Prep and finals weeks: Library hours and student activities

Apr 14, 2021

As the spring semester comes to a close with prep and finals weeks upon us, we remain committed to the health and safety of library visitors. Our goal continues to be to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to the greatest extent possible while continuing to provide access to library facilities and services on which the campus community depend.

Prep and Finals Weeks Hours
From Monday, April 26 to Friday, May 7, the library will remain open during normal semester business hours. We will maintain our welcoming and supportive presence, even in the absence of around-the-clock open hours, and offer an extensive lineup of student support and wellness activities in Parks Library throughout Prep and Finals Weeks.

Mindful Moments: Prep Week Student Wellness Activities
Is your mind full? Be Mindful. 

The library is conscious of the continued extraordinary circumstances for students this semester. In an effort to support our students, we’ve partnered again with Student Health and Wellness to present a series of carefully considered, socially distanced wellness activities. Experts will lead simple and effective relaxation techniques to help students decompress each day during Prep Week. All activities will take place on the South Library Lawn. 

Meditation

  • Monday, April 26, activities repeated from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, April 27, activities repeated from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Student Counseling Services staff bring tranquility to help focus attention during stressful times.

Simple Yoga

  • Wednesday, April 28, activities repeated from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 29, activities repeated from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Recreation Services staff introduce simple, low impact yoga techniques, which relax the body and calm the mind.

Boost Your Mood

  • Friday, April 30, activities repeated from 11 a.m.-1p.m.

Student Wellness staff give prompts to help participants boost their mood, enhance well-being and improve working memory.

Consider bringing something to sit on. 

Please note: In case of rain the program will move inside Parks Library to the Rotunda on the Second Floor.

Can’t attend? Check out these stress busting tips to power through the next few weeks.

Students are also encouraged to utilize the Mindfulness Room, located in Parks Library Room 297, as needed during business hours.

Snacks for Students (during Prep and Finals Weeks): Nourish Your Mind and Body
The library will offer coffee and individually packaged snacks on the first floor of Parks Library. Most evenings from April 26 to May 7, students should be on the lookout at about 10:30 p.m. for complimentary coffee, snacks, and fruit.

WiFi and Technology
The library boasts reliable Internet access, and USB ports and electric outlets for devices are plentiful. Tech Lending will remain open during Prep and Finals Weeks, and students are encouraged to borrow battery banks, chargers, hot spots, and other equipment needed to finish the semester strong. To reserve technology, visit the Tech Lending website.

Rest/Sleep
When students reach the point where they’ve had enough and need to sleep, they are encouraged to go home and get solid rest. Many people use the library each day and more during the next few weeks, so with student academic success, safety, and space as the main concerns, literally living at the library for the next two weeks is discouraged. Come early. Stay late. Go home to sleep.

Cyclones Care
We expect all who enter our doors to continue practicing the key healthy behaviors outlined by our Cyclones Care campaign:

  • Wear a face covering
  • Practice physical distancing
  • Wash or sanitize your hands often
  • Stay home when ill

Remember: Face coverings are required at all times throughout library facilities. To learn more about the library’s COVID-19 response and precautions, visit lib.iastate.edu/covid-19.

Additional Spaces and Resources
Special Collections and University Archives will maintain regular hours. For additional information about hours, 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.