MADISON – Residents can take a well-deserved break from the holiday blitz, and visit a recreational session at Madison Public Library.

On Dec. 14 at 2 p.m., “Cross Stitch for Beginners” will give basic steps for this pastime; the session is open to anyone at least 19 years old.

In “Teen TRPG,” 13- to 18-year-olds will gather in the Young Adult Room on Dec. 15, 22 and 29 at 4 p.m. ‘TRPG’ refers to Teenage Role-Playing Games.

Adults can enjoy rounds of “American Mah Jongg” in Auditorium 2 on Dec. 15 at 4 p.m.; and Dec. 16, 19, 23, 26 and 30 at 1 p.m. Then on Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 27 at 2 p.m., the “Teen Craft and Relax” time gives 13- to 18-year-olds a chance to hang out and maybe pursue a project.

In a special treat of live music, Madison City Community Orchestra will perform their 2022 Holiday Concert on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. in Auditorium 1. The orchestra plans to set the mood playing Christmas favorites with its full range of instruments.

Also on Dec. 18, the Sunday Adult Chess Club with Madison City Chess League will meet in the Program Room at 2 p.m. The league will provide chess boards, or players can bring their own.

On Dec. 19 and 26 at 6 p.m., Madison City Chess League will conduct Kids Chess Night in Auditorium 1.

“Teen Tabletop Tuesday” on Dec. 20 and 27 at 4 p.m. is open for 13- to 18-year-olds for board games and fellowship time in the Young Adult Room.

On Dec. 27, Madison Police Citizens Advisory Committee will gather at 6:30 p.m. in Auditorium 1; the audience can ask questions.

For many years, the Madison branch has offered a wide range of activities for youngsters, even for toddlers. Throughout the month, librarians offer storytimes for toddlers, preschoolers and families with stories, songs and rhymes.

Book clubs give readers a chance to compare their thoughts on a specific work. For adults at least 19 years old, the groups include Next Chapter Book Club on Dec. 14, 21, 28 and Dec. 31 at 10 a.m.; Happily Ever After Book Club, reviewing “Bombshell” by Sarah MacLean, Dec. 14 at 12:30 p.m.; Bullet Journal Book Club on Dec.19 at 6 p.m. in The Studio to discuss journaling about reading; and Knit 1, Read Too! for its “End-of-the-Year Book Celebration” on Dec. 21 at 12:30 p.m. in Auditorium 1.

Holiday crafting on Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. in the Program Room is open to children from 6 to 12 years old.