Swem Library offers study breaks during finals week

Each semester, when final exams begin, students flock to the library to work on final assignments, polish research papers and study, study, study.

But hours of non-stop work can lead to burnout and frustration. As stress levels rise, Swem Library reminds students to take a break – even a short one – to relax and recharge.

From a relaxation station with coffee and tea to therapy dogs to chair massages, the library provides students with a variety of activities to help them relieve stress during final exams.

This year, Swem has partnered with a number of campus groups and outside organizations to bring a mix of activities and resources to students. The William & Mary Counseling Center will offer stress management activities and information on topics such as relaxation, self-care and time management. The Student Recreation Center staff will be giving chair massages, and CRH Vending and Pepsi Co. are donating snacks and drinks. Long-time library supporter Leon Salzman, owner of Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop at Premium Outlets, will return with his ice cream cart. Last spring, he gave out nearly 700 scoops!

In addition, the library is pleased to bring back the pet therapy dogs of K-9 Connection of Williamsburg – a student favorite.

“I love the puppy visits! The dogs are so sweet and soft, and it really helps me de-stress in the middle of exams. I always make sure to stop by and see them,” Clara Kobler ‘17 said.

Library De-stress activities

Sunday, May 3
Relaxation Station: Coffee and tea, 7-9 p.m., Swem lobby

Monday, May 4
Relaxation Station: Snacks provided by Pepsi and CRH Vending, 3 p.m., Swem lobby
Chair massages provided by the Student Rec Center, 3-5 p.m., Swem lobby

Tuesday, May 5
Relaxation Station: Counseling Center stress management resources & activities, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Swem lobby

Wednesday, May 6
K-9 Connection Therapy Dogs, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., Swem Lobby

Thursday, May 7
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cart, 12 p.m., Outside Swem main entrance

* Earplugs will be available for students’ studying convenience at the Circulation desk.

Swem Library will be open 24/7 during exams, except Fridays and Saturdays when the library closes at 8 p.m. The library reopens at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

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