In 2005 McConnell Library experimented with holding its first stress buster event as an outreach to students before final examinations, a bold or foolhardy project considering a lack of space and funds. From its roots as a small, sparsely-funded event crammed into one small room, the stress buster has grown and become a wildly popular regular event during fall and spring semesters. Positive feedback has contributed towards stable funding and partnerships with student groups, faculty, therapists, and the local public library. McConnell Library’s success in transforming a small cozy one-room stress buster to an event that includes massages and therapy dogs is one that can be replicated in any library. We will describe the transformation of the McConnell Library stress buster and inspire you to hold or expand your own stress buster events. Presenters: Kay Johnson & Beth Johnson, Radford University

1. Our 2005 event
was in a room made
cozy with sofas,
throws, and plants.
Our budget was
small. We provided
water, fruit, games,
and massage.
The Little Event That Could
The Amazing Success of Stress Busters at McConnell Library
Beth Johnson and Kay Johnson
What exactly is a Stress Buster? It’s a way to help students relax and prepare for exams
at the end of the semester. At McConnell Library, it’s ranged from a small room filled
with pillows and healthy snacks to an extravaganza of massage, therapy
dogs, crafts, music, and more. The university’s Foundation provides most of the funding;
we also partner with campus and community groups. Stress Busters benefit students in
many ways – including increasing library awareness. Plus, they’re a lot of fun!
Therapy dogs were added
to the mix in 2012. Students
flock to the library as soon
as we post the dogs’ arrival
on our Facebook page. The
only problem? Students are
really disappointed if they
miss the dogs’ visits.
Starting to serve catered fruit
trays, cheese trays, and hot tea
made us very popular. We
have learned that cheese
makes for happy students.
Want to try your own event
but aren’t sure how to fund
it? Find a space, some
comfy furnishings, one or
two activities, and some
volunteers. “Build a stress-
free oasis and they will
come.” Snacks, crafts,
music, and games are nice
but not necessary.
Over time, we have partnered
more and more with student
groups and individuals. These
groups often provide prizes for
drawings. We’ve also featured
live music performed by
students and staff.
Photos by Whitescarver Photography, LLC,
Christiansburg, VA
A few members of the
Stress Buster Committee
During the
next few
semesters, we
added
hypnotherapy
and crafts.
Offerings
varied as did
the budget.
A scene from the
December 2012 event
RU students who
received public
library cards at the
Stress Buster
Overheard comment from student in April 2013:
“The Stress Buster has sure come a long way.”