The Farmington Community Library is embracing the trend of going green with recycling, reusing and reducing as much as possible.

During the month of April, the library will promote its environmental collection that encompasses books, audiovisuals, subscription databases and the energy consumption monitor called Kill-A-Watts.

On Thursday, April 22, both branches of the library will host free program events to celebrate Earth Day.

The Farmington Hills Main library at 32737 W. 12 Mile Rd in Farmington Hills will sponsor “Earth Day Global Warming Impact and Clear Energy Solutions” at 6:30 p.m. featuring two exceptional environmental activists.

Peter Sinclair and Tiffany Hartung will cover the issues of the global warming, its solutions, and coal fired plants in Michigan that are causing a threat to our state's delicate environment. Registration is required for this event, but it is free and open to anyone.

SPEAKERS

Peter Sinclair has 30 years of writing and activism in the areas of energy and environment, including extended study in Nashville with Al Gore and the world's leading climate experts. His skillful creation of audio visual presentations have made his climate change and alternative energy talks a “must see.”

Tiffany Hartung from the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign will discuss the serious challenges that the construction of six new coal-fired power plants in Michigan will create for our economy, health, environment, and our long term energy future. Hear what citizens across the state are doing to steer away from coal and invest in a clean energy future for Michigan.

The Farmington Library branch at 23500 Liberty in downtown Farmington, will celebrate Earth Day from 7-8:30 p.m. with fun and engaging craft activities suitable for children second grade and up. There is no need to register for this event, just show up.

KILL-A-WATT

In addition to those programs, both libraries offer more eco-friendly items for check out. Kill-A-Watt is an electric usage monitor which plugs into various outlets throughout your home to measure the amount and cost of energy consumption.

Kill-A-Watt shows electrical usage of any device plugged into it (computers, appliances, lamps, battery chargers, etc.) and can help you make more informed decisions about replacing or simply unplugging that device. We welcome anyone to use their library card to check out a Kill-A-Watt, just as one would check out a book or video.

PARK AND READ

Finally, Farmington Community Library card holders can enjoy the many state parks in Michigan for free by checking out a daily pass to any of the parks that brings all of us closer to the astonishing nature of our state. For a second year, Macy's and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment is sponsoring the Park and Read program modeled after the Museum Adventure Pass program popular at Michigan libraries.