5 Things You Should Know About Labor Day 2013

As we head into a three-day weekend, ending with Labor Day on Monday, here are five things you should know: 

1. You can go shopping. 

Most major retailers and grocery stores are open on Labor Day. Some smaller businesses may close for the weekend. Give your destination a call before heading out; use our Directory if you're looking for a phone number. 

2. Government offices are closed.

Farmington and Farmington Hills city halls, 47th District Court and U.S. post offices are closed Monday. The Farmington post office in the Downtown Farmington Center and the Farmington Hills post office on 12 Mile both have Automated Postal Centers you can use to weigh packages and purchase postage. 

3. Both library branches are closed over the long weekend.

The Farmington Community Library starts the holiday on Saturday, and both branches re-open Tuesday at 9 a.m. You can use book drops at the Main Library and Farmington branch, or renew and reserve books on-line at farmlib.org. 

4. Trash pick-up will be delayed one day.

Garbage, recycling, and yard waste will not be collected on Monday, Sept. 3. Pick-ups will be delayed by one day during the entire week, with Friday’s collection made on Saturday. Farmington Hills residents with questions may call the DPW at 248-871-2850 or visit fhgov.com. In Farmington, call the DPW at 248-473-7250 or visit ci.farmington.mi.us.

5.  More people than last year will be on the road.

AAA reports that 1.2 million Michiganders plan to travel more than 50 miles over the holiday weekend, about one percent more than last year. "Travelers will find lower gas prices this holiday -- in Michigan, gas averages $3.538 per gallon (as of Aug. 20), 36 cents less than last year," the agency noted in a press release.