By FRANCES SMITH / Community Columnist

The reality of colder temperatures and the approach of a new year inspires some folks to embark on a new, indoor hobby. Handicrafts may be the way to go.

Our library has many colorful, instructive books on woodworking, quilting, knitting and crocheting for adults and children. For aspiring wood-workers we have: Kids’ Building Workshop by Robertson and Taunton’s Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking. For adults using softer materials we have: Modern Quilt Magic by Wolfe, Weekend Wraps by MacDonald, and Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Hazell. For youngsters interested in fiber arts: Cool Girls Quilt by DeBono, Get into Knitting by Dyer, and Get Hooked by Werker.

If you come to the library to launch a new hobby consider attending one or more of the programs described below.

December Doings at Alabaster Library

• Story Times

Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Tunes & Tales

Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Toddler Tales

Wednesday Dec. 20 and Dec. 27 Winter Break Story Time at 10:15 a.m.

• Youth Programs

Dec. 1 Frozen Fantasy Fun at 4 p.m. Kids 5 years old and older can ‘let it go’ and come to the library for activities based on the popular movie. They can come in costume, too. Sign up.

Dec. 5 Gingerbread Workshop at 6 p.m. Our workshop leader has everything for making colorful houses. Families must sign up in advance and pre-pay $3 per house by Dec. 4. Checks should be made out to the library. Sorry, no refunds. All children must be with an adult.

Dec. 7 Pete the Cat Book Club at 4 p.m. Children 5 years old and older can join in the fun. Please sign up for a holiday edible craft.

Dec. 11 Magic Tree House Passport to Adventure 4 p.m. Explore the book Christmas in Camelot. Kids in grades 1 and up can sign up.

Dec. 12 Evening with Santa at 6:15-7 p.m. Santa Claus will listen to Christmas wishes in the meeting room. All children must be with an adult.

Dec. 13 Holiday Party at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Children and their caregivers are invited to a fun-filled morning featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus, gingerbread man decorating in the meeting room, and – new this year – a trackless train ride around the library parking lot. Please note: because the train will run through the entire parking lot, the lot will be closed to vehicles. Guests and patrons are advised to park on the edge of the Piney Woods along 2^nd Avenue NW. Free tickets are available in the lobby for the train ride. All children must be with an adult.

Dec. 20 and Dec. 27 Winter Break Story Time at 10:15 a.m. Kids of all ages and their caregivers can have fun with Miss Jennie.

Adult Programs:

Dec. 6 and Dec. 20 Tai Chi for Health (Last of a series) at 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 21 Book Group 7 p.m. The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks

Programs are in the meeting room and children age 6 and younger must be with an adult unless otherwise indicated. Sign up for programs at the circulation desk or call 664-6822.