Soaring gas and food prices, coupled with serious environmental concerns, have prompted many people to look for ways to stretch dollars and be kind to our environment at the same time.

"It seems to be a trend," said Martha Brown, a Glatfelter Memorial Library staff member. "People are looking for money-saving ideas and recycling what's in the house."

As Brown scanned the library's shelf of new non-fiction books, she handed me "A Tip a Day with Ellie Kay: 12 Months' Worth of Money-Saving Ideas." She said the library director had ordered several similar books and they had flown off the shelves.

Looking through the stacks, I discovered "Save Energy Save Money: 201 Do-It-Yourself Projects, Tips, and Ideas" by The Family Handyman.

Kayla Bankert, 16, of Spring Grove, shops for books at Glatfelter Memorial Library's book sale. She said the library's book sale is a good chance to get new books. Library staffer Martha Brown said community members are wonderful about donating books to help raise money for the library. (Submitted)
This fully illustrated book explains everything from spring cleaning air conditioning units to using the new compact fluorescent bulbs to installing water-conserving sprinklers. It is packed with ideas to trim costs and energy use.

Gina Mumaw, director of the Arthur Hufnagel Library of Glen Rock, once recommended "The Salvage Sisters' Guide to Finding Style in the Street and Inspiration in the Attic." I return to this book periodically for inspiration.

Written by sisters Kathleen Hackett and Mary Ann Young, the book details how to breathe new life into others' castoffs. Abandoned dresser drawers grouped together become bookshelves when mounted on a wall; the flowing tulle of an old ball gown is turned into a gorgeous table skirt with a few stitches; and an oar becomes a nautical handrail.

DIY Network host Dena Fishbein believes you can find hidden treasures around your house. Worn out or forgotten items can be embellished and reused in new ways. Her book, "Embellish Your Home," features a creative twig and parasol bouquet on its cover. Twigs gathered from the yard, "leaves" cut from pages of an old book, and colorful parasols leftover from a party are put together in a vase or pitcher for a whimsical room accent.

She offers a variety of techniques to rehab lampshades, plus gives instructions for transforming a child's artwork, picture frame and drawer pulls into a delightful breakfast tray.

Yard sales can yield a bounty of affordable finds, as do shops like the York Rescue Mission's economy stores in Dallastown, York and Dover. Individuals recycle by donating items they no longer need so someone else can use them. Prices are budget-friendly, and the bonus is that the York Rescue Mission uses the proceeds from its stores to provide food, clothing and shelter for community members in need.

Deborah Sullivan is community relations director for the York County Library System.

BUDGET TIPS

(Submitted)

Libraries offer a variety of ways to stretch your dollars:

1. Sharing resources like books, DVDs, music and recorded books saves everyone money.

2. Library book sales offer bargain hunters an economical way to add books to their shelves.

3. There is a wide variety of magazines for loan, plus several libraries sell donated magazines for a quarter or offer a free magazine exchange.

4. Libraries offer fun, educational programs for all ages. Be sure to check out what is happening this month at www.yorklibraries.org.

5. Computer and Internet access is free at York County libraries.

BOOKS TO TRY

--- "Salvage Style for the Garden: Simple Outdoor Projects Using Reclaimed Treasures" by Marcianne Miller.

--- "Salvage Style for Outdoor Living" by Moira and Nicholas Hankinson.

--- "Salvage Style in Your Home" by Moira and Nicholas Hankinson.

--- "Rustic Accents for Your Home: 45 Projects from Vines, Twigs & Branches" by Laura Donnelly Bethmann and Ann Ramp Fox.

--- "How to Fix Just About Everything" by Bill Markden.

--- "The Penny Pincher's Almanac Handbook for Modern Frugality" by Dean King and the Editors of the Penny Pincher's Almanac.

--- "Cut Your Bills in Half: Thousands of Tips to Save Thousands of Dollars" by the editors of Rodale Press.

LIBRARY BOOK SALES

Dover Plant Sale -- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dover Area Community Library, 3700-3 Davidsburg Road, Dover.

A wide variety of plants will be sold in this fundraiser for the library. Donations of plants for the sale will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday. For details, call the library at 292-6814.

Village Book Sale --
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Village Library, 35-C North Main St., Jacobus, 428-1034.

Weekly used book sales have returned to the library porch every Thursday (weather permitting). Prices from 25 cents to $1. Music and videos are also available. Proceeds benefit the library. Call ahead if rain is in the forecast.

Kreutz Creek Library Fair -- 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 31, Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center, 66 Walnut Springs Road, Hellam, 252-4080.

A combination yard, craft, and plant sale is held in conjunction with a book sale inside the adjacent Hellam Township Building. Special events include the Girl Scout story time at 10:30 a.m., and a balloon artist from11 a.m. until noon. Also, a bake and food sale. Proceeds benefit the library.

Kaltreider/Benfer Library Book Sale -- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 31 at the Book Nook in the former Red Lion Country Club on Country Club Road, Red Lion. Old Red Lion yearbooks available. Proceeds benefit Kaltreider Library.

Books and Lemon Stix -- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7, as part of the Glen Rock Street Fair, Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock, will sell books in the lobby at 32 Main St., Glen Rock.

The library is accepting donations of books for the sale. Call the library at 235-1127 for details.

During the fair, the library's teen group, TOTAL, will sell their famous Lemon Stix as a fundraiser.