UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — During finals week, Penn State University Libraries offers stress-reducing games and activities to help students relax as they study for finals and complete end-of-semester projects. De-Stress Fest offers students an opportunity to relax and socialize while taking time to unwind during study breaks.
De-stress Fest takes place at all five branch libraries across the University Park campus and at seven Penn State campuses across the commonwealth, offering free snacks, games, activities, art therapy and other stress-management options that vary at each location.
At Pattee Library on the University Park campus, students can visit the Leisure Reading Room in Central Pattee Library, near the revolving door, between 3 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, through Tuesday, Dec. 16, for free coffee, snacks and crafts.
University Park activities
University Park branch library locations will offer snacks, coffee hours and various activities to students while they study. The full schedule for De-stress Fest activities at all University Park Libraries locations is listed below:
Tuesday, Dec. 9 – Thursday, Dec. 11, Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library, first floor, Stuckeman Family Building
- Puzzles, snacks and crafts available daily, 5-9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15 – Tuesday, Dec. 17, Pattee Library and Paterno Library, Leisure Reading Room, Pattee Library
- 3-8 p.m.: Free coffee, snacks and crafts
Monday, Dec. 15 – Wednesday, Dec. 17, Engineering Library, 203 ECoRE Building
- Coloring and jigsaw puzzles
- Snacks and hot beverages, while supplies last
Monday, Dec. 15 – Thursday, Dec. 18, Fletcher L. Byrom Earth and Mineral Sciences Library, 105 Deike Building
- Coloring, Legos and jigsaw puzzles provided all day, and snacks while supplies last
- Group study rooms, One Button Studio, Virtual Reality Center (reservations required), comfy seating and lots of table space for study needs
- School supplies (in partnership with Chaiken Center for Student Success)
Monday, Dec. 15 – Thursday, Dec. 18, Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library, 201 Davey Lab
- Coloring and jigsaw puzzles, origami, Wellness Boxes
- Snacks and beverages, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., while supplies last
Campus libraries activities
Campus libraries will offer snacks, coffee hours and various activities to students while they study. The full schedule for De-stress Fest campus libraries activities is listed below
Penn State Berks Thun Library — Monday, Dec. 8 – Friday, Dec. 19
- De-Stress Station (arts & crafts)
- Special events to help students unwind
Penn State Brandywine Campus Library — Monday, Dec. 15 – Friday, Dec. 19
- Snacks, crafts, puzzles and games
- Follow @bwlibrarypsu on Instagram for more information
Penn State Fayette Campus Library — Monday, Dec. 8 – Friday, Dec. 12
- Resources, services and crafts to help your brain unwind
- Snacks
Penn State Great Valley — Monday, Dec. 1 – Tuesday, Dec. 2
- Coloring sheets, puzzles
- Table tennis competition in the fitness center, Dec. 1 at 4:14 p.m., winner prizes.
- Video Game Competition in Tekken 7, Dec. 2 at 4:15 p.m. Gift card for top player.
- Snacks and hot beverages for students, while supplies last
Penn State Harrisburg, Madlyn L. Hanes Library — Monday, Dec. 15 – Friday, Dec. 19
- Zen filling station: Enjoy snacks, coloring and a zen squishy for the road, while supplies last
Penn State Schuylkill, Ciletti Memorial Library — Monday, Dec. 8 – Friday, Dec. 19
- Snacks, crafts and games, while supplies last
Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Nesbitt Library — Sunday, Dec. 14 – Tuesday, Dec. 16
- Visit the Nesbitt arcade to relax between study sessions
- Espresso, coffee and tea, while supplies last
University Libraries hours will vary across campus and branch locations and may change during finals week and through the end of semester. Visitors are encouraged to verify all locations’ operating hours prior to their visit.
Library Guide on Personal Health and Mental Wellness
Studying students may find the Library Guide on Personal Health and Mental Wellness useful, which includes many informational resources on topics ranging from sleep and nutrition to digital well-being and exercise, as well as links for getting help through Penn State services.
For studying students with sensory impairments or those craving quiet comfort, sensory spaces are located at Penn State Berks’ Thun Library, Penn State Brandywine’s Vairo Library, and in Pattee Library on the University Park campus. Information about space accommodations and reservations is available at participating campus locations.
For more information about De-stress Fest or for questions about accommodations for this event, contact Megan Gilpin at 814-867-0069 or mcg13@psu.edu.