With help from the Alabama Public Library Service, the Selma-Dallas County Public Library is doing its part to help the community become healthier and happier.

The local library received a grant to help it purchase new books, renovate a section on the second floor and host to a series called All About You – For a Healthier You.

“This whole series … is about a healthier you. Things you can do that are inexpensive and good for you,” said Becky Nichols, local library director. “This is part of a grant that we got to supplement the collection [of books] for the purpose of giving people knowledge they didn’t have. Our part as librarians is to supply that information that’s current and new.”

On Aug. 17-20, the library will hose four different classes teaching people about essential oils, homemade detergents, juicing and smoothies and natural waterless hand cleanser.

“Just about every one of these are things that you can do at home, save money and save time,” Nichols said. “One of the great functions of the library is to introduce people to new information or to improve on the knowledge that they already got and demonstrations like the ones were going to have.”

Gabe Norton will be instructing the homemade detergents class and said she was glad to have the opportunity to help others.

“I know that there’s people interested in doing these things, and I would like to be a resource for them. I’d like for them to have a place to go to learn this, and the library is the perfect place to learn,” Norton said. “When they asked me, I was happy to share the knowledge that I have.”

Norton began experimenting with making detergents and cleaning supplies about 10 years ago.

“Back when I first started having kids, I became very aware of what chemicals were put into products, and I didn’t want to expose my kids to that. I was interested in making my own cleaners,” Norton said.

“I couldn’t find anyone locally that was doing it, so I taught myself. It saves money, it is better for the environment, it’s better for your family and for anyone that has a sensitivity for fragrances, it is a huge different difference.”

The class lineup is as follows: Aug. 17, Essential Oils taught by Annette Andrews; Aug. 18, homemade detergents taught by Gabe Norton; Aug. 19, juicing and smoothies taught by Tracy Stevens; and Aug. 20, natural waterless hand cleanser taught by Laura Spencer.

Nichols said that some classes are limited to 25 people, and although all classes are free of charge, she does recommend that people call ahead to reserve their spot.

For more information or to register, call the library at 874-1725.