Available 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Additional Options

Libraries offer extra hours, activities for a reduced-stress finals week

April 23, 2026

Don’t let the stress of semester’s end get you down! While libraries help you study or complete research year-round, we also offer an extra slate of resources and activities to help you decompress during finals week (even if that means more time at the library).

Extended Hours

UW-Madison Libraries are adding hours across multiple locations to support extra study time before and during finals week.

  • College Library will stay open later on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, 25. Starting Friday, May 1, through Thursday, May 7, the library will stay open 24 hours, and then stay open until 10 p.m. on Friday, May 8. (A valid UW–Madison ID is required to enter or use College Library between midnight and 7 a.m.) 
  • From Thursday, April 29, through Thursday, May 7, Memorial Library will stay open later on select weekdays and also open earlier on Saturday and Sunday.
  • From Friday, May 1, through Thursday, May 7, Steenbock Library will expand some hours, staying open later on Friday and Saturday and opening earlier on Saturday and Sunday.

Check the location page of your preferred study spot to confirm hours before you visit.

Activities

Sunday, April 26

Write Now: The Finals Countdown for Undergrads
College Library, 4–10 p.m.
Make a 40-minute appointment with the Writing Center to get one-on-one help with final projects and papers.

Friday, May 1

Libraries Study Crawl
Various locations and times 
Join UW-Madison Libraries’ first-ever Study Crawl to round out your academic year with discovery, fun, and, of course, snacks. Plus, participants who collect three stickers on their Study Crawl passport will be entered into a drawing to win themed prizes.

Saturday, May 2

Family Gardening Day
Outside Steenbock Library, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Join us outside the entrance to Steenbock Library for an outdoor study break (and other nearby activities) as part of Family Gardening Day. Note: Steenbock Library building will open at 11 a.m.

Monday, May 4

Dogs on Call
College Library, 3–5 p.m.
Stop by for a little canine therapy at Dogs on Call. Canines and their handlers will be stationed around the first floor of the library for those in need of a puppy cuddle.