Dogs, Crafts, Puzzles, and More! The StFX Library Shows That it is More Than Just a Place to Study
/With paper season in full swing and exam week looming ahead of us, it can be hard to get a break from the stress that all students are undoubtably feeling. But the library and their wonderful staff have our back, with a collection of de-stressor activities that are designed to put the over-worked mind at ease.
The first of these activities is the library Lunch and Knit Wednesdays, happening every Wednesday from 12pm–1pm on the first floor couches. This event was brought to campus by Samantha Read, a liaison librarian with a knack for crafting. Knitting and crochet have been proven to reduce stress and blood pressure, as well as decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even chronic pain. Sam shared that she started the knitting hour initiative in part to share her love of the craft with others who were interested. Even outside of exam season, university can give students a lot of stress, and having a time where they can relax and chat with like-minded crafters is great for improving mental health. And even outside of all the health benefits that knitting and crochet have, it’s just plain fun. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends and learn a new skill. Sam shared that she’s already taught one student to knit and is looking forward to sharing her skill to even more!
But if knitting or crochet isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of other de-stressor activities that are being organized by Grace Bourret, another liaison librarian here at StFX. A fan favourite are the Therapy Dogs. This year, a group kind and fun-loving greyhounds will be brought into the first floor of the library to fill your study break with fun. Just a few minutes with a dog can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and give you the energy you need to make it through exams. They will be in the library during the following dates and times:
- December 5th 3pm-4pm
- December 8th 11am-12pm
- December 11th 11am-12pm
- December 14th 3pm-4pm
If you’re feeling crafty, try out the StFX Winter Wishes. The library has partnered with the R.K. Macdonald Nursing home and will be setting up tables for students to make holiday cards that will be delivered to the nursing home to spread holiday cheer. Running from December 4th-18th, stations will be set up at the library, the Kiknu Indigenous Student Centre, as well as various pop-up locations around campus where students can participate and give back to the community, allowing them to take their mind off exams.
But we must employ our body alongside our heart, and with that in mind, the StFX library brings us Movement Breaks. These will be 15 minutes sessions of gentle stretching led by Sam Read to work out the tension that comes from being hunched over a table studying all day long. Starting on December 5th, these will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2pm on the main floor of the library in the Special Data Resource Centre (a staff member at the front desk can point you in the right direction if needed).
Now that we are engaging out bodies, we must do so for minds as well—but in a fun way, don’t worry. The library offers students two options who want to take a break while keeping their minds engaged. The first is Relax in the Stacks. In the fourth floor art lounge, students will have the choice of crosswords, sudoku, colouring sheets, or puzzles. This will run from December 4th-22nd. If this doesn’t strike your fancy, there is also the World’s Easiest Book Club. On the first floor of the library, a relatively short book is on display for students to give a quick read through. After, they can use a sticker to rate the book for themselves. Amongst all the academic studies and peer-reviewed articles students are meant to read, this is a great way to remind you that reading doesn’t always have to be a serious affair and that there is still some fun to be found in it!
Of course, we can’t forget the Whiteboard Question that is posted in the entrance foyer of the library. The question is changed every Monday and ranges from “what is your favourite study song” to “what are you looking forward to most about the holidays.” It’s a fun way to connect with other students and see what our community is interested in.
We cannot thank the Angus L. Macdonald library and their amazing staff—particularly Grace Bourett and Samantha Read—enough for setting up all of these wonderful activities for students to enjoy. We hope that you get a chance to go and try them out them before leaving campus for the holidays!
