Supplies sit on a table in the lobby of the Tyler Public Library on Monday as Lee Samarripa, back left, and another man get ready to color during an Adult Coloring event. The library hosts the open coloring events on the first and third Monday of each month as part of its adult activities programs. Andrew D. Brosig/Tyler Morning Telegraph

Even as an adult, Lee Samarripa often enjoys sitting down, cracking open a coloring book and using his imagination while coloring and creating art.

He prefers coloring books designed to help adults de-stress and include intricate patterns and require lots of attention to detail.

“I like it a lot because it’s very peaceful,” Samarripa said. “Sometimes you (are) doing a lot of things and going here and there, and if you just sit here for a minute it’s wonderful.”

For the last few months, Samarripa has been just one of the adults who come to the Tyler Public Library on the first and third Mondays of each month at 4 p.m. and enjoy adult coloring in the lobby free of charge.

Connie Greer, access librarian at the Tyler Public Library, said adult coloring is gaining a lot of popularity throughout the country and adults who color may find the activity to be very relaxing.

“Coloring is beneficial for adults, namely for its de-stressing power,” Ms. Greer said. “Coloring generates wellness and quietness, which is something all adults benefit from.”

While coloring at the library, adults are treated to classical music or nature sounds and are allowed to bring drinks such as coffee and tea with them in the lobby.

Participants are provided coloring pencils, can choose from a variety of different pictures and designs and are allowed to tear out pages from provided coloring books.

Ms. Greer said coloring books designed for adults are often a lot different from those designed for children.

“When we were kids coloring, it was characters from shows, so this is beautiful,” Ms. Greer said. “This is very attractive to look at.”

Although the activity is open to all adults, Ms. Greer said it is also a great activity for parents to do while their child is participating in another program at the library.

“It gives them something to quiet their minds, to recharge their batteries when programming is done and they go home with their little ones,” she said.

Ms. Greer said the adult coloring program has offered for about six months and that it fits in with the idea of inner peace and health education, the library’s summer theme for adults.

She said they also are planning to introduce free yoga from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in July.

For now, she hopes those participating in the adult coloring activity are able to continue to de-stress and design pictures that they can be proud of.

“Adults are coming up with new ways to de-stress and we are trying to promote that,” Ms. Greer said. “You make beautiful artwork.”

If you go:

Adult coloring is offered at the Tyler Public Library from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. every first and third Monday of the month, excluding holidays. The activity is free and all materials are provided.