Tag: Take a Paws

“Take a Paws” With Therapy Dogs – Thursday, May 5th, 4-6pm

Lisa

“Take a Paws” Stress Relief Session at the Library

We are excited to welcome therapy dogs Kodiak and Athena back to the Bentley Library for another “Take a Paws” stress-relief session! Thanks to the Center for Health and Wellness, you can enjoy some Bernese Mountain Dog love in the art gallery on Thursday, May 5, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Kodiak the therapy dog
Kodiak
Athena the therapy dog
Athena

Also in attendance at this event is artist Linda Collins, whose paintings are currently on view in the art gallery. Dogs are one of Ms. Collins’ favorite subjects to paint, and her portrait of Kodiak is included in this exhibit. More information about the exhibit can be found in this blog post. You can learn more about the artist at http://www.dogfaceartwork.com/

Why have therapy dogs at the library? Studies have shown that interacting with animals can:"Take a Paws"

  • improve our interpersonal interactions & mood
  • reduce cortisol (the “stress hormone”), heart rate & blood pressure
  • improve immune system functioning
  • reduce anxiety
  • enhance empathy
  • improve learning

It’s posited that human-animal interaction activates the oxytocin system, leading to these positive effects.*  Don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself.  Stop by the library on Reading Day for your daily dose of dogs (and oxytocin)!

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* Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408111/

“Take a Paws” at the Library! Visit With Therapy Dogs on Reading Day.

Lisa

The library is excited to host a Take a Paws session on Reading Day. Thanks to the Center for Health and Wellness, therapy dogs will be in the library’s art gallery on Tuesday, December 15th, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Why have therapy dogs at the library? Studies have shown that interacting with animals can:pawslogo

  • improve our interpersonal interactions and mood
  • reduce cortisol (the “stress hormone”), heart rate and blood pressure
  • improve immune system functioning
  • reduce anxiety
  • enhance empathy
  • improve learning

It’s posited that human-animal interaction activates the oxytocin system, leading to these positive effects.*

Don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself.  Stop by the library Tuesday evening for your daily dose of dogs (and oxytocin)!

—————-

* Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408111/

Extended Library Hours Monday, 12/14 – Tuesday, 12/22

Lisa

24-Hour Library Access for Exams Period

open 24 hoursThe library’s 24-hour access for final exams begins at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, December 14 (the day before Reading Day) and ends at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22 (last day of exams).

*Please note the weekend exception:
The library will close at 9:00 p.m. Saturday night and reopen at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning  – because everyone should take a little break from studying!

Monday, December 14  – Saturday, December 19:
24 hour access
Open at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, December 14 and remain open until
9:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 19

*Saturday, December 19:
Close at 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 20 – Tuesday, December 22:
24 hour access
Open at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 20 and remain open until
9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22

What to expect during the extended hours:

  • The Library is implementing card-swipe access during the overnight hours. From midnight until 7:30 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday (12/15-12/19), and Sunday-Tuesday (12/20-12/22) only Bentley ID card holders will be able to enter the Library, using the card-swipe box to the left of the building’s front entrance.
  • Reference services will not be available during the extended late-night hours.

Take a Paws on Reading Day

paw-print-800pxOn Reading Day (Tuesday, December 15) from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., a Take a Paws team will be in the Library’s Art Gallery with huggable dogs for some stress-free moments as you prepare for final exams. Come by and enjoy some puppy love!

For more information about the library or cafe hours please view the full hours calendar.

Best of luck with your finals, and have a wonderful winter break!