To proactively combat stressful times within an academic year, such as midterms and finals, the Gregg-Graniteville library hosts a table of snacks, drinks, play-doh, puzzles, and coloring books. This resource has seen great success, but what if there was a permanence to this initiative? With inspiration from Oregon State University's Library of Things, the access services department at USC Aiken has created a de-stress alcove. This permanent location within the library hosts board games, puzzles, hammocks, and coloring books. This new collection promotes an environment of sustainability through borrowing, not buying. It also allows student to take mental health breaks, try new things, and understand that lifelong learning isn't just limited to textbooks and the classroom. Further collaboration between departments across campus, like student life and housing, has increased foot traffic in the library and reframes the library as a fun space while also holistically improving campus life.
