University Libraries

By Maureen Schlangen

The character Ron Swanson in the hit comedy Parks and Recreation once claimed, with his characteristic authority, “There are only three ways to motivate people: money, fear, and hunger.”

Ron Swanson hasn’t been to Roesch Library during finals week.

With the theme “Parks and Roesch,” the library is offering all the traditional motivators — free pizza, coffee and tea; chair massages; study breaks; pet therapy; and round-the-clock study hours — and upping the ante with a waffle bar and miniature horses.

That’s right, Ron Swanson. Waffles. And miniature therapy horses … not to mention a solid GPA from spending quality time in the most popular study spaces on campus, available 24 hours a day starting Sunday, April 28.

As the characters Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle would say to students, it’s time to “Treat Yo’ Self” to a successful finals week.

24 hours, study breaks, selfies and more

Roesch Library is open 24 hours beginning Sunday, April 28. Starting May 5, students can stop by Room 215 anytime for a study break with coloring pages, word finds and art supplies. A selfie station on the second floor — compliments of "Rent-a-Swag" — features show-themed props for social media with the hashtag #parksandroesch. Sign-up for chair massages starts at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the second-floor hello desk until all slots are filled. Taxi ride pickup is at the library circle driveway; vouchers for taxi rides are available at the second-floor services desk in Roesch Library and at the information desk in Kennedy Union.

Schedule of events in Roesch Library

Sunday, May 5

• 10 p.m.: Free pizza in the LTC (sponsored by the UD Alumni Association)
• 5–10 p.m.: Free chair massages in Room 215 (sign-up begins at 4:30 p.m.)
• Midnight–6 a.m.: Free taxi rides home

Monday, May 6

• 1 a.m.: Free coffee and tea in the LTC
• 3 p.m.: Free waffles in Room 215; "Why would anybody ever eat anything besides breakfast food?"
• 5–10 p.m.: Free chair massages in Room 215 (sign-up begins at 4:30 p.m.)
• 4–5 p.m.: Rosie the therapy dog, second floor
• Midnight–6 a.m.: Free taxi rides home

Tuesday, May 7

• 1 a.m.: Free coffee and tea in the LTC
• 5–10 p.m.: Free chair massages in Room 215 (sign-up begins at 4:30 p.m.)
• 4–5 p.m.: Miniature therapy horses on the portico outside the west entrance (Learning Teaching Center, ground floor)
• Midnight–6 a.m.: Free taxi rides home

Wednesday, May 8

• 1 a.m.:  Free coffee and tea in the LTC
• 1–3 p.m.: Free sip-and-paint station with canvas painting, cold-brew tea and infused water in Room 215 (sponsored by Community Wellness Services)
• 5–6 p.m.: Rocky the therapy bunny, second floor
• Midnight–6 a.m.: Free taxi rides home

Thursday, May 9

• 1 a.m.: Free coffee and tea in the LTC
• 11:30 a.m.: Cookie break in Room 215 celebrating Roesch Library’s 50th anniversary as a Federal Depository Library; browse the best documents from the U.S. government (not approved by Ron Swanson)

Friday, May 10

• 1 a.m.: Free coffee and tea in the LTC