TH UR SDA Y , M A R C H 17, 2016
COUNTY WIDE YOUR HOME AND FAMILY NEWS FROM ALL OF KENDALL COUNTY
Christine Bolin - cbolin@shawmedia.com
COLORING NOT JUST
Plano, Yorkville, Newark libraries pick up trend By CHRISTINE BOLIN DASCHER cbolin@kendallcountynow.com
A
t the beginning of the year, Jeri Lynn Baker thought it would be a good idea to do something she’s never done before every day in 2016. On Feb. 29, the Oswego resident and Plano native decided to go to the Plano Community Library for its first-ever adult coloring session.
“I’ve colored, but I’ve never gone to a coloring event before this,” Baker said. “I kind of knew what to expect. I liked it.” Adult coloring programs are one of the newest trends for libraries all over the country, and especially in Kendall County. It’s inexpensive, doesn’t require any experience or specific skills and has been called a stress and anxiety reliever. The Plano Library, the Yorkville Public Library and the Charles B. Phillips Public Library in Newark all recently picked this event up for the community. The Oswego Public Library District does not offer it yet at either its Oswego or Montgomery campuses, but it might in the future. The participating libraries in Kendall County each have held the adult coloring sessions less than a handful of times so far. There were anywhere between four and 12 women participating. Coloring supplies and refreshments were provided. Participants are given sheets of patterns and drawing utensils to choose from. Some of the patterns used are smaller, more detailed and take a lot of time to complete. Some of the libraries prefer gel pens and colored pencils over crayons. The prints obtained were either purchased on-
Photo provided
A sample of a participant’s work at the Plano Library’s first-ever adult coloring session on Feb. 29. TOP RIGHT: Participants at the Plano Library’s first-ever adult coloring session used the time to color as well as socialize on Feb. 29. line from sites like Amazon.com or bought at stores like Michaels and Target. Those who were part of the sessions agree this is something that will pick up steam once word-of-mouth gets around. “We had a small turnout, but it was good,” said Shelley Augustine, director of adult services at the Yorkville library. “We had about four or five people at our first one [on Feb. 17] and they enjoyed it. They liked it. A lot of them do it at home, so it was dif-
ferent for some of them to do it with a group.” Jean Valentine, the Plano Library’s adult services manager, thought the same of the first session at the end of February. There were fewer than 10 people there, yet she could tell everyone was having a good time. “I’m not really disappointed [at the turnout], but I was hoping to have more,” Valentine said. “I am hoping people will enjoy socializing with each other and also use it as a chance to relax
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without having the kids running around.” First-time participant and Plano resident Denel Whitmer attended the Plano Library’s session simply because she loves to color and relax. “[Plano] needs things like this – we need things that aren’t stressful and that anyone can do them,” Whitmer said. “I’ll be at the [next] one. I hope a lot more people come.” Melissa Turner, head of adult programs/marketing at the
Charles B. Phillips Public Library, said all three sessions in December, January and February went well. They are scheduled to take place every third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. “It can be hit or miss with adult programs... but some people actually want to do this twice a month, so they really enjoyed it,” Turner said. “There were a lot of people there that were neighbors. Some of them hadn’t talked in a while, so it was a way to reconnect people. This is a small town, so you’d think everyone knows everyone, but some have made new friends.” Yorkville’s second session was scheduled to take place on March 16. Newark’s next session is set for March 24, while Plano will host coloring again on May 23 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. “It’s primarily aimed at adults, but I’m perfectly happy if teens come with a parent,” Valentine said. “That works.” “We are open to anyone,” Turner added. “Someone asked if this is just for women. It’s not – guys can come too. It’s a good way to relax, get away from the craziness and meet new people.” Don Eckles, the Oswego Public Library District’s new assistant head of adult services, is open to offering adult coloring sessions in the future. “We are talking about it. It’s a phenomenon that is getting a lot of attention,” Eckles said. “It’s becoming so popular – it’s all over the place. It’s something that is being strongly considered. I don’t see any reason why not.”