Supporting student wellness at the end of the semester 

Parks Library will be open 24/7 Dec. 16-19, 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. 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’s Rotunda during prep and finals weeks:  

• Hours for Barks@Parks during Prep Week: noon-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, Dec. 9-13. 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. 

Additionally, during Barks@Parks students can top by the Study Abroad Center for a snack, activity, and a chance to learn about study abroad programs.  

Provided in partnership with Parent and Family Programs and ISU Student Wellness. 

Other prep and final weeks resources include  

• Mindfulness Room, 297 Parks Library, is available during library hours.  
• In partnership with ISU Dining, free coffee in the Learning Connections Center and fruit snacks as you come into the building will be available after Bookends Café closes evenings during prep and finals weeks.    

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. 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 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 fruit snacks as you come into the building, available after Bookends Café closes many nights during prep and finals weeks.