University Libraries

By Katy Kelly

Every Flyer experiences finals week. You learn a lot about yourself, your habits and what you can lean on to get through a stressful day. Recognizing that this time can present challenges, the University Libraries host a schedule of events to encourage students to balance the hard work with plenty of study breaks.

Starting with encouragement … 

Library events during finals week extend the message to students that you’re more than your grade and to value self-care. Our services foster positivity and shared experiences and include free perks such as:

• Pizza served by members of the Alumni Association and Students for University Advancement (SUA)
• Coffee, tea and hot chocolate purchased through Flyer Enterprises’ the Blend coffee shop
• Visits with therapy dogs and their student handlers participating in UD’s 4 Paws for Ability program
• Snack breaks, including sweet, savory, healthy and gluten-free options

These events complement our always-on library services such as room reservations, a variety of study spaces, research help, phone and laptop charger lending, printing and more.

… to fun themes 

For more than a decade, we have lightened the mood of finals week with fun themes to promote our events and services. These pop culture elements help us spread the word and the cheer. You may remember some; take a break from your day with this 10-year time capsule of finals at UD. Follow the library’s social media or blog for the finals week theme announcement each semester.

… and beyond

Student feedback and donor support led us to expand our study break programming through a series of events called Midterm Cheer. Spread out over two to three weeks around the time midterm projects and exams take place, Midterm Cheer offers some of the same services including therapy dog visits, a craft and a snack break. 

Your gift of any size makes it possible for the Libraries to continue programming that directly supports all students’ academic experiences. 

Explore more about our award-winning libraries by visiting our new academic excellence page: Your UD Libraries.

— Katy Kelly is a professor in the University Libraries and assistant dean of strategic communication and outreach.