Conversation groups are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Central Library downtown for those who wish to practice their English speaking and listening skills. Adults who wish to join a class should call (315) 435-1835 for details.

If you’re interested in playing chess or want to learn how to play, come to Betts Branch Library. The library will have have chess sets available, but feel free to bring your own.

Are you interested in learning how to code or program a computer? Are you a coder looking to improve you skills and meet others with similar interests? Do you have a project that needs some code to get it off the ground? Come to the Central Library Makerspace for a weekly meetup of coders where you can share your projects, get help and learn new skills.

Children up to age 5 can come and play with Beauchamp Branch Library's educational toys and sensory materials as well as make new friends and enjoy books.

The City of Syracuse will host a public meeting for the ReZone Syracuse Project. The project team recently completed Module 1 and will present and answer questions about this new material during the meeting. The team will also have an initial draft Zoning Map on display.

Help trim the Betts Christmas Tree after school. Children can also make their own ornament.

The library Craft Club will hold a Holiday DIY project at 5:15 p.m. Children ages 5 and older may stop by the library to use their imagination and discover new crafting techniques to make one of a kind gifts to give to family and friends this holiday season.

South Side Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today invites residents to a Holiday Potluck. Event is free and attendees are asked to let organizers know what dish you are able to bring.

Teens 13 to 18 years old are invited to join the monthly photography club at the downtown library. The interests of the teen members shape the club. Next meeting is set for 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Robert P. Kinchen Central Library, 447 S. Salina St. To learn more, contact René Battelle, Central Library teen librarian, at rbattelle@onlib.org.

Family Chess Night will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7.

The library Craft Club will hold a Holiday DIY project at 5:15 p.m. Children ages 5 and older may stop by the library to use their imagination and discover new crafting techniques to make one of a kind gifts to give to family and friends this holiday season.

Steven Alexander, owner of local independent video game company, Infamous Quests, will present "Video Games, Life, Love and Everything in Between," a talk about the impact of video games on our culture, as part of the Technology Alliance of Central New York’s 2016-2017 Sweet Science Series.

People interested in learning more about video game culture are invited to attend the Sweet Science Series presentation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) in Syracuse’s Armory Square. Admission is free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome, but interested attendees are strongly encouraged to RSVP to sweet.lecture@tacny.org by Tuesday, Dec. 6.

A live and silent art auction for the Dunbar Association, Inc. will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Community Folk Art Center. Tickets are available at Dunbar by calling (315) 760-3155 or at the Community Folk Art Center by calling (315) 442-2755. Interested attendees may also order through Pay Pal on Dunbar's new website.

Teens invited to return for battle and honor with a special seasonal skirmish of The Cookie Wars starting at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. All cookies and supplies will be prepared for battle. Open only to teens.

With "Dasher's Magical Gift," CNY Arts continues its tradition of providing an educational and affordable production filled with colorful characters, ample doses of humor and holiday magic for children and families. The show will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $10-$19. To order, call (315) 299-5598, ext. 1.

The Teen Advisory Board helps plan programs and make the Central Library a great place for teens. New members are always welcome. Open to ages 12-18.

The library Craft Club will hold a Holiday DIY project at 5:15 p.m. Children ages 5 and older may stop by the library to use their imagination and discover new crafting techniques to make one of a kind gifts to give to family and friends this holiday season.

Session will discuss the direct impact I-81 will have on the South Side neighborhoods, the Valley and the Outer Comstock neighborhood. Residents invited to hear the pros and the cons of the remaining options and how each relates to this area's present and future businesses, residents and overall quality of life.

Teens are invited to share their spoken word poetry and rap creations or join us in the audience to listen to your peers’ work. Refreshments will be served. For ages 12-18. Register online at www.onlib.org/events/calendar or call 435-1900.

The library Craft Club will hold a Holiday DIY project at 5:15 p.m. Children ages 5 and older may stop by the library to use their imagination and discover new crafting techniques to make one of a kind gifts to give to family and friends this holiday season.

Family Movie Matinee will be offered at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27. Families can enjoy the newly released film “Finding Dory.” Free popcorn will be provided and all ages are welcome.

Time to be merry and sing along with Donna B, followed by face painting fun. Open to ages 5 and up.

Make decorative jars and relax afterwards with a cup of cocoa.

A session on Little Bits Electronics will begin at 2 p.m. Dec. 28. Bits snap together with magnets to create circuits instantly. Detailed, step-by-step instructions are included to start building inventions. The Little Bits system is modular so every bit works with every other bit in the system. Open to ages 8 and up.

Draw like the Impressionists. Speaking French is optional.

Learn how to fold paper to create beautiful 3D Snowflakes at 2 p.m. Dec. 29. Open to ages 5 and up.

Enjoy a variety of holiday themed games and activities while learning the basics of coding. Open to ages 5 and up.

Ring in the "noon" year at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo with entertainment, a dance party and more. It's an authentic New Year's Eve celebration that keeps bed time in mind, complete with countdown and sparkling juice toast at noon.