Dr. Betty Middleton
Rowan Public Library
As citizens of this planet, we can no longer ignore the impact humans have on the Earth’s ecosystems.
Consumption of energy has a direct influence on the quality of our environment; therefore, the choices we make when selecting building materials can influence our quality of life.
Since the media has made us aware of the importance of consuming less energy, all of us should investigate various ways to make improvements to our homes that will make them more energy efficient.
If you are planning to update or remodel an existing home any time soon, there is an abundance of resources, including printed materials and Web sites.
In “Green from the Ground Up,” by David Johnston & Scott Gibson, you will find many healthy and energy-efficient ideas that can be included in your remodeling. This book covers all the areas in and around your home and provides lists of green materials to be used for your designated project.
“Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies,” written by Eric Corey Freed, is a practical guide to the materials and construction methods for building green. The author, in this hands-on guide, provides step-by-step instructions to help you complete each project.
He also reminds us that we are losing money on every green feature we do not include in either building a new home or remodeling an existing one. For example, Chapter 6 provides tables comparing commonly used materials with green material substitutions that will enable you to make informed decisions.
Searching the Internet will provide you with a plethora of information about green building and remodeling. Using the keywords “sustainable building resources,” “natural building” or “resources for green building” will guide you to many Web sites.
North Carolina resources can be located at the Web sites “The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association” and “The North Carolina State Energy Office.”
Locally, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m., the Catawba College Center for the Environment will present “Green Restoration and Renovation” where Simple Living television host Wanda Urbanska and green building consultant, Jenny Pippin will discuss the trials and tribulations of creating their green homes. Children’s Program: September-November ó Weekly Story Time. Headquarters ó Tuesday, 10 a.m., Toddlers and Moms (18-24 months); 11 a.m., Toddlers and Moms (24-36 months); Wednesday, 11 a.m., Tiny Tots and Moms (infants-18 months); Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Three through Five; 4 p.m., Noodlehead Story Times (4-8 years). South óMonday, 10:30 a.m., Preschool Time (3-5 years); 4 p.m., Noodlehead (4-8 years); Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Toddlers and Twos (18-35 months); Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Baby Time (babies and toddlers); East ó Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Preschool (2-5 years); 4 p.m., Noodlehead, (4-8 years); Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Preschool (2-5 years); Thursday, 11 a.m. Baby Time (6 months-2 years).
Tuesday Movies in September ó Featuring leading ladies. All movies are rated G, PG or PG-13. Some movies inappropriate for younger audiences. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn and lemonade. Tuesday, “Stardust.”
Displays: Headquarters ó Hispanic Coalition by DAR; South ó Hispanic Heritage by Hispanic Coalition; East ó art by Colleen Walton.Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.
Web site: For a listing of all library programs at all library locations, www.rowanpublic library.org.