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Have a Nice Finals!

May 17, 2012
College Library first began serving the undergraduate population of UW-Madison during the 1971-72 academic year.  The cube chairs in many areas of the library remain as a testament to the era.  In honor of our 40th anniversary, we are offering a variety of ’70s themed activities and give-aways to help you “Study Strong” and reduce the end-of-semester stress. Together with campus partners, we try to bring a little fun into an otherwise anxiety-ridden week of exams and final projects with the following schedule of events:

Thursday, May 10th: “Have a Nice Day” with our smiley-face button give-away. Proudly wear the yellow button to show how optimistic you are about finals.  For those more committed to embracing a 1970s look, we also have a (self-adhesive) mustache give-away.  Tweet us your photo using the hashtag #collegeat40 and we’ll feature it on our Web page and Facebook. While supplies last. 1st Floor Center.
1970s-themed coloring pages will also be available today and throughout finals week.  Use those earth-toned crayons to make an authentic representation of favorite 70s items – pet rocks, sea monkeys, bell-bottoms, etc., and caption the image with encouragement to #studystrong!

Friday, May 11th: “Have a Caffeinated Day” with Open Book Cafe’s coffee give-away! From 7pm-2am, get free regular coffee, tea or hot chocolate, courtesy of the Wisconsin Union. Room 1250. 

Saturday, May 12th: “Have a Study Day” From noon until midnight, GUTS tutors are available on study day to help with all your last-minute tutoring needs. They’ll have free coffee and treats for those receiving assistance. Sponsored by ASM and the Division of Student Life.  1st Floor Student Services Area.

Sunday, May 13th: “Have an Even More Caffeinated Day” The Wisconsin Alumni Association is providing soda, water, and energy drinks at their WAA Hookup starting at 6pm, while supplies last. 2nd Floor Center.

Monday, May 14th: “Have a Massage Day” with 5 minute neck & shoulder massages provided by massage-therapists from UHS.  5:15-7:15 pm, while slots last, 1st Floor Center.
Tuesday, May 15th: “Have a Dog Day Afternoon!” Okay, that movie wasn’t until 1975 but we promise no one will be shouting “Attica! Attica!” when the therapy dogs from Dogs on Call visit the library from 4-6 pm. Hug a puppy for good luck! Courtyard and 1st Floor Center.

Wednesday, May 16th: “Have a Candy-licious Day” Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew, cover it with choc’late and a miracle or two? Both the Candy Man and Helen C., that’s who.  Free candy at the library’s service desks. Get a little boost of sugar to help you “study strong.”

All week long there will be hand-outs with tips for reducing stress, exercises designed for sitting at tables for lengthy periods of time, and puzzles will be out in 1st Floor Center for a little brain break. Everyone’s favorite morale booster, Bucky Badger, is likely to stop by as well!

For resources on reducing stress during finals, see the University Health Services website. Here you will find audio files with relaxation exercises, links to a variety of additional stress-reducing suggestions, and information on UHS stress management services.

College Library also has pulled together a page of links to various diversions. Other campus libraries also offer extended hours and finals week activities.