Supporting student wellness at the end of the semester

As the fall semester winds down and Finals Week approaches, Parks Library is prepared to support students with extended hours, wellness activities, and academic resources. With shorter days, colder weather, and increased campus activity, the library will continue to remain a hub for student success and support. 

Parks Library will be open 24/7 Dec. 15-18, 2025, 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. Students rely on extended library access during Finals Week to complete projects and prepare for exams. 

A variety of activities to foster student wellness will take place in Parks Library during prep and finals weeks.  

This semester, Cy's Finals Frenzy will extend to Cyclone Support Central in Parks Library. From 3-7 p.m., Dec.10-12, stop by Room 140 to enjoy wellness activities as well as snacks and drinks while supplies last. 

• Wednesday, Dec. 10: Wind Down Wednesday. Stop by and enjoy puzzles, brain games, snacks, and drinks. Take a moment to check-in with yourself and take care of your overall wellness during finals season.
• Thursday, Dec. 11: PJs and Parks. Put on your favorite onesie or pajama set and head over to Cyclone Support Central for pizza, snacks, and drinks. There will be giveaways and a chance to win a blanket from the ISU Book Store.
• Friday, Dec. 12: Silent Dance Break. Join the shared jam session and dance out the finals stress. Snacks and drinks will be provided and you can scan in for a chance to win a prize!

Enjoy free coffee and fruit in the Learning Connections Center when Bookends Cafe is closed starting Dec. 8 and weekdays through, Dec. 18.

For the full schedule of Cy's Finals Frenzy events, visit www.studentaffairs.iastate.edu/finals.

Prep and finals weeks in Parks Library:

• Hours for Barks@Parks during Prep Week: noon-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, Dec. 8-12. 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. 
• In partnership with Parent and Family Programs, get free coffee and fruit in Cyclone Support Central when Bookends Cafe is closed starting Dec. 8 and weekdays through, Dec. 18.

If you’re looking to get away from your room for a while, Parks Library offers a well-connected and comfortable study environment, featuring reliable internet access, USB ports, and plenty of electrical outlets for personal devices. 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. Thousands of 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. 

Bookends Café in Parks Library will be open regular business hours during Prep Week and through 10 p.m. the Wednesday of Finals Week. In partnership with Parent and Family Programs and Student Wellness, free coffee and fruit (while supplies last) will be available in Cyclone Support Central, Room 140 Parks Library. Be on the lookout as you come into the building, available after Bookends Café closes.