RIPON – In another lifetime, Tara Gallegos worked as a gift wrapper at a retail store.

The librarian assistant at the Ripon library branch used that skill at Wednesday’s wrapping workshop. Friends of Ripon Memorial Library provided the gift wrap and other material to make possible this free program.

Lydia Leon of Modesto heard about the workshop while tuned to her favorite radio station. She brought along her husband, Domingo, and their two grandchildren, David Barron, 11, and Desiree Barron, 8, visiting from Sacramento.

“I enjoy wrapping gifts,” Lydia Leon said. “But I didn’t think we were actually going to wrap up gifts.

“I thought we were going sit there and watch.”

They all got into the act, using unwrapped packages and applying the gift-wrapping paper and adding the final touches, using ribbons, bows and other inexpensive decorative items.

Gallegos helped those at the workshop come away as “gift-wrap professionals.”

She was on hand to provide pointers on wrapping up-odd shaped boxes and overcoming ribbon-tying issues.

“(We) will show you how to wrap it, tie it, and decorate it,” said Gallegos, who is hosting another such workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 5 p.m. in the Community Room.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring their own unwrapped packages along with paper and other supplies.

The Ripon branch library is part of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library, and is located at 333 W. Main St.

More information can be obtained by calling 209-937-8221, 866-805-7323, or logging on to www.stockton.lib.ca.us.