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Library serving student needs at the end of the semester

April 03, 2026
Barks At Parks Prep Week

Parks Library will be open around the clock May 11-14, 2026, during Finals Week. A variety of activities to foster student wellness will take place in Parks Library during prep and finals weeks.   

  • Hours for Barks@Parks during Prep Week: noon-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, May 4-8. Follow the paw prints.  
  • Chair massages will be offered near the dogs, on a first come, first served basis each day during Prep Week. 
  • Parent and Family Programs will hand out snacks donated by Iowa State families. 
  • Coloring pages, origami, and puzzles will be out to work on at your leisure through Finals Week.   
  • Mindfulness Room, 297 Parks Library, is available during library hours.  

Again this semester, Cy's Finals Frenzy will extend to Cyclone Support Central in Parks Library. From 3-7 p.m., May 6-8, stop by Room 140 to enjoy wellness activities as well as snacks and drinks while supplies last.  

  • Wednesday, May 6: “Food for Thought” Nourishment Bar. Stop by and enjoy a fancy soda bar, drinks and snacks, and make your own bag of goodies to take with you.  
  • Thursday, May 7: Community Craft Night. Make a Cyclone Calm Kit. Students can decorate their own tote bags and enjoy snacks.  
  • Friday, May 8: Pizza and Game Night. Enjoy pizza, board games, and a study break. 

Get free coffee and fruit in the Learning Connections Center when Bookends Cafe is closed starting May 3 and weekdays through, May 13. For the full schedule of Cy's Finals Frenzy events, visit www.studentaffairs.iastate.edu/finals. 

Bookends Café in Parks Library will be open regular business hours during Prep Week and through 10 p.m. the Wednesday of Finals Week. 

Cy

Find your perfect study spot 

Reservable spaces 

Parks Library offers a variety of study spaces to suit the different needs and preferences of students. Registered students may use reservable study rooms, including group rooms (for 2-6 people and technology equipped) and individual rooms/pods, and each can be booked for up to three hours. The Family Friendly Room is available for students, faculty, and staff to reserve. More information on reservable spaces. 

Quiet spaces 

There are designated quiet spaces like the Reading Room on the second floor for focused study and individual study carrels on all floors and in the tiers. Other semi-quiet spaces include the Fireplace Reading Room and the Rotunda. Noise-cancelling headphones are available for checkout from Tech Lending. More information on quiet spaces. 

Collaborative Spaces 

There are areas on most floors of Parks Library that provide flexible, non-reservable areas for group and individual work. They feature comfortable seating, whiteboards, and outlets. Many spaces offer large tables, and the Collaboration Corridor on the first floor is a modern area with various seating types. More information on collaborative spaces. 

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.