Montgomery library's 'Color and Chill' a unique program for adults

Nostalgia has a way of drawing attention as memories focus on little red wagons, throwback baseball uniforms and other reminders of the past when the living was easier than it is today.

Another one of those yesteryear memories are coloring books — the kind kids used to carefully guide crayons through narrow outlines of birds and flowers, trying hard to stay within the lines.

Montgomery has been dusting off those memories at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library and if the turnout is any indication, Saturday's growing trend appears to be making a comeback in the capital city.

“Many libraries are looking for interesting ways to appeal to their patrons and that certainly includes us,” said Alan Davis who works in Morgan’s research department.

Saturday’s turnout was anything but overwhelming but Davis couldn’t be happier because he didn’t receive advance indications of how many would take part in something new.

“Color and Chill” is the name given to the library’s new program and Davis said plans are to support it at least once a month. He said Aug. 12 is the next scheduled date.

“Every kid goes through a coloring book phase,” he said. “Some doodle while others find their own ways to fill the hours as they grow up.”

The difference today is adult involvement in the use of coloring books to combat stress and strain in a much more competitive environment.

“Ours, other similar programs, are held under relaxing settings,” said Davis, who describes the Montgomery program as “come as you are, do what you’d like to do.”

Coloring books are relatively inexpensive and he said his are what he needs. His beautiful creations drew appreciative looks from others who arrived Saturday morning for the two-hour event.

“Chill,” one of the words describing the program, means “cool it” because there is no intention to make it a pressure-packed undertaking.

“Some people find bowling and golf stressful,” Davis said. “That’s not the case when you color animals or scenes.”

Sophie Howard, an employee at the Alabama Department of Commerce, broke into a big smile when she described adult coloring books as vehicles “that can turn my brain out for a little while.”

“I once considered coloring books as somewhat childish, but the more I’ve become involved, the more I find it truly relaxing,” she said. “It’s grown up with me or, better yet, I’ve grown up with it.”

Because basic supplies usually fit nicely into any budget, Davis said it’s a good undertaking for the library to support.

“Since supplies don’t cost that much, we have a program that offers less of a financial burden for families,” said Davis, who brought along several of his own coloring books and lined them up on a table for others to see.

He said he often buys his books and other supplies at a discount store in Prattville but said other businesses in the River Region have similar supplies.

For details about the program and assistance from Davis, call 334-240-4300.