Grant County Library Continues Coloring Craze

The Grant County Public Library introduced the popular adult coloring phenomenon last month and will continue its Therapy Thursdays in April. “Coloring definitely has therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus or bring about more mindfulness,” stated library director Jody Carlson. “It’s the big craze right now and people really enjoy it.”

Adult coloring is scheduled on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. on April 7, 14, 21, and 28. “Please join in the relaxation and come and go as you wish,” said Carlson.

Researchers and art therapists have touted the calming benefits of coloring for over a decade, but recently the childhood favorite has gained serious grown-up attention. Coloring has become an alternative to meditation. Groundbreaking research proves anxiety levels drop when subjects color mandalas, which are round frames with geometric patterns inside. Like meditation, coloring allows people to switch off their brains and focus on the moment, helping to alleviate free-floating anxiety.