De-stress at the JFL: Library provides relaxing space for students

With finals just around the corner, it’s time for students to take a break. 

Students will be able to do just that when the Jerry Falwell Library hosts de-stressing activities from May 3-9.

Participants will get the chance to shelve their books and relax a little by coloring, doing puzzles, playing games and much more. 

The event will also have therapy dogs, crafts, snacks and giveaways throughout the week of final exams. 

“The goal of de-stress activities is to provide options for stress relief at the point of need as students study for their final exams in the library,” Hannah Lowder, an outreach librarian, said. “Students pack the library on Reading Day, and it doesn’t let up until exams end, so there are many stressed-out students in the building all week. We want to make the library a more relaxing place so they can take a break, de-stress and reset their mind, body and spirit as they finish the
semester strong.” 

Throughout the week, students will enter for a chance to win gift cards by entering on the library’s social media, and a large candy jar will go to the student who guesses the correct number of candies inside. The candy jar contest will be available in the library and on the library’s social media.

Business major Zoe Egly appreciates the break from a stressful season, which includes preparing for final exams and gearing up for the summer. 

“Exam season can be really stressful, and for them to give things for us to do — it is really nice,” Egly said. “Taking just 30 minutes out of my day to go and color or grab a snack can be just what I need.”

Along with creating a space for students to relax and take a break, Bible verses will be displayed along the walls to encourage students.

“We will also have encouraging Bible verses on rotation on the library’s large media wall in the upper atrium. We hope students catch a verse or two throughout the week and receive affirmation and motivation from them,” Lowder said.

Although senior Taylor Todd has never attended any of the library’s de-stressing activities before, she said she looks forward to going with friends
this year. 

“I’m super excited to see all the activities and sneak away from studying for my last exam season as a student,” Todd said. 

Students can follow the library on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @libertyulibrary. For additional questions regarding the events, email libraryevents@liberty.edu.

Brown is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on Twitter