Tackle study stress: Midterm Marathon offers free snacks, events and activities

The Sundberg Library and Learning Commons at Kirkwood Community College will host the Midterm Marathon from Oct. 6-10. This week long event is meant to help support students before midterms. Being offered snacks and events the week before midterms begin, students will have many resources to improve success.   

“If students have papers or any research that’s due (the Library and Learning Commons) are always here to help with that,” said librarian Julie Petersen.  

Students are already looking forward to the Midterm Marathon, especially the events.   

“Nothing starts the day off better than a donut from Donutland,” said Tyler Henderson, second-year education major. “Kirkwood has a vast amount of help that me, and so many students should take advantage of during the next few weeks.”  

In past years, many students credited the Midterm Marathon with helping them stay on track and reducing stress levels.  

In addition to donuts, there will also be coffee, tea and hot cocoa available every day while supplies last, as well as snacks, jigsaw puzzles and coloring books. Students will also have daily academic support in both the library and Learning Commons.  

“I plan on being involved,” said Ryder Banks, first-year criminal justice major after hearing about the opportunities. “The extra help will go a long way during midterms.”    

One of the main goals of the event, which includes free chair massages and therapy dog visits, is to help alleviate stress for students.  

Petersen added that for the first time this year the Sundberg Library will be hosting a craft event led by Student Services. Students will be able to create their own stuffed animals and go home with memorabilia from the 2025 Midterm Marathon.  

The Sundberg Library is located on the first floor of Benton Hall. The Learning Commons is located at 2071 Cedar Hall.