The Adamstown Area Library (AAL) began an coloring program for adults in April as an effort to combat loneliness, boredom, and isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The library staff encourages area adults to sign up to be paired with an AAL staff buddy to "color your cares away" as part of a collaborative art project.

The library offers participants two options for receiving their coloring materials, which include a half-completed coloring page and usually a personalized note from the staff member who completed the work. Adults who participate may choose between home delivery or curbside pickup to receive their page.

The program is the brainchild of library director Carolyn Reiste, who based the idea on in-house coloring programs the organization held previously. "It is a way of being together yet apart," said Reiste. "One day, we hope that our patrons and our staff who are participating will be able to meet each other."

As patrons register to take part, they may select a preferred coloring page image and level of difficulty. Images include animals, geometric and mandala patterns, nature, words and quotes, or surprise pages. A complimentary pack of new colored pencils will be included. The program is currently scheduled to run through May, but it may run longer if community response is positive.

The program is open to any adult age 18 and up. Readers who wish to register may do so by contacting the library at 717-484-4200 or info@adamstown.lib.pa.us or visiting http://www.adamstownarealibrary.org/adultcoloring.