Edmonton library introduces adult colouring book nights

Adult colouring has been touted as the new way to get creative and de-stress at the same time — and now, thanks to a new program at the Edmonton Public Library, colouring enthusiasts don't have to do it alone.

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Earlier this week, the EPL's Stanley Milner Branch held its first group colouring evening — and is planning a second event in a couple weeks.

Over the past few months, library workers started noticing that more and more visitors were bringing in their own colouring books and pencil crayons, said associate manager Kate Gibson.

At the same time, she and her co-workers started hearing from other libraries who had set up colouring clubs with great success.

"We thought let's give it a try," she said.

"The big thing was just buy the books, bring some pencil crayons and people will come."

The library provides the pictures and pencils necessary, although Gibson said visitors are also welcome to bring their own equipment.

In fact, Radio Active even took the liberty of creating these two custom CBC images for would-be colourers:

For Gibson, the pay-off in organizing the events is giving participants a chance to meet people in their community in an unintimidating, low-key way.

"One of our goals is just to create fun program and connect people in our space," she said. "It's a chance to take a break from the stress of life and relax, and come in and just calm down for a bit."

To aid in that pursuit, the library also provides a calming musical soundtrack during the colouring time.

The next colouring club meeting is planned for Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Stanley Milner's program room, located on the main floor.

The EPL is also looking at expanding the program into other branches in the new year.