Coloring- it's not just for kids.
According to a recent report from Nielsen BookScan, a publishing industry data provider, adult coloring book sales are booming nationwide. About 12 million copies were sold last year- a huge jump from the 1 million sold in 2014.
In addition to individuals snatching up the big books of intricate black-and-white designs, amateur artists are also forming coloring clubs- a la book clubs and scrapbook groups so adults can chat as they color. The Red Mountain Branch library in Mesa recently started its own club.
Librarian Dolores Frangella says she started the club after reading studies that show coloring is a great stress-reducer. Plus, she says, "It also can reach the creative side for people, and it's a great way to socialize and meet people that you might not otherwise get a chance to."
Frangella says coloring can also be physically therapeutic, referencing a club member who uses coloring to improve hand-eye coordination.
The library's adult coloring book club meets at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month.