Shelf Care: Stress Less Week at Charles Library

Stella the Owl Statue covered in snow.
Stella the Owl covered in snow photo by Joseph V. Labolito

Resources to help you

It’s that point in the semester when research papers are due, exams are approaching, and you’re busy finalizing your projects. We want to remind you that the Libraries offer a wealth of resources to support you in finishing the semester on a high note! 

A good place to start is our website or the library section on the TU Mobile App, where you can use Library Search for all your questions. You can also see our hours (including extended hours) for all library locations. Or you can go directly to our undergraduate and graduate user guides containing details of library resources tailored for you! 

Therapy dogs in Charles Library, therapy dog in foreground, students in background petting the dog.
Therapy dogs in Charles Library, photo by Betsy Manning

Ways to Destress

We are hosting a few opportunities for you to take a break from the busyness of this time of year that we hope you’ll take advantage of!  

On Wednesday, December 4, from 2 to 3:30 PM stop by the Makerspace for our Holiday Décor Workshop. Make gifts and décor for the holidays with help from staff on the laser cutter and 3D printers. Some ideas include 3D-printed trinkets, custom greeting cards, 3D-printed cookie cutters, laser-cut ornaments, and more.  

Or join fellow peers on Wednesday, December 11, from 2 to 3:30 PM for an Open Craft Day. Come and create with community and destress from final projects and exams.  

Calling all gamers…digital and board! On December 11 starting at 11 AM and wrapping up around 1 PM, we’ll have our Virtual Reality Lab open and ready for video gaming on the consoles and PC, as well as some tables set aside for playing board games. Bring your study group for a much-needed break or play some library staff and fellow students. You can see some of the games we have available to play and check out in the library’s online catalog. 

On Friday December 13 from 12 to 3:30 PM Charles Library will be hosting therapy dogs in the 1st Floor Event Space. Spend time petting, cuddling, and interacting with these gentle companions, who are here to provide comfort and support during this hectic season. Whether you’re looking for a brief escape from studying or a calming presence these furry friends are ready to lend a paw. No registration required.  

24/7 Live Online Chat 

Want to get online help right now…anytime on any day? You can contact us 24/7 via chat to get answers to your questions. 

Find Your Study Space

Both Charles Library and Ginsburg Library have rooms that you can book for those times when you need a quiet space to study.  

Snacks from last year’s snack cart photo by Temple Libraries

Snack cart 

During the week of December 9, be on the lookout for the snack cart at Charles Library. We’ll be giving out free goodies to help you stay fueled and focused. We will also be available to answer questions and point you in the right direction regarding library resources.  

Wellness Resource Center 

Our friends at the Wellness Resource Center have several offerings to help you through this time of the semester. You can get details on their various activities planned for the week of December 9. Be sure to also look into other campus resources designed to help students de-stress and take preventive measures to avoid end-of-the-semester burnout.  

You can do this! 

We know this time of year can be difficult. We hope this roundup of library assistance gives you some relief. And if not, just know that soon you’ll be heading into your well-deserved winter break. Even then, the Libraries will be here for you during break and when we return for the spring.