By John Maruskin

Two weeks ago, the Clark County Public Library received a beautiful gift from three patrons who are visiting Winchester from China: He Xin, Tian Jinxiao and Tian Ye.

The gift is a remarkable piece of Suzhou embroidery depicting the famous Suzhou Gardens in south China. Suzhou is a famous city in South China.

Suzhou embroidery is one of China’s four famous embroidery styles. It has been practiced for 2,000 years. It is famous for its delicate workmanship, beautiful designs and tasteful colors.

The skillful needlework used in the picture is Suzhou single-face embroidery and crewel embroidery. The silk used for Suzhou embroidery is very velvety and the colors are brilliant. Suzhou is called the Capital of Silk in China.

Suzhou Gardens represent the essence of Chinese landscape architecture. It has been listed as a cultural and natural treasure by the United Nations because its cleverly subtle changes of landscape textures and colors in such a limited space reveal timeless qualities of Chinese culture, philosophy and science.

Suzhou Gardens is also a perfect combination of housing and gardening. People enjoy beautiful scenery and wonderful architecture in a place that puts nature and humans in harmony. It is a creation which beautifies and improves their living environment.

The library is pleased and honored to accept this gift. However, the kindness of He Xin and her family does not stop with the picture. He Xin teaches Chinese to students at Shearer Elementary school and she has offered to do three classes on Chinese culture at the library in February.

On Saturday, Feb. 3 from 1 to 2 p.m., she will present a class on traditional Chinese calligraphy. On Saturday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 2 p.m., she will give a class on Tai Chi; and on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m., she will present a fashion show of traditional Chinese costumes.

More details about all of these classes will be available in the library’s February newsletter and Calendar. There will also be a display of Chinese artifacts in the library lobby during February.

It has been a pleasure planning these events with He Xin and her family and I know you will enjoy meeting them and learning about Chinese culture.

Other events at the library this week:

— Today from 6 to 8 p.m., Winchester Scrapbook artist, Donna Carter, concludes her holiday scrapbook class series. Tonight participants can work on their scrapbook pages, cards, or anything they like.

— Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tamera Rehnborg presents her second spiritual writing workshop. The writing group will explore the benefits of the sometimes hidden caverns of laughter, tears, sass and how writing helps navigate them all.

—Wednesday at 2 p.m., Kentucky Picture Show presents the 1954 Christmas classic about a successful song-and-dance duo who become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. Yes. You can sing along, especially with the “Sisters” number. Rated  G.

— Wednesday at 7 p.m., Trivia Night at the Engine House Pizza Pub. Who’s the monster Rudolf and Hermey must evade?

— Friday at 10 a.m., Write Local. Need to pen some holiday sentiments? Come to Write Local.

— Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Library’s Holiday Open House. Have a cookie and a warm drink while you’re checking out new holiday books, music, and DVDs. There will also be drawings for two gift certificates — one from Winchester’s Daily Grind Coffee shop, and another for a dozen cupcakes from The Banery Bakery. Guess the number of gingerbread cookies in Library Director Julie Maruskin’s miniature three-story bakery on display at the library to win.

— Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p..m., Outside the Lines Adult Coloring. Give hand colored art for Christmas. Very cool. No kidding. I’d LOVE it!

It’s the holiday season at the library.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.