Our morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. The contest is on, mothers. We're giving away an extremely excellent makeover prize to one winner in town. Here's how to enter.

2. Mother Goose, she's on the loose yet again at the Northborough Free Library. That means kids under 2 are invited to use books, rhymes, fingerplays and more to enhance literacy skills.

3. Students learn the basics of bending and twisting pipe cleaners while customizing flower rings, turning flip flops into fun sandals and making various hair accessories at this class at Craftworks.

4. There's a book drive coming up in Northborough. Got Books will even pick up your donated books at your home or office. Here's how you plan it.

5. Who prepares your taxes? Are they right here in town? If so, be sure you vote for them in our best of contest.