UNH Parents Association and University Library Gave Students a Boost as They Headed Into Final Exams


Contact: Lori Wright
603-862-0574
UNH Media Relations

Dec. 22, 2003



DURHAM, N.H. -- University of New Hampshire students were treated to a bit of holiday cheer last week from the UNH Parents Association and University Library staff as they prepared for final exams.

UNH students enjoy a sweet break from studying for final exams at the UNH Dimond Library, Monday, Dec. 15.

About 800 students enjoyed a library study break from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. “It was unbelievable. We served more than 100 students in the first 15 minutes. We couldn't make coffee fast enough,” said Diane Tebbetts, associate university librarian.

The library study break, conceived by the library's Service and Outreach Committee, gives students a much-needed boost as they head into final exams. More than a third of the library staff baked cookies, brownies and assorted goodies for the event. The Parents Association provided financial support for bottled water and plates of baked goods. In addition, Green Mountain
Coffee and Poland Springs Water contributed corporate support.

Although a snowstorm limited efforts to Dimond and the Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science Library, students consumed more than 100 dozen baked goods, 480 bottles of spring water, five pounds of pretzels, and eight pounds of coffee. There were no calls for decaf.

“It was hard work, but it was fun and rewarding - the students were so grateful and there were plenty of smiles to go around,” said Jennifer Carroll, electronic resources librarian.

The crowd of students in the library preparing for exams was impressive. Dimond Library delayed opening until 10 a.m. because of snow, sleet and freezing rain. By 11:30 a.m., nearly 500 students were studying at the library, and by mid-afternoon, that number had swelled to more than 2,000.

The committee is planning another series of study breaks prior to exams next May.