Doggy De-stresser: LU library offers fun exam break activities

With the last day of Liberty University classes on Tuesday and final exams now in full swing through May 6, the Jerry Falwell Library (JFL) is hosting “Find Your Treasure at the Library”  events, ensuring students have extra support during one of the most stressful times of the semester.

From visits with therapy dogs (the most student-loved event) to massage chairs, snacks, and arts and crafts, students are enjoying much-needed breaks from studying.

“The JFL’s De-stress events during exam week are just one of the many ways we support our students on their academic journey,” Library Dean Angela Rice said. “These activities provide intentional opportunities for students to take a study break, recharge, and be prepared to perform their best during their finals.”

Community volunteer Holly Adams has brought her dog, Milton, to the library every year for 10 years during finals.

“Milton is the longest-standing therapy dog (to come to Liberty),” Adams said. “I enjoy coming. I definitely see the students take a deep breath (as they interact with Milton), and so many of them miss their personal dogs.”

Milton is a rescue and received his training from the National Capital Therapy Dogs Inc., and Adams said she hopes bringing him to the library will raise awareness of the importance of rescuing and fostering.((

Freshman interdisciplinary studies student Ellis Gross stopped by to meet Milton on Thursday. It was her first break after hours of studying.

“This was really sweet to just see a little dog and de-stress with that,” she said. “It’s really helpful to have distractions. It’s super easy to get caught up in all the homework and quizzes and tests, so having the library help us out and give us ways to get our minds off exams is super helpful.”

Outreach Librarian Hannah Lowder said the library works with local organizations to coordinate volunteers for its events.

“Most of the volunteers and their dogs are repeat visitors and love coming to the library. They love the students and the students love them, too,” she said. “This is the most popular activity that we have during finals week, and I honestly think if we only had therapy dogs and nothing else, students would still be happy.”

Junior Carolyn Wilkerson, who is pursuing her bachelor’s in English, said she enjoys the activities the library puts on every year as a welcome distraction from the stress of finals.

“I like coming around when they have the (activities) for finals week; I think it really helps,” she said. “It gives me a little bit of a break from the monotony of studying, studying, studying, and spending hours working and having my brain do things. Even though I can’t spend all day petting the dog, I have a chance to have a break, cool down, and settle.”

Other areas throughout campus are offering study break opportunities. The Office of Disability Accommodation Support set up a popcorn and donut station and a table with crafts outside their office.

Since its opening in 2014, the state-of-the-art Jerry Falwell Library has not only provided a vast amount of research and academic resources for students and multiple work and study spaces, but it also hosts many engaging activities every semester as part of its student-focused approach to learning. The 170,000-square-foot building features over 100 computers, three types of quiet zones, 35 group study rooms, and an on-site cafe, making it a lively spot for students to grow and learn on Liberty Mountain.