Wellness in the Libraries

The Smathers Libraries not only give you the tools to access information and resources, but also support your success through wellness services and programs to enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By offering these services, we hope to create safe and supportive spaces to help you cope with the challenges and demands of academic life. 

Some highlights include:

• Wellness collections that provide materials and practical information on topics such as mental health, personal care, stress management, nutrition, and fitness 
• Wellness events & activities that’ll help you unwind and have fun. From coloring and crafting to nature walks and visits from therapy dogs, there’s something for everyone – follow us on Instagram for all the details 
• Wellness and sensory friendly spaces that offer comfortable and quiet areas for students to study, rest, or recharge 
• Leisure Reading located in Library West, Marston Science Library and the Health Science Center Library 

Wellness technology collection

Design your own mindful space within the libraries with the new wellness technology collection. Now in Library West, the Education Library, and the Health Science Center Library, you can check out noise-cancelling headphones and other mindfulness tools to create a calm environment. Mindfulness tools include noise machines, breathing pals, meditation players, light therapy task lamps, and fans and can be checked out for in-library use.

Wellness Services by Library

Architecture & Fine Arts Library 

The Architecture and Fine Arts Library (AFA) has a whole collection of board games waiting for you to play in those free moments between classes. And it’s not just about fun – these games can give your memory a boost and sprinkle some extra joy into your life. It is also home to sensory tools and other technology and equipment. Check out AFA’s full equipment & technology list to learn more. Campus map location for the AFA Library. 

Education Library 

The EduGator Makery is a creative paradise for all you crafty students out there! This is the place where amazing tech tools like zSpace, Silhouette, and die-cut machines come to life. Whether you’re an educational technology enthusiast, a pre-service teacher gearing up for the classroom, or just diving into an education class project, the Makery is your go-to spot. There are great benefits of crafting for your wellbeing – engaging in crafting activities can chase away stress, ease anxiety, lift depression, and sharpen your cognitive skills. Plus, it’s a fantastic mood booster that can ramp up your self-confidence and keep stress at bay.

The Relaxation Room offers an oasis from busy everyday life! Come relax in the rocking or bean bag chairs, dim the overhead lights or floor lamp, and use the sensory friendly tools like weighted blankets and fidget toys to take a break and recharge. Reserve the Relaxation Room and other study rooms. 

You can also find the new wellness technology collection, including noise-cancelling headphones, noise machines, breathing pals, meditation players, light therapy task lamps, and fans. Campus map location for the Education Library. 

Health Science Center Library 

Head over to the Health Science Center Library (HSCL) and recharge in one of the cozy nap pods – they’re famous for a reason! While you’re there, why not join in on the community jigsaw puzzle or get creative with some coloring kits? If you’re in the mood to move, give the treadmill desks a spin. 

You can also relax and watch the fish in the small aquarium by the information desk on the 1st floor and, if you’re a book lover, you’ll want to explore the extensive collection of wellness and graphic medicine books. 

You can also find the new wellness technology collection, including noise-cancelling headphones, noise machines, breathing pals, meditation players, light therapy task lamps, and fans. 

For more details on all the wellness materials and resources at your fingertips, be sure to check out the HSCL Wellness guide. It’s your one-stop shop for staying well and balanced. Campus map location for HSCL (Communicore Building).

Library West 

On the 2nd floor, you’ll find fitness bike desks tucked away near the back and side walls – perfect for staying active while hitting the books. Plus, there’s a fantastic collection of board, tabletop and card games, both classic and modern, available from the Circulation desk, for when you need a break. 

Need some peace and quiet? The Mindfulness Studio is a serene space you can use by visiting the Circulation desk. It welcomes up to four people for 30-minute sessions of prayer, meditation, or just some tranquil time. 

For a touch of nature and to boost your mental well-being, check out the ‘Plant Yourself and Study Program.’ You can borrow a plant to keep you company while you study. 

And that’s not all – head up to the 2nd floor for a cozy recreational reading area. It’s currently stocked with adult fiction/non-fiction, Y/A, manga, and cookbooks, and they’re always adding new materials.s. 

You can also find the new wellness technology collection, including noise-cancelling headphones, noise machines, breathing pals, meditation players, light therapy task lamps, and fans. Campus map location for Library West. 

Marston Science Library 

Marston spaces are adorned with beautiful plants and has an exquisite aquarium on the 3^rd floor, alongside the Wellness Room, a private space for prayer, meditation, or lactation. This room features a sink, comfortable seating, and locking doors for privacy. Students can check out the key at the service desk on the 2nd floor; availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

While you’re on the second floor, be sure to explore the Science Fiction Collection along the back wall, offering epic adventures and futuristic stories. Need a cuddly companion for your study session? Just swing by the service desk to check out a fuzzy study buddy! Plus, if you’re feeling crafty, the Makerspace on the 1st floor (basement) is your creative playground. It’s a hub for collaboration and hands-on projects. 

During Makerspace open lab hours, you’ll have access to an array of tools to bring your ideas to life: sewing and embroidery machines, a soldering & electronics workbench, power & hand tools, a Silhouette Cameo 3 cutting machine, a heat press machine, a 2.25″ button press, and so much more. Campus map location for MSL.  

Smathers Library

Explore our Graphic Novels LibGuide, featuring a wide variety of comics and graphic novels. This collection includes Spanish-language titles in Latin American and Caribbean Collection (LACC) and French-language titles in Library West (Library West), offering diverse stories for all readers. 

Our cookbooks are shelved directly behind the circulation desk in the Latin American and Caribbean Collection (LACC) on the 3rd floor of Smathers Library. While we don’t have a dedicated guide yet, check out this post about our cookbook collection for tips and inspiration for your next culinary adventure. 

Additional Wellness / Mindfulness resources