The Fresno State Library will adjust its hours to be open 24/7 during finals week, Dec. 14-18.
Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President Camalah Saleh requested funding for the proposal at the Nov. 12 ASI meeting, which passed. Then, the plan was in action.
“There isn’t a space on campus that’s 24/7 for us,” Saleh said. “During finals week when students are stressed and studying and they need a safe and accessible space to be able to prosper in their studies, I think this space will really benefit students.”
Saleh said her usual place for studying was the library for the past three years. She campaigned for longer library hours and worked with the dean of library services, Janet Crum, to provide students with space for finals studying.
“The library is such a central place of our campus, it’s the most utilized space by students,” Saleh said. “Being in the library provides a sense of security and energy that you know you’re in the library where you should be studying and also motivates you, and it’s safe and it’s accessible for students.”
Some students expressed gratitude for the new space to study.
“I think it’s good,” said Sophia Loka, a freshman finance major. “Not everyone has the access to stay home and study due to distractions at home, and being at the library is a good place to get away from that.”
Other students, such as Norma Gonzalez, a junior pre-psychology major, expressed excitement and plans to visit the library during finals week.
“I think it’s awesome, I’m a parent scholar, so it’s kind of hard for me to focus at home,” Gonzalez said. “The fact that I can go somewhere late at night when my husband is taking care of our kids, it helps me get into the mindset to be able to study and get things done.”
The extended hours will only be available to Fresno State students. General library services will be limited due to the library expecting a lower number of students than usual for the extended hours.
Students must carry their Bulldog ID as a safety measure, according to the library’s website. Security services from the Fresno State Police Department’s Community Service will be present for the extended hours.
“I really hope students utilize this space, there will be snacks, there will be drinks, it will be a safe warm spot for them,” Saleh said. “Even if it’s for one night, even if it’s for a few hours, [I hope] they just really utilize this space.”
Students can visit the Fresno State Library website for more information.
Correction: an adjustment was made on Dec. 8 to correct the spelling of Camalah Saleh’s first name.
