Thanksgiving break is just a week away, and exams will be looming large when we return. I can still vividly recall the stress of college exams, how they seemed to sneak up on me every semester. Despite feeling prepared, I’d often find myself caught in the campus-wide wave of anxiety, surrounded by towering stacks of textbooks, notes, and flashcards.
My go-to solution was always the library. The mere act of being there made me feel smarter and more confident. I truly believe in the power of knowledge osmosis – being surrounded by all those books had a positive impact, even if I was just using one as a pillow!
The library’s communal energy was invaluable. Studying alongside fellow scholars, sharing ideas, notes, coffee, and maybe a few tears created a supportive environment. We were all united by a shared sense of panic and determination. Exam energy in Duke Library is pervasive – every seat filled, every study room packed, and every whiteboard covered in notes. The euphoria of completing a paper, exam, or project grows exponentially throughout the week, reaching its peak in the final days. Walking through the library on the last day of exams, I inevitably wake a sleeping student and say, “It’s over; you’re done!” The feeling of reaching the end of exam week is so sweet.
To support you during this intense period, Duke Library is extending its hours:
- Dec 11 Wed 8:00am – 2:00am
- Dec 12 Thu 8:00am – 2:00am
- Dec 13 Fri 8:00am – 8:00pm
- Dec 14 Sat 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Dec 15 Sun 10:00am – 2:00am
- Dec 16 Mon 8:00am – 2:00am
- Dec 17 Tue 8:00am – 2:00am
- Dec 18 Wed 8:00am – 5:00pm
We’ll also be providing exam breaks with coffee, snacks, puzzles, and coloring. Earplugs, research assistance, and encouragement will always be available.
Let’s power through this together!
Caroline Mills
Director of Libraries