Participants relive their childhoods by playing with a number of toys during the Latah County Library’s “Timewarp Tuesday” event in Moscow August 23.
If you didn’t know any better, you might think you were at preschool.
One person sits at a table coloring quietly. At the other end, several containers of Playdough are open; forms take shape at the hands of two friends who are playing and talking. Music plays while another group sits on the other end of the room, playing a game of Uno.But this isn’t preschool and these aren’t kids: These are adults and they’re at Moscow Public Library’s Timewarp Tuesday.
Timewarp Tuesdays is a weekly program for adults that started in August. With coloring materials, Legos, a marble run, Etch-a-Sketch, spirograph, games and more, it’s an opportunity to relax and take a break from “adulting.” And yes, there’s even juice boxes and snacks.
Since the program began, response has been positive. It’s drawn a number of men and women of all adult ages. Some come alone, some come as a couple or with friends; some stick to themselves and others interact. There’s really no wrong way to participate — it’s free time.
Jackie Carter colors with a pencil during Timewarp Tuesday at the Moscow branch of the Latah County Library August 23.
“It’s not structured at all,” said Jessica Bowman, the adult services librarian who coordinates the program.
Although some appear uncomfortable the first time they walk in the door, Bowman said, they’re able to find an activity quickly and once they get going, they’re having a good time. Bowman intentionally selected nostalgic childhood activities that will be familiar for many people.
“I get a lot of, ‘I really needed that’ or ‘This is super relaxed,’ ” Bowman said.
Socializing isn’t required, Bowman said. A person could come and not say a word to anyone the whole evening. That said, it’s not uncommon for people to begin an activity alone, say coloring, and then transition to a few rounds of Uno before the night is over.
Adult coloring programs are becoming common in libraries; Bowman wanted to add to the concept with some play activities.
Lynda Albrecht plays with a Lite Brite toy during “Timewarp Tuesday” at the Moscow Library. The event allowed adults to relive some of their childhoods with a number of toys.
“I thought it was something I would want to do,” Bowman said. She suspected she wasn’t the only one — so far she’s been right.
Free adult “playtime” programs at local libraries include:
Timewarp Tuesdays
7 p.m. Tuesdays
Moscow Public Library, 110 S. Jefferson St., Moscow
Cookies, Coloring and Coffee
2 to 4 p.m. every first and third Tuesday
Colfax Library
Adult coloring night
6 p.m. last Friday of each month
Garfield Library
Just Add Color: Coloring for Adults
5:30 p.m. Sept. 14 and 28, Oct. 12 and 26
Lewiston City Library
Games Unplugged: Board Game Saturday for ages 13 and older
1 p.m. Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3
Lewiston City Library
Color Yourself Happy: Adult Coloring Program
6:30 p.m. second Tuesdays
Asotin County Library
