at 610-966-6924. Updates will also be posted on Facebook and www.lowermac.com.

Yard waste center hours through October are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Yard waste permits are required for drop-off. The center is located at 5536 Indian Creek Road, Macungie.

Weekly curbside collection of grass clippings continues with collection on the day after regular trash day collection. Yard waste collection will be the weeks of Aug. 23 and Sept. 6 and 20.

We recently returned from a trip to England. While there, we visited a few pubs. One in particular - Nellies - stood out. It had gas lamps and a “no electronics” policy. This was outlined in great detail on their coasters. Their policy included the use of mobile phones, iPads, Kindles, tablets and laptops for texting, taking photographs, games, apps, web browsing and social media. The purpose was to encourage the pub to be a haven for social conversation. Ben reflected on this while we had a drink. His conclusion: “Well, I see it doesn’t keep them from accepting credit cards.”

The next township column will be published Sept. 6; copy deadline is Aug. 30.