Libraries offers University-wide De-stress Fest to support studying students

April 28, 2025

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.

University Libraries hours will vary across campus and branch locations and many offer extended hours during finals week and through the end of semester. Visitors are encouraged to verify all locations' operating hours prior to their visit.

De-stress Fest takes place at five branch libraries across the University Park campus and at 6 Penn State campuses across the commonwealth, offering free snacks, games, activities, art therapy and other stress-management options, which vary with 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, May 4, through Tuesday, May 6, 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, Apr. 29 - Thursday, May 1, Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library, first floor, Stuckeman Family Building

• Puzzles, snacks and crafts available daily

Sunday, May 4 - Tuesday, May 6, Pattee Library and Paterno Library, Leisure Reading Room, Pattee Library

• 3-8 p.m.: Free coffee, snacks and crafts

Monday, May 5 - Thursday, May 8, Engineering Library, 203 ECoRE Building

• Coloring, puzzles and crafts
• Snacks and beverages, while supplies last

Monday, May 5 - Thursday, May 8, Fletcher L. Byrom Earth and Mineral Sciences Library, 105 Deike Building

• Coloring, Legos and jigsaw puzzles
• Snacks while supplies last
• Group study rooms, One Button Studio, Virtual Reality Center (reservations required)
• Food Pantry and school supplies (in partnership with Chaiken Center for Student Success)

Monday, May 5 - Thursday, May 8, Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library, 201 Davey Lab

• Coloring and jigsaw puzzles, origami, Wellness Boxes
• Snacks and drinks provided from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or while supplies last

Campus 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 Beaver

Monday, May 5 - Wednesday, May 7, Beaver Campus

• Take a break with puzzles, board games and coloring
• Snacks, coffee and tea while supplies last
• Research and citation help. Group and quiet study rooms
• Relaxation Station for de-stress and motivation
• Virtual Reality Spot (VR headsets are available)

Penn State Berks

Monday, Apr. 28 - Friday, May 9, Penn State Berks Thun Library

• De-Stress Station (arts, games and crafts), Study Spaces, Sensory Room, Wellness Collection, Makerspace and Research assistance
• Snacks, coffee and tea while supplies last
• Special events:
  • Monday, Apr. 28, 12:15 p.m. - Sunglasses giveaway for sunny success!
  • Thursday, May 1, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. - Make a fidget toy in the Makerspace
  • Thursday, May 1, 1:30 p.m. - Therapy dog visit

Penn State Fayette

Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 9, Campus Library

• Resources, services, crafts and goodies to help your brain unwind
• Guided VR meditation, Jenga, coloring and Legos
• Snacks while supplies last

Penn State Hazleton

Monday, Apr. 28 - Friday, May 2, Lofstrom Library

• games, coloring, puzzles, crafts, stress relief bubble wrap and Nintendo Switch
• Last-minute research assistance for help with finals and studying
• Upper-level quiet study spaces and silent study rooms - rooms 006, 007 and 113 can now be reserved on 25Live
• Wellness tea, giveaways and more!

Penn State Harrisburg

Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 9,Madlyn L. Hanes Library

• Coloring and snacks on the first floor throughout finals week

Penn State Schuylkill

Monday, Apr. 28 - Friday, May 9,Ciletti Memorial Library

• Crafts, games and snacks all week

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 [email protected].