5X Libraries will provide a solution to end-of-semester stress by giving students, faculty and staff the opportunity to unwind and get some pet therapy during finals week. 
Every semester, University Libraries hosts the Stress-Free Zone event on the first floor of University Library on the Kent Campus, and this year it will take place on Monday, May 7, and Tuesday, May 8, from 3-5 p.m.
Jasmine Jefferson, First-Year Experience librarian, took over the position of organizing the event in 2012 and has had the pleasure of bringing smiles to students’ faces with a little rest and relaxation.
“The Stress-Free Zone is a great space for students to take a break, meet new people and enjoy the free popcorn that the library offers,” Ms. Jefferson says.
In addition to delicious snacks, the event’s main attraction is the .
“Ever since we started inviting the therapy dogs, students aren’t really interested in anything else,” Ms. Jefferson says with a laugh. “A lot of people miss their pets when they’re away, so the dogs fill a void that they’ve been missing and play a huge role in why this event is so popular.”
Therapy dogs are trained to help people relieve stress and be their support system, even if it is just for a few minutes or an hour. Studies also show that studying for too long without a break makes it difficult for students to retain the information they have learned and does not help with anxiety or feeling overwhelmed.
University Library will be open 24 hours during finals week.