The end of the spring semester draws near. The days are longer, it’s warmer outside, and the library is busier. Another sign is Parks Library will be open around the clock starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 5 through 2 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, during Finals Week. Students, faculty, and staff recognize the importance and scope of library services and that access to collections and facilities is key to academic success.
The library boasts reliable Internet access and USB ports and electric outlets for devices are plentiful. Students say the library is bright and full of other people engaged in coursework, too, which makes it a good alternative to a dorm room or apartment, especially at night. When students reach the point where they’ve had enough and need to rest, they are encouraged to go home to sleep. Over 10,000 people use the library each day and more during the next few weeks, and student academic success, safety and space are the focus areas for library staff.
A variety of activities to foster student wellness will take place in Parks Library (Upper Rotunda unless stated otherwise) during prep and finals weeks:
- Hours for Barks@Parks during Prep Week: noon-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Follow the paw prints.
- Try something new and learn origami. Noon-3 p.m. each day with staff available noon-1 p.m. Library Dean Hilary Seo will be on hand to lend her origami expertise noon-1 p.m. on Monday and Thursday of Prep Week.
- Chair massages will be offered four days during Prep Week. There will be one chair available noon-3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
- ISU Student Wellness Peer Wellness Educators will be on hand to talk with students about wellness strategies and to hand out wellness related items.
- During Barks@Parks students can stop by the Study Abroad Center for a snack, activity, and a chance to learn about study abroad programs.
- Coloring pages and puzzles will be out to work on at your leisure.
- Mindfulness Room, Room 297, is available during library hours.
Bookends Café in Parks Library will be open regular business hours during Prep Week and until 10 p.m. the Thursday of Finals Week. In partnership with ISU Dining, free coffee will be available in the Learning Connections Center. Be on the lookout for complimentary snacks as you come into the building, available after Bookends Café closes many nights during prep and finals weeks.
Additional Spaces and Resources
Special Collections and University Archives will maintain regular hours. For additional information about resources and services, visit the University Library website. For dining center information, visit the ISU Dining website. For campus IT information, visit the IT Solution Center website.