For the “My Favorite Books” class, participants will choose their 10 favorite books and paint on canvas. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Upcoming classes at Madison Public Library will let patrons both ‘paint’ and ‘mark’ their favorite books.

For the “My Favorite Books” painting class, each participant will choose 10 of their favorite books and bring these to the class. “We’ll paint the spines of the books, so the image on the canvas will look like the books are sitting on a bookshelf,” adult services librarian Rachel Hooper said.

“Another option is to take pictures of the book spines and bring that instead,” Hooper said. “Participants just need to have a visual to see what the spines look like.”

This class will use acrylics to paint an 11-by-14 inch canvas. “The participants can paint at their own pace. We’ll decide how we want to organize our ‘bookshelf’ and then begin painting,” Hooper said.

Class date is March 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. The class is intended for anyone older than 18. Registration and a $5 supply fee are required.

In another class, adults can make cross-stitch bookmarks that measure about six inches long, three inches wide. “The library will provide the material, which will include cloth, thread and needles. I’ll have several examples that people can choose from,” Hooper said.

For the cross-stitch class, any experience level is welcome. Hooper will discuss the basics of cross-stitching for anyone new to the craft. “I’ve been cross-stitching since I was in elementary school and find it very relaxing. Hopefully, others will enjoy it, find it relaxing and create interest in this craft,” she said.

Hooper believes the cross-stitch class is “is a great way to incorporate crafts with books — not only by creating a bookmark but also by having a variety of cross-stitch books available to look through and check out for additional ideas.”

The cross-stitch class will meet March 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The class if free and registration is required.

To register for these classes, visit hmcpl.org/adultcrafts. For more information, call Hooper at 256-461-0046 or email to rhooper@hmcpl.org.