A crafts class at Madison Public Library will transform old, unused books into splendid wreaths for the Christmas season.

The class will be held from 6 to 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 17.

Participants will make Christmas wreaths from old books. (Photo contributed)

“We have offered this class in the past and have had great turnout and feedback,” adult services librarian Rachel Hooper said. “Participants seem to enjoy recycling old books and making a new use for them.”

Some crafts vendors construct similar wreaths using an unlikely source — coffee filters that are stained and tightly stuff on a wreath form. “These wreaths have the same concept. We will use materials already on hand and transform them into something new,” Hooper said.

This class is targeted for beginners. Participants do not need to be familiar with any craft skills. The class is open to anyone who is at least 18 years old.

Participants in the wreath class will start off by removing pages from recycled books. Next, they will create funnels using the pages. “Each wreath takes approximately 50-75 pages rolled into funnels,” Hooper said. “When the funnels are finished, we will glue them in two circles onto a book cover.”

In the final step, the class will glue Christmas ornaments into the center of the wreath.

The library is supplying all materials for this class. “We will use recycled books, Christmas ornaments, hot glue and ribbon,” Hooper said.

The recycled-book wreaths “make wonderful Christmas decorations to hang in the home,” she said. “We have also made these wreaths with flowers in the center, which looks great for springtime.”

The class is free. Limited space is available, so registration is required. Interested residents can register by visiting hmcpl.org/adultcrafts.

Also on the library’s schedule, a belly dancing class on Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. can help in shedding those extra pounds gained from holiday indulgence. Teens and adults are welcome. Signup is not required.

The library’s address is 130 Plaza Blvd. For more information, call 256-461-0046.