Wreaths, pillows, soaps and other crafts are on the schedule this month at the Altoona Area Public Library, 1600 Fifth Ave. For more information or to register for the programs, call the library at 814-946-0417 or visit altoonalibrary.org.

– The Blair County Conservation District will be on hand at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 for a program on making wreaths. Cost is $12. Deadline to register and pay is Friday, Dec. 9. For those who have taken part in the event previously and can bring the wreath back for this program, the cost is $6.

– No-sew tie pillows will be the feature of the Cozy Craft Day at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10. The program is geared toward children 8 years and older. Registration is required.

– The winter craftables super Saturday will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17. Participants can create a gift for someone or craft for fun. There will be a variety of options for various ages and is geared toward children ages 3 and older. Registration is required.

– Winter- and holiday-themed soaps are on tap at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Participants will gather in the library board room to make soaps with a variety of essential oils to scent the shea butter base. Cost is $2, and registration is required.

– Teens are invited to stop after school, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 14 to make bath bombs. There will be several scents from which to choose. This is a free event, but registration is required. Walk-ins are welcome, but supplies may be limited. The event is geared toward students ages 12 to 17.

– A wrap party will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Participants will gather in the library board room where wrapping paper, gift tags and ribbon will be available. Those attending should bring their gifts to wrap at the library. There will be hot cocoa, snacks and festive music. Registration required.

Books and more

– Children ages 7 to 12 are invited to take part in The Next Chapter, a book club featuring a new chapter book each month. Participants will listen to excerpts being ready aloud. A discussion about the book, along with crafts/activities geared around the book will be held after the reading. The group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 22 and 29. Registration is required.

– The monthly adult Shelf Indulgence Book Club meets at 10 a.m. Dec. 17. Participants will get a topic, genre or book pace along with a list of books from which to choose. The idea is to open participants up to books not read before and to add to future reading lists based on other patrons’ reviews. This is a bring your own mug event with a choice of coffee or tea available. Register required.

– Chess club meets from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the front tables near the Adult Circulation desk. No registration necessary.

– Teen Legos will meet from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the rear tables on the first floor. Registration required.

– Adult Legos will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the rear tables on the first floor. Registration required.

– Intro to Genealogy will be held at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the library theater. Call to register.

– Personalized assistance on genealogy research will be offered in 30-minute time slots. Call the library to set up an appointment.

– Teen Escape Room will be open from Dec. 27-29 and is designed for teens to enjoy and have fun with friends while on winter break. This is limited to ages 12-17. Call to reserve a time.

– The Friends of the Library pecan sale is going on now. Cost is $10 each, and the pecans are available at the library’s adult circulation desk. Milk chocolate, caramel clusters and plain are available while supplies last.

– One on One Tech appointments are held at the Downtown Altoona Transportation Center, 1231 11th Ave. Classes can be tailor made to fit a patron’s needs. The sessions are by appointment only.

– Booktender services are now offered and provide patrons with a curated experience as staff choose books based on a patron’s interests. It will take up to two business days for a bundle to be ready. Staff will notify you when your bundle is ready for pick up. Forms are available on the library website.

Storytimes for kids

– Sensory Storytime will be held from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 9. Designed for children who may need extra sensory support, Sensory Storytime combines traditional story time components with sensory elements to enhance the experience. This is an inclusive program for children ages 5 and up. This program is suited to children that may be on the autism spectrum, have sensory processing issues, or feel overwhelmed by noises and crowds. Call to register.

– Families of young children are invited to check out the Altoona Area Public Library’s free educational story time programs for caregivers and children to enjoy together. The weekly events offer developmentally appropriate programs for children ages 1 to 6. Registration required. Mother Goose, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8, 19, 22, 29, is geared for those 12 to 24 months, while Toddler Time is for ages 2-3 and will be held at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6, 20, 27 and 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 21, 28. Story hour is for children ages 4 to 6 and is held at 4 p.m. Dec. 6, 20, 27.