Coloring: Not just for kids

If you think coloring is just for kids think again.

Adult coloring is very popular today. Not only because it is a fun activity and a wonderful pastime, it can also be a great form of relaxation. Adult coloring books are now one of the fastest growing sales in bookstores and online.

With this in mind the Palmerton Area Library recently hosted an adult coloring evening. Over 45 women and men came out for the night.

"I loved to color with my kids when they were little and I just thought it would be fun to do. People could come and relax and have fun." said Diane Danielson, Palmerton Library director.

"It sounded like a fun idea and it was free. I have always enjoyed coloring and drawing. So I brought along three of my friends that enjoy it too." said Susan Conner of Tamaqua.

The library supplied the crayons, markers and colored pencils along with a large selection of adult coloring books and Pinterest print outs for the adults to choose from in which to do their art work. Snacks were also provided throughout the evening.

One of the women attending the event, Mary Bartholomew, of Parryville, was doing a special design in markers. When it's finished, she plans to use it to wrap a small Christmas present.

People also brought along their own art supplies.

"I am using this 1950s colored pencil set that I had as child. I used them then and I still enjoy using them today." said Carol Stefanic of East Penn Township.

Kelly Kmetz and her mother, Mary Ann, of Palmerton both agreed that they were glad they came. Kelly, a college student, teased, "I am using this as bonding time with my mom."

"I brought along two of my girlfriends and we really enjoy coloring and socializing without the children around. This is also a way to make new friends, too," said Jodie Kunkle of Bowmanstown.

Husband and wife Melissa and William Harkleroad of Bowmanstown looked forward to the evening as a night out together.

"We love to color and we color each night with our kids. We use coloring to help calm our kids down in the evenings. It is a way to de-stress from the busy day," Melissa said.

"Coloring is good therapy for me," said Edwin Zettlemoyer. "My late wife and I used to color all the time with our nephews and I still love to color today."

The adult coloring evening was voted a success by those that attended so Danielson announced the coloring will continue the first Thursday of each month.

It is free to the public and all supplies and coloring books will be available from the library. People are encouraged to bring their own supplies and coloring books if they prefer. The start time is 6:30 p.m.

The Palmerton Area Library is located at 402 Delaware Ave. in Palmerton. For more information call the library at 610-826-3424.