While the world moves forward and creates smarter, faster and better technology, sometimes it’s the simpler things in life that can really bring the most joy. Adults have found the new latest way to relax in the anti-stress activity of coloring.
The books being used, however, aren’t your typical coloring books. These “adult coloring books” utilize intricate patterns, detailed line work and repetitive shapes. Craft stores are having a hard time keeping up with the increased demand in colored pencils, fine-tipped markers and other needs of these “colorists” – as they call themselves.
The Delaware County District Library jumped on the trend this past December with our first “Cocoa and Coloring” adult program at the Powell branch library. This spring you can expect to see at least three more programs aimed at the coloring crowd – one for adults and two for teens, aimed at helping students relax during exam week.
This winter, we were given a gracious donation from the Delaware Arts Festival for our work with them throughout the year. They asked that we use the money to encourage public participation in the arts. Coloring books certainly don’t seem like the type of “book” a library would traditionally circulate, but crazier things have happened. With the rise of popularity in these books and the perfect blend of artistic creativity and relaxation, you might want to keep your eyes close to The Gazette for more news from DCDL in the coming weeks, and you’ll see just how crazy we can be …
New books at the library include:
• “Breakdown” by Jonathan Kellerman. When an emotionally unstable actress turns up dead after a dramatic public breakdown weeks earlier, psychologist-sleuth Alex Delaware assists police lieutenant Milo Sturgis with the case and wonders if there is a connection to the victim’s missing daughter and a second celebrity killing.
• “A Girl’s Guide to Moving On” by Debbie Macomber. An ex-daughter-in-law and mother-in-law become unlikely best friends and embark on newly single lives together.
• “Black Rabbit Hall” by Eve Chase. Planning her wedding at her family’s haunting, timeless London country estate, Lorna recalls half-buried memories of her mother before uncovering the manor’s labyrinthine history and becoming obsessed with a need for answers.
• “The Storyteller’s Secret” by Carmine Gallo. Shares strategies for developing charismatic storytelling skills to promote personal and professional goals, drawing on the examples of visionary leaders while explaining the role of good storytelling in inspiring, motivating and educating audiences.
• “Leonard” by William Shatner. An anecdotal tribute to the cultural icon’s longtime friend and “Star Trek” co-star describes their initial collaborations and the emotionally rich highs and lows that marked their shared decades.
• “In Other Words” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Presented in a dual-language format, the author traces her enduring love affair with the Italian language that prompted her family’s move to Rome, where her efforts to master the language as a writer shaped her feelings of belonging and exile.
• “Raising Ryland” by Hillary Whittington. Hillary and Jeff Whittington describe their journey of support and unconditional love as they recount how their daughter, Ryland, identified as a boy from a very young age and decided to embrace her transgender transition.
