WESTFIELD – The Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum is launching a new program – Adult Coloring Groups – to help patrons connect with their inner artist and relieve stress.
“Come in from the cold to de-stress and relax, said Joyce Peregrin, public services librarian, who is coordinating the logistics of the six-week program.
Peregrin noted that all art supplies will be provided and will be located in the main reading room on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. through the end of March. Light refreshments will be provided.
Patrons will have a choice of colored pencils, markers, sharpies and adult coloring books to choose from at each session, according to Peregrin.
“Not everyone reads a book to relax,” said Peregrin. “A new trend shows that adults enjoy going back to their childhood roots and are rediscovering the joy and fun there is in coloring.”
Peregrin added that studies have shown that coloring has therapeutic potential to help an individual reduce anxiety while bringing about more mindfulness. Additionally, like meditation, coloring allows the brain to switch off other thoughts and stay focused on the project at hand.
“The library is not just a great resource for books,” said Peregrin. “We continue to offer programming that our patrons are interested in.”
Peregrin noted that throughout the two-hour drop-in activity each Thursday, she will be encouraging the library staff to also take a few minutes to mingle with patrons and enjoy a coloring project for themselves.
“We hope our patrons will also get to know our staff by meeting them one-on-one while working on a coloring project,” said Peregrin. “Being able to talk with our staff about the latest trends in books, movies or programming will also provide valuable feedback for us for future projects.”
Peregrin said that if the new program has continued interest she would relocate the drop-in activity to a private room.
“We will be seeking feedback from our patrons and hope the adult coloring groups become a regular program in the future,” said Peregrin. “Now during these cold, dark months, take some time for yourself to rediscover your creative side.”
For more information, visit www.westath.org or call (413) 568-7833.
The Friends group was formed in 1996 and has raised and donated more than $150,000 to support the programs and services of the Athenaeum. Its main fundraising activities are membership dues and the annual book sales.
The spring book sale is planned April 14 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and April 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to limited storage space, persons donating books for the spring sale are asked to drop them off between March 28 and April 9. Book donations should be in good, sellable condition. Gently used children’s books are especially needed. For persons needing special arrangements for donated books to be picked up, call the Athenaeum for more details.
