De-Stress Fest 2017

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Zander Miller

Dogged by a high-stakes final exam?

Donut know what to do to prepare for an essay test?

Tasked with a term paper and still wondering: “Button what should I write?”

Mitigate your distress and de-stress at the UGL’s Destress Fest! This Thursday, December 14th from 12p.m. to 11p.m. the Undergraduate Library is providing resources to help you relax amidst the calamity of finals week.

Highlights

Therapy dogs are back! They don’t judge, guilt, or grade you–PLUS they have fur and love to be petted.

Library staff will be running campaigns for the fantasy role-playing game, Pathfinder. Stomp out some goblins, cast a few spells, maybe even take a stab at fighting the fearsome Gelatinous Cube.

Come use the UGL’s new button maker! Bring in a favorite photo, inspirational saying, or other (paper) totem of good luck and punch out something you can wear around as you study and destress.

Here is the full list of events

12 to 2p.m. and 6 to 8p.m. Paper Hats, and Origami workshop in the New Books area

12 to 2p.m. Consultants from the Writers Workshop will be at the front of the Upper Level to offer tips and tricks on those daunting final papers

1:45 to 3:45p.m. Therapy dogs will visit the Upper Level!

2 to 4p.m. Stress Management Peers will be at the Front Table to talk about dealing with finals pressure

3 to 5p.m. and 7 to 9p.m. Button making in the New Books Area of the Upper Level.

4 to 6p.m. Representatives from the counseling center’s Integrative Health and Wellness Team at the Front Table on the Upper Level

4 to 11p.m. Writers Workshop Midnight Madness drop-in hours

4 to 5p.m. Breathe, Relax, Focus at the Writers Workshop conference room

6 to 8p.m. Pathfinder Campaigns in dungeon-ized Group Room 11

At 8p.m. there is a a surprise that will make its way around the UGL!

9 to 11p.m. Research and Writing drop-in hours with librarians in the Consultation Corner (back of Upper Level, by the Writers Workshop)

We’ll see you there.

October Events 2017

Posted on October 5, 2017 by AR

Attention fall lovers: your time to shine is HERE! Find all kinds of Halloween happenings and autumn activities around campus and Champaign-Urbana during the month of October. Whether you want to be chased by killer clowns, dance to the Time Warp, or drink some apple cider in the crisp fall air, read on to find the perfect October event for you!

One Book One Campus G. Willow Wilson Author Lecture

Friday, October 6^th7pm at Illini Union. Free admission.

U of I is yet again participating in One Book One Campus, and this year we are reading Ms. Marvel #1: No Normal. Go to the Illini Union for a chance to see the author, G. Willow Wilson speak. Immediately after the lecture, there will be a book signing and refreshments. You do not want to miss out!

Flannel Fest

Saturday, October 7^th, 11am-4pm at Hessel Park. Free admission.

Don your favorite plaid shirt and head over to Flannel Fest for a day filled with fall activities! There will be music, art, games, food trucks, and even a mustache contest. With the Timberwork’s Lumberjack show doing demos throughout the day, this is an event you don’t want to miss! Check out the Facebook event page to get a full schedule.

Hocus Pocus Screening

Saturday, October 7^th, 2 pm at The Virginia Theater. $5 admission.

Let the Sanderson Sisters put a spell on you during this screening of the classic Halloween movie! The perfect way to spend an October afternoon. Find tickets and more information at their Facebook event page.

Midway of Madness

Every Friday and Saturday in October (plus Halloween), 6pm-11pm. $15 admission.

Scare yourself silly at the Champaign County Fairgrounds. Midway of Madness is the perfect haunted house attraction for all you thrill seekers looking for a fun Halloween event.

Check out their website for more information… if you dare!

Fall Festival

Sunday, October 8^th, 3pm-6pm at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery. Free Admission.

This cute celebration of fall will include cider-pressing demonstrations, apple cider floats for purchase, $5 hayrides through the farm, and more! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather by strolling around this local farm and checking out all they have to offer.

Illini Wellness Week

October 9^th-12^th, Locations Vary

Don’t forget to take care of your health this month! Student Affairs will be set up at different locations around campus October 9-12 and offering varying services such as yoga, counseling services, a health expo, and the ever pawpular therapy dogs! One therapy dog will be at the UGL from 1-3 pm on Monday, October 9^th. For a full list of events and locations, visit their Facebook event page.

The Toast of Champaign

Saturday, October 14^th, 1-10 pm at The Blind Pig Brewery

For those over 21, The Blind Pig is hosting a “hyper-local” beer fest! Swing by their beer garden to check out some local favorite breweries include Triptych Brewing, Riggs Beer Company, and many more! More information is available at their Facebook event page.

Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch

Through October. Free Admission, prices for activities varied.

One of the most popular fall destinations in the C-U area is Curtis Orchards! Just a fifteen minute drive from campus, Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch features U-Pick apples, a petting zoo, corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and live music. Check out their Facebook page for more information!

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Friday, October 20; Saturday, October 21; Wednesday, October 25; Thursday, October 26, 10pm at The Art Theater. $10 admission.
Event is anticipated to fully sell out. Buy tickets early!

What’s the Halloween season without a late night screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show? Grab some friends and head over to The Art Theater where the Illini Student Musicals will be accompanying the movie with their live performance. Don’t forget to practice your Time Warp moves!

Can’t make the Art Theater dates? Try to catch the screening of the film at the Virginia Theater on Saturday, October 28^th at 7pm. Tickets are $5.

Links to purchase tickets can be found on the Facebook event pages:

The Art Theater

The Virginia Theater

Hopefully we’ve covered most of the major events happening around Champaign-Urbana for the month of October, but if we missed anything, reach out to us on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages, and stay tuned for an events post every month!

Therapy Dogs Returning to the Library!

Posted on December 2, 2016 by JB

Winter has come, and with it, finals week and all the associated tension. Thankfully, the library has your bark — I mean back.

Take a break from studying for finals and stressing about deadlines to hang and take selfies with therapy dogs at the library (#UGLPawParty). This year’s pack is all geared up to play away your anxiety on the following dates:

Thursday 12/8/16 (2-4 PM): Nala, Henri, Star, and Raven will be sitting and waiting for you at Grainger Library.

Monday 12/12/16 (2-4 PM): Atlas, Maisey, and Zeus are already rolling over in excitement at Funk ACES Library.

Tuesday 12/13/16 (2-4 PM): Atlas, Star, and Widgeon are itching for you to scratch behind their ears at the Undergraduate Library.

Now, let’s meet a few of our canine pals:

Atlas

Atlas is a Rottweiler that was adopted from South Suburban Humane Society when he was a year old. He especially loves hanging out with kids at libraries and schools, helping them read. His favorite toy is his Kong and his favorite spot to be scratched is his “bow tie” on his chest.

Henri

Henri is a 2 year old Field Spaniel who comes to us all the way from France (yes, he is bilingual)! He enjoys long walks on the beach, cuddles, and ear scratches. Don’t think he’s too serious, though! This guy is a goof with some serious heart melting eyes and a huge heart. When not doing therapy work, Henri enjoys showing, lure coursing, tracking, and living life on a farm.

Maisey

Maisey is an Australian Shepherd-Retriever Mix that was adopted back in 2011 from a local shelter in Muncie, Indiana. Maisey participates in various therapy dog events, including visits to the Carle Foundation Hospital, kids read to dogs programs at local libraries, and a number of school visits. When not doing therapy dog work, Maisey enjoys taking long walks, chasing squirrels, and squeaking her plush hedgehog toy.

Raven

Raven is a Standard Poodle. She does most of her therapy work at libraries and loves people of all ages. In her downtime, Raven likes to play fetch with Frisbees and tennis balls.

Widgeon

Widgeon is a Yellow Labrador born in Ireland more than a decade ago. He spent his younger days traveling, training, and hunting in Oxford, Mississippi before taking on his current position as a therapy dog operating out of Champaign, Illinois. Though he still loves trekking all over America, Widgeon is happy to take on his new, more suburban role.

Have any questions about therapy dogs? Want to express how excited you are to meet these animals? Tweet at us (@askundergrad), check our Instagram (@askundergrad), or contact us on Facebook (Undergraduate Library at Illinois), and don’t forget to come see all of these dogs and more furry friends in person!

They’re Back! Therapy Pets at the Library

Posted on May 9, 2016 by JMS

Summer is almost here! Take a break from studying for finals and stressing about deadlines to play with therapy pets at the library! This year’s group of therapy pets is cute, cuddly, and ready to play. If you didn’t catch them at Grainger last week, therapy pets will be waiting to cuddle at ACES and the UGL on the following dates:

Monday, May 9th at ACES from 2-4 PM: Atlas, Maisey, and Wyatt the cat can’t wait to have their tummies rubbed.

Tuesday, May 10th at the UGL from 2-4 PM: Atlas and Beowoof are excited to see everyone!

Beowoof

Come see Beowoof!

Beowoof is a fashionable Saint Bernard. Beowoof loves to make people happy. The only thing bigger than his paws is his heart! He has a contagious smile and a way of making even your worst day better by simply being in the room. His favorite trick is to give high-fives and his favorite leisure activity is sleeping (or maybe eating homemade peanut butter dog cookies).

Atlas

Atlas Therapy Dog

Atlas is a 7 year old Rottweiler that was adopted from South Suburban Humane Society when he was a year old. He especially loves hanging out with kids at libraries and schools, helping them read. His favorite toy is his Kong and his favorite spot to be scratched is his “bow tie” on his chest.

Maisey

Come see Maisey!

Maisey is a 6 yr old Australian Shepherd-Retriever Mix that was adopted back in 2011 from a local shelter in Muncie, Indiana. Maisey participates in various therapy dog events, including visits to the Carle Foundation Hospital, kids read to dogs programs at local libraries and a number of school groups. When not doing therapy dog work, Maisey enjoys taking long walks, chasing squirrels, and squeaking her plush hedgehog toy.

Wyatt

Come see Wyatt!

Wyatt is six years old and loves to be pet and complimented. Wyatt is a very social cat and is a mix of Siamese, Maine Coon, and Persian. When Wyatt is not “on the job,” he spends his time as a typical cat – napping, playing and eating.

Have any questions about therapy pets? Want to express how excited you are to meet these animals? Tweet at us (@askundergrad) or contact us on Facebook (Undergraduate Library at Illinois)!

Therapy Pets at the Library!

Posted on December 7, 2015 by JMS

The end of fall semester is almost here! Take a break from stressing out about finals and deadlines to play with therapy pets! This year’s group of therapy pets is cute, cuddly, and ready to play. Therapy pets will be waiting for you to pet them at Grainger, ACES, and the UGL on the following dates:

Thursday, December 10th at Grainger from 2-4 PM: Magnum, Raven, and Beowoof will be ready for all your cuddling needs.

Monday, December 14th at ACES from 2-4 PM: Atlas, Maisey, Jeannie, and Wyatt the cat can’t wait to have their tummies rubbed.

Tuesday, December 15th at the UGL from 2-4 PM: Sam, Maisey, and Beowoof are excited to see everyone!

Magnum

Rub Magnum's tummy!

Magnum is a three-year-old yellow lab who has only been a therapy dog for a few months, but he loves everybody! Every time Magnum goes to the hospital for visits, he is quickly surrounded by people wanting to pet him. He is a fun, happy dog who loves interacting with people.

Raven

Come see Raven!
Raven is a Standard Poodle.She does most of her therapy work at libraries and loves people from all ages. In her down time, Raven likes to play fetch with Frisbees and tennis balls.

Beowoof

Come see Beowoof!

Atlas

Atlas Therapy Dog

Maisey

Come see Maisey!

Jeannie

Rub Jeannie's tummy!

Jeannie is a 4-year-old Bichon Frise. Bichons do not shed and are considered to be a “hypoallergenic” breed. Their soft, thick, cottony hair is great for petting. They are bred to be companion dogs and Jeannie excels at this. She loves people, is tremendously cute, and brightens everyone’s day. Jeannie visits nursing homes, libraries, and hospital patients.

Wyatt

Come see Wyatt!

Sam

Come see Sam!
Sam is an adorable and fuzzy Alaskan Malamute. He is great company and enjoys when people pet him. Like everyone, he is not a fan of finals but is very happy to be at UIUC to relieve peoples stress. Come on by and take a picture with him!

Have any questions about therapy pets? Want to express how excited you are to meet these animals? Tweet at us (@askundergrad) or contact us on Facebook (Undergraduate Library at UIUC)!

De-Stress Fest! Therapy Dogs, Chair Yoga, and a special guest

Posted on May 4, 2015 by QLB

The Spring semester is almost to an end and finals are near. Take a break and refresh with therapy dogs at the UGL, Grainger, and Funk ACES libraries. And check out the UGL’s first-ever De-Stress Fest, featuring yoga, coloring books, McKinley Stress Management Peers, and the UIUC Counseling Center. For the grand finale, Uggles the UGL Cat (weather permitting) will be outside of the UGL for a meet-and-greet!

Join us for the de-stress fest!

The Therapy Dog Schedule is:

May 7th ACES:

Jeannie 2-4 PM
Fitz 2-4 PM
Wyatt the Cat 2-4pm

May 11th Grainger:
Sam 2-4 PM
Lilly 2-4 PM
Atlas 2-3 PM

May 12th UGL:
Raven 2-4 PM
Twiggy 3-4 PM
Atlas 2-3 PM

The De-Stress Fest will include Chair Yoga sessions provided by Christine Janak (http://www.christinejanak.com/). Two sessions will take place at 2:15 to 2:45 and 3:00-3:30. The UIUC Counseling Center will also be at the UGL providing information on campus de-stress resources, as well as the McKinley Stress Management Peers.

There will also be a scheduled meet and greet with Uggles the UGL Cat on Tuesday May 12th on the plaza level outside the UGL (weather permitting). Take this opportunity to take a selfie with #Uggles.

Now – let’s meet some of our certified therapy animals, provided courtesy of the CU Canine Connection and CU Registered Therapy Animals (https://cucanineconnection.wordpress.com/).

Lilly

Rub Lilly’s tummy!

This cutie will be at Grainger on May 11th. She is a Goldendoodle with many talents. They include being a registered therapy dog and a certified Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ). Like many dogs, her likes include snuggling, playing with humans, and listening to a good book.

Hercules and Fitz

Hercules and Fitz

We also have Hercules and sibling, Fitz. Fitz is a visla/chocolate lab mix, while Hercules is a boxer/Boston terrier/American Staffordshire terrier.They both enjoy chasing each other and squirrels, taking naps, and being cuddled. They will be at ACES on May 7th, so come say hi!

Raven

Raven, on the left

Raven is a Standard Poodle.She does most of her therapy work at libraries and loves people from all ages. In order to relax, Raven likes to play fetch with Frisbees and tennis balls. She will be at the UGL on May 12th.

Sam

Sam. Photo courtesy of the Media Commons

Sam in all his glory. Photo courtesy of the Media Commons

Sam is an adorable and fuzzy Alaskan Malamute. He is great company and enjoys when people pet him. Like everyone, he is not a fan of finals but is very happy to be at UIUC to relieve peoples stress. Sam will be at Grainger on May 11th. Come on by and take a picture with him!

Wyatt

Wyatt the Cat. Photo courtesy of Lori Kistler

Wyatt is a “puppy cat.” What does this mean? He loves people petting him and how good of a boy he is, He is 6 years old and has been a certified therapy cat for 2 years, His likes includes getting petted by humans and eating junk food. Wyatt will be at ACES on May 7th.

Remember, these are just a couple of dogs (and cats) that will be here during finals week. Mark them on your calendar and we look forward to seeing you all there.

It’s that time of year again, Therapy Dogs!

Posted on November 30, 2014 by QLB

Studying for finals is in full swing and we’re all stressed out about having all of our projects due at the same time. Have no fear, the UGL (and a couple of other libraries) are here for you. That’s right folks, it’s time for our famous therapy dogs. Therapy dogs will be at the UGL, Grainger and ACES. The schedule is below:

Thursday, December 11th at the UGL: 2-4 PM. Lilly, Atlas, and Dot will be ready for all your cuddling needs.

Friday, December 12th at Grainger: 2-4 PM. Lilly and Atlas will be there to have their tummies rubbed.

Tuesday, December 16th at ACES: 2-4 PM. Raven, Jeannie, Fitz, Hercules, and Dot will be ready to have everyone pet them.

Now, let’s meet some of the cuties who will be at the libraries.

First, we have Jeannie. She is a Bichon Frise who is only 3 years old. Jeannie is a great companion dog and her cottony hair is perfect for petting. Her likes include looking for squirrels, napping under the bed, and visiting nursing homes, libraries, and hospital patients.

Next, we have Lilly. She’s an adorable 5 year old Goldendoodle. Her many talents include being a registered therapy dog and a certified Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ). Her likes include caring for people of all ages, snuggling, and listening to a good book.

We also have 3 and a half year old Hercules and 4 year old Fitz. Fitz is a visla/chocolate lab mix, while Hercules is a boxer/Boston terrier/American Staffordshire terrier (try saying that 5 times). Their hobbies include wrestling, chasing each other, and taking naps on the couch. They are here to help you get through finals week, so come say hi!

Last, but certainly not least, we have Dot. She is a 6 year old Brittany. Like most dogs, she enjoys doing agility obstacles and watching the birds, while relaxing in the backyard. Dot is gentle and her tail is always wagging. Here’s a tip, when you see Dot, ask about her favorite tricks, she’ll show you.

We’ll have more therapy dogs at the different libraries, so be sure to get there early! Do you have a pet? Share with us in the comments below!

Return of the Dogs

Posted on May 5, 2014 by CN

They’re back! Rejoice! Therapy Dogs will be returning to UIUC libraries during finals week to soothe all your exam woes (or help you celebrate any impending graduations). We’ve also got a guest star this semester. Who’s excited about…therapy cats?

Library Therapy Dog Program, May 8th, 12th, and 13th

If you haven’t attended a therapy dog event before, allow us to inform you about what they are. Many studies have shown that interacting with animals can reduce stress levels (and, in turn, improve academic performance). Based on this, the UIUC libraries work with CU Canine Connection, a local therapy dog group, to bring animals to you in places where you are often stressed (ie the library – sorry about the stress).

Sam, Tycho, and Raven, friendly doggies from past semesters, will all be returning to various libraries during finals week so you can reconnect and get your snuggles. Neo regretfullly cannot make it this semester, but sends his love from afar and will catch you next time. To refresh your memory on who’s who (or to get a primer before you meet them for this first time) you can revisit our previous blog posts about therapy dogs. We also have three new visitors this semester: Darby the English Springer Spaniel, and Wyatt and Herbie the Therapy Cats. Learn more about them below!

Darby!

Darby

Darby is a 6-year-old English Springer Spaniel. She lives with her people-mom and -dad in a 36-foot motor home. Traveling is a way of life for her, and she has become very adaptable to long trips on the road and different campgrounds. Darby is also a service dog, helping her hearing-impaired dad at home. She enjoys flying at her humans’ feet on frequent flights between Illinois and Florida.She likes people of all ages as long as they will provide lots of loving and affection (so she’ll fit right in at the UGL!) This will be her first appearance in the library, but her second at the U of I: the first was the Smoke Out event last year.

Herbie!

Herbie

Herbie is a 15-year-old British short hair mix. Adopted from the Champaign County Humane Society, he is a laid back orange tabby that loves attention, string toys, catnip, and wrestling andplaying with his 3 cat brothers. He visits Clark-Lindsey retirement village every week, where he visits with residents and staff. He is registered as a therapy cat with Love on Leash, and his “mom” is involved in I-CAT, International Cat-Assisted Therapy.

Wyatt!

Wyatt

Wyatt is a five year old Ragdoll. He has long silver and white fur. He loves for his friends to give attention to him, and will purr and flex his paws if you pet him. Wyatt is very laid back and loves his people to visit, and he works every week at a nursing home in Champaign County. He is registered with Love on a Leash.

Here’s the schedule for spring semester 2014, showing which dogs (and cats) will be at which libraries on which days:

Grainger Engineering Library on Thursday, May 8th, from 2-4 PM: Sam and Darby
UGL on Monday, May 12th, from 2-4 PM: Tycho, Wyatt and Herbie
Funk ACES Library on Tuesday, May 13th, from 2-4 PM : Raven

We hope to see you there!

Get Some Doggone Hugs!

Posted on December 9, 2013 by CN

The UGL has gone to the dogs – therapy dogs, that is. Two therapy dog events are scheduled in the library during finals week to help you de-stress and finish this semester strong. Read on to find out the details and to meet the hard-working pups who make it all happen!

Sam will accept your adoration.

Sam the Alaskan Malamute has been to events at the UIUC libraries before, but he keeps coming back to see all his favorite people, and to please his loyal fans. Sam is a master of chilling out and napping, and will be pleased to teach you his stress-free ways, which he has been working on quite diligently for all of his 8 years.

Raven thinks the UGL is delicious!

Raven the Standard Poodle is also a library event veteran. Though her schedule is very busy with catching Frisbees and chasing tennis balls, she’s always happy to make time and come to the libraries for some petting. She’s 7 and a half, and prefers the company of adults like herself, since they are the best at the aforementioned petting.

Black Labrador retriever with soulful eyes

Neo looks expectant because he hears you give belly rubs, which are his favorite.

Neo the Labrador Retriever is 7 years old, and he hasn’t been to the UIUC libraries before, but he spends a lot of time at Carle Hospital and helping children in schools through the R.E.A.D. program. He’s also been given the Helping Hand award by the Champaign Fire Department for his help with crisis response. We’re sure he’ll be a big hit with all our students as well.

You don’t need a telescope to see how cute Tycho is.

Tycho the Boxer is a 9-year-old lover of cat food and new friends. He spends his days encouraging violin students by singing along, and playing with two Cornish Rex cats (from whom he steals the cat food). He also accompanies the violin students to performances at nursing homes, other libraries, and fundraisers.

These wonderful canine companions will be available on the following days:

Thursday, December 12th, from 2-4 PM in Grainger Engineering Library (Raven, Sam, and Neo)
Monday, December 16th, from 2-4 PM in the Undergraduate Library (Raven, Sam, Neo, and Tycho)

While you wait for the big dog days to arrive, you can follow the UGL’s Therapy Dog Pinterest board to read up on therapy animals and how they help various people. The dogs (and the library!) look forward to seeing you there!

Dog Days

Posted on April 29, 2013 by RAL

Hey, #ClubUGL! Therapy dogs are coming back to the library for finals week!

Sam is a cutie and would love to see you.

Cuddle up with a book and a pup!

We know how stressful finishing classes can be—especially at the end of the school year. So if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, need a study break, or just simply love dogs, make sure you stop by to visit.

Sam the Alaskan Malamute and Raven the standard Poodle will be back (Read more about them here!), courtesy of the Champaign-Urbana Canine Connection.

So just where is all this fuzzy, puppy goodness happening? We’ve got three locations this time, to best suit your needs:

Friday, May 3rd: ARC (11am-2pm)

Monday, May 6th: UGL (2pm-5pm)

Tuesday, May 7th: Grainger (2pm-5pm)

Hope to see you next Monday at the UGL—make sure you pick up a custom-made bookmark featuring one of our Dog Stars, too!

Happy studying!

Undergraduate Library Blog

Information and Updates on Getting the Most out of the UGL

Tag Archives: therapy dogs

De-Stress Fest 2017

Highlights

Here is the full list of events

October Events 2017

Therapy Dogs Returning to the Library!

They’re Back! Therapy Pets at the Library

Therapy Pets at the Library!

De-Stress Fest! Therapy Dogs, Chair Yoga, and a special guest

It’s that time of year again, Therapy Dogs!

Return of the Dogs

Darby

Herbie

Wyatt

Get Some Doggone Hugs!

Dog Days