Back from Winter Break? 5 Things You Need to Know

It's Jan. 3, and many are returning from the 2011 winter holiday season. What happened while you might have been away? Here are five things that you might need to know today:

1) The 520 Bridge toll began Dec. 29.

After months of delay, the Washington State Department of Transportation launched the toll of the State Route 520 Bridge on Dec. 29. . Officials with the state encourage motorists to allow themselves extra time to get around -- especially today, the first commute day of the new toll. , creating more traffic than usual on Interstate 90. 

And while you may think you're ready, y, to avoid getting a surprise in the mail in the form of a pay-by-mail toll.

2) The downtown Bellevue Library parking lot is closed for construction. (But the library is open.)

Parking at the will be limited for the next year, as the construction of a new three-level parking lot began Dec. 22. During the year-long construction period, the library, which gets about 68,000 visitors a month, will have about 50 spots available with a three-hour time limit. However,  library officials have said. Library officials recommend taking alternative routes to the library, such as walking, bicycles or the bus, or picking up items at one of the other nearby libraries, including the ones at , and shopping center.

3) School is back in session.

Winter break is over and school is back in session today for  and the . Exercise caution while driving around school zones and around buses. Just before Winter Break, to take care of her mother, who is ill and entering hospice.

4) 'Tis the season for recycling your Christmas tree.

Cleaning up after the holiday and wondering what to do with your live, cut Christmas tree? There are , including two Boy Scout Troops who can arrange to pick up the tree at your home or office this week and several drop off opportunities.

5) The Bellevue City Council meeting is scheduled for tonight.

The Bellevue City Council's first meeting of the year will be held tonight, after City Hall was closed Monday for the observation of the holiday.