Reservations open for library’s Christmas ornament class

Families can book a seat now at Madison Public Library for classes to make Christmas ornaments and help to raise needed library funds.

Ornament classes are planned for Oct. 22 and Nov. 3, but register early.

“This fundraiser will benefit youth services and adult programming for the next few months” at the library, adult services librarian Rachel Hooper said.

The library strives to provide free classes. “Some more elaborate craft classes require consumable supplies, and we charge the price of materials only,” branch manager Sarah Sledge said. “If we can raise enough through the fundraiser, we’ll purchase more of the reusable tools required for more complicated crafts, like painting.”

The ornament classes offer a good craft time for the entire family. Several classes target specific age groups, but this one is open to all, Hooper said. The class can have 30 participants maximum. No crafting experience is necessary.

Pottery By You in Hughes Plaza in Madison will provide paint and ornaments and then fire the pottery. Two weeks after the class, ornaments will be ready for pickup.

Each participant can choose a decoration design. Hooper said one particular ornament will be suitable for gift giving, especially to relatives. “This ornament is a ball shape but has a flat surface on each side. Children can paint their handprints — a great gift for grandparents or other family members.”

Another design resembles a child’s bouncy ball and “is really popular with the adult crowd,” Hooper said. “The next ornament is a snowman shape — my personal favorite.” The snowman’s head is three-dimensional with a flat bottom.

“These ornaments can be kept for years and bring back good, fun memories of painting them with loved ones,” Hooper said.

Sledge agrees. “The ornaments will be a great gift to mark special holidays for family and friends,” she said.

Class fee is $15 per ornament. Class times are Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. with registration and payment deadline on Oct. 11. The next class will be Nov. 3 at 9 a.m., and the deadline is Oct. 18. Individuals must register in person at Madison Public Library.

For information, call Hooper at 256-461-0046 or send email to rhooper@hmcpl.org.