“Is the library quiet?” is a question we get a lot — and the answer is Yes! and No! We aim to have a whole range of spaces for students to use for studying, for taking a break between classes, for meeting with friends or a group for a project, for printing, for zooming, for eating lunch and more. We have some spaces designated as quiet. Below are some spaces and services focused on wellness, relaxation, studying, mental health awareness and more.

Reflection, quiet and meditation spaces

We have 3 rooms in 3 different libraries designed for reflection, quiet, meditation and prayer. These spaces are technology-free areas, and are not for individual or group study.

• Wilson Library 470 is available for use by all students, instructors and staff of the University and include rugs, pillows, and chairs. The Wilson Reflection Room includes a sink and is available on a first-come first-serve basis.
• Walter Library 212A is available for use by all students, instructors and staff of the University and include rugs, pillows, and chairs. The Walter Reflection Room can be reserved in advance for up to 30 minutes at a time. Visit the Walter 2nd floor service desk at the time of your reservation to pick up a key.
• Health Sciences Library – Phillips-Wangensteen Building 5-144 is available for use by all students, instructors and staff of the University and include rugs, pillows, and chairs. The Health Science Library Wellness Room can be reserved in advance for up to 30 minutes at a time. Visit the 5th floor service desk at the time of your reservation to pick up a key.

Note: To find addition wellness rooms, all-gender restrooms, and lactation spaces go to the Campus Maps and click on the “Inclusivity map“.

Sensory Friendly Study Room

Wilson Library has a sensory-friendly room available to reserve up to two hours per day.The Wilson Library sensory room is designed to promote calm and focus, especially for people who become overwhelmed with sensory input or who need a sensory outlet in order to sustain focus. The room is open to all students and employees of the University and includes adjustable lighting, a sit/stand desk, exercise ball, fidgets, weighted lap pad, wobble seat, pillows, and more. Check out the key to the room at the Wilson Library 1st floor service desk.

 

Boynton Health West Bank Clinic in Wilson Library

Boynton Health West Bank Clinic offers mental health care services all at our West Bank campus location, conveniently located within Wilson Library. Learn more about appointments and services on the website.

PAWS at Wilson Library

Join us for PAWS (Pet Away Worry and Stress) from UMN Boynton Health. Drop in the first floor of Wilson Library (studio) at any time to meet registered therapy animal teams—including dogs, cats, chickens, and other therapy animals. Sessions are FREE and open to the University of Minnesota community. Boynton Health’s PAWS program provides Animal-Assisted Interactions (AAI) with registered therapy animals — including dogs, cats, and chickens — and a licensed clinical social worker staffs each session. Stop by anytime on:

• Thursday, September 19 from 11:30-1:30pm
• Thursday, October 17 from 11:30-1:30pm
• Thursday, November 21 from 11:30-1:30pm
• Thursday, December 12 from 11:30-1:30pm

Books and ebooks on wellness, mental health and more

These resources and books include both fiction and nonfiction and can be used as a starting point to learn and talk about wellness, self-care, mental health and more.