Welcome to the new year.

We are a week in and there is already much to do in 2026.

The Emmaus Public Library, 11 E. Main St., Emmaus, is the home library for Upper Milford Township residents and many events are scheduled for the coming month. Among highlights is the pilot program “Silent Space at the Library” 2-5 p.m. Wednesdays starting Jan. 7.

The Margaret Knoll Gardner lecture room at the library will be reserved for those seeking a quiet space to read, study and/or to do homework. Talking will not be allowed. Tables and chairs will be configured to support a quiet environment and privacy.

The program is set to continue through May.

On Jan. 10, the library will welcome fans of felines to the program “Cat Castles” where visitors will design and build a castle for a favorite feline. The program will be held 1-3 p.m. Supplies such as cardboard boxes and paper tubes will be provided. Cats will not be permitted at the event. Children who participate must be supervised by an adult at all times. Registration is available through the library website www.emmauspl.org.

Craft fans may want to check out the “Coffee and Craft” event offered 1 p.m. Jan. 16. Titled “Polaroid Picture Painting,” the craft will incorporate creative use of tape to simulate the signature look of an instant picture.

Registration for the craft class is available through the library website www.emmauspl.org. Be sure to check out the library calendar for other interesting events.

Upper Milford Western District Fire Company, 6341 Chestnut St., will host its sportsmen’s raffle fundraiser Jan. 31. Doors open 5 p.m. The raffle will feature more than $12,000 in prizes, according to organizers.

For additional details and ticket information, visit the website www.uppermilfordfire.org.

Volunteer opportunities are available in both municipalities. Visit the respective websites, www.uppermilford.net or www.lowermilford.org, for details.

Southern Lehigh Public Library, the home library of Lower Milford Township residents, will host a trivia night for adults 6-7:30 p.m. at the library, 3200 Preston Lane, Center Valley. The event is for those 18 years and older and registration is required. Visit the library website www.solehipl.org for details.

The library will host a K-Pop Demon Hunters sing-along movie night 6:15-8 p.m. Jan. 29. Moviegoers are encouraged to dress as a favorite character or in K-pop fashion style. Registration is required for this family-friendly event and admission is free. Visit the library website www.solehipl.org for details and to register.

Upper Milford Township residents, please note, winter hours are in place through March 31 at the yard waste facility near the township garage. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Lower and Upper Milford township boards of supervisors held reorganization meetings and first meetings of the year Jan. 5.

The next regular meeting of Upper Milford Township board of supervisors is scheduled 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at the township building, 5671 Chestnut St. An online option also is available. See the township website www.uppermilford.org for additional details.

The next regular meeting of Lower Milford Township board of supervisors is scheduled 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the township building 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road.