Cape Girardeau Public Library hosted a free adult coloring event from 5 to 7 p.m Tuesday, Oct. 24. They host this event twice a month, and it allows adults to socialize while expressing themselves creatively.

Jeanine Ford and Shirley Marquez enjoy each other's company at Cape Girardeau Public Library’s “Coloring for Adults” event on Oct. 24.Photo by Madison Little

Adult coloring has become popular over the past couple of years as a way to relieve stress. When coloring books for adults came out, the library looked into getting its own program to support the same concept. It is open to adults of all ages.

These pages provide a variety of designs created just for adults. Colored pencils and other materials, along with coloring pages, are provided by the library. This allows anyone to come and take part in the event.

Reference associate Marilyn Hutchings said they are going on their second year of hosting this event.

Marilyn Hutchings colors in her design at Cape Girardeau Public Library’s “Coloring for Adults” event on Oct. 24.Photo by Madison Little

“We have a great youth services department, but we also try to get something for the adults to do too,” she said.

Hutchings said for these two hours everything else is forgotten, it becomes soothing.

This event has drawn in many people over the past couple of years. There are a lot of regulars who come out to every coloring event available.

Rachel Kanapp colors in her design at Cape Girardeau Public Library’s “Coloring for Adults” event on Oct. 24.Photo by Madison Little

Southeast alumna and former administrative assistant for mass communications Jeanie Ford said she comes to this event to socialize with her friends, some of whom she met through this event.

“It’s very relaxing,” she said.

Not only can coloring relieve stress, but it can also serve as a therapeutic device.

Steven Dusterhoft expresses himself through design at Cape Girardeau Public Library’s “Coloring for Adults” event on Oct. 24.Photo by Madison Little

Community member Steven Dusterhoft said his therapist saw him coloring and recommended he goh to this event.

“With my ADD and ADHD I tend to skip from thing to thing,” he said. “This helps bring it all in and focus.”

Dusterhoft said this was his first time coming to this event but it fulfilled his expectations in being able to express himself and not worry about anything else.

This event serves its purpose as both an enjoyable and therapeutic event.

Attendee Dotty Behring said she likes being able to come and have adult conversations and thoroughly enjoys her time there.

Dotty Behring colors in her design at Cape Girardeau Public Library’s “Coloring for Adults” event on Oct. 24.Photo by Madison Little

“It relaxes me,” Behring said.“It gets me with grown ups because I babysit a 21- month-old all day.”

Hutchings said they hold an additional 1 p.m. session for those who cannot make the later time of 5 to 7 p.m.

Hutchings said they want people to realize there is more than just books at your library.

“We have another event called, ‘Stitch It,’” she said. “It’s expanding to any kind of needlework.”

The Cape Girardeau Public Library’s website posts all the events it is hosting; this includes children, adult and teen events.

Guests color and socialize with each other at Cape Girardeau Public Library’s “Coloring for Adults” event on Oct. 24.Photo by Madison Little