About University Libraries

Bierce Library hosts academic and recreational events, activities, workshops, and exhibits throughout the semester for the campus community. 

Visit this page and our social media to learn about upcoming events!

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• Questions about library events? Contact Rita Sausmikat, Manager of User Experience & Engagement.

Pre-Finals Activities at Bierce Library

Join Bierce Library throughout pre-finals week for some relaxing activities to de-stress. The library will also be open extended hours during pre-finals and finals week.

Monday, Dec. 1st

Stuff-a-Study-Buddy plushie: 11am-2pm (or while supplies last), MakerStudio

• Need a study buddy for finals week? Drop by the Bierce Library MakerStudio on Monday, December 1^st starting at 11:00am to Stuff-A-Zippy plushie, the perfect companion to cheer you on through finals! You can also create your own Zippy-themed buttons for a customized accessory for your new study-buddy or backpack. We have a limited number of Zippy plushies, so come early to snag your plushie before they’re gone.

Late Night Coffee: 8pm till supplies last, Lobby

• Stop by Bierce Library's Lobby for free coffee starting at 8pm during Pre-Finals Week, Dec. 1-4.

Tuesday, Dec. 2^nd

WAGTime Therapy Dogs: 10am-2pm, Lobby

• Our furry friends from Summa Health's WAGtime are back at Bierce Library! Come relax and pet the therapy dogs on Tuesday, December 2nd from 10am-2pm in the Library Lobby.

Late Night Coffee: 8pm till supplies last, Lobby

• Stop by Bierce Library's Lobby for free coffee starting at 8pm during Pre-Finals Week, Dec. 1-4.

Wednesday, Dec. 3^rd

Library Yoga with Yoga Squared: 4:30pm-5:30pm, Room 279

• Move your body and quiet the mind this Pre-Finals Week with a yoga flow on Wednesday, December 3rd from 4:30-5:30pm. Nikki from Yoga Squared is leading a Vinyasa Yoga Flow in Bierce Library, Room 279. All levels of experience are welcomed and please bring your own yoga mat or blanket (a few extra mats will be available). Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcomed.

Late Night Coffee: 8pm till supplies last, Lobby

• Stop by Bierce Library's Lobby for free coffee starting at 8pm during Pre-Finals Week, Dec. 1-4.

Thursday, Dec. 4^th

PB&J Deli: 11am till supplies last, Lobby

• Need some study fuel? Make a PB&J sandwich at Bierce Library! Stop by the Library Lobby on Thursday, Dec. 4th for a snack, starting at 11am until supplies last.

Late Night Coffee: 8pm till supplies last, Lobby

• Stop by Bierce Library's Lobby for free coffee starting at 8pm during Pre-Finals Week, Dec. 1-4.

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"Let's Talk" Hours

Where: Bierce Library 156D

When: Mondays from 11:30am-1:30pm during the fall semester

"Let's Talk" is a free, informal, and confidential 15-25 minutes consultations with a UA Counseling & Testing Center mental health clinician. This is a great opportunity to chat or ask questions with a clinician in a relaxed and informal environment! Drop-by on Mondays from 11:30am-1:30pm in Bierce Library Room 156D. Students are seen on a first come, first serve basis.

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"Routines & Rhythms of Akron" Exhibit

Where: Bierce Library, ground floor by MakerStudio

In 2025, Akron is celebrating its 200th anniversary. From its days as a canal town producing oats to its reign as the Rubber Capital of the World, the city has demonstrated a capacity for transformation. Akron’s centralized position in Ohio has drawn a diverse population of innovative residents who have given shape to the city’s economic and cultural growth. The shifting routines of daily life over the years has impacted the way that Akronites conduct their affairs, engage with their community, and find entertainment. Routines & Rhythms of Akron is a two-part exhibit reflecting on the ever-changing life of Akron from its early years to the modern day, highlighting the resilience of the city and its people.

The exhibit is divided into two installations around The University of Akron campus:

• WHAT WE DO, located in The University of Akron Archives & Special Collections (225 South Main Street, Polsky Building, Room LL10) explores the promise of industrial and economic opportunity within Akron, from transportation and industry to department stores and grocers.

• TIME OUT FOR FUN, located in Bierce Library examines Akron’s social landscape, including music, sports, theater, hospitality, and social events.

This exhibit has been researched, curated, designed, and installed by graduate students in the Institute for Human Science & Culture’s Public Humanities Certificate at The University of Akron. The class was tasked to draw on the collections of The University of Akron’s Archives & Special Collections to create a pair of sister exhibits that reflect Akron’s history. This collaborative project provided students with hands-on learning experience and skills in museum work.

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Ohio Unearthed: Geological Discoveries from UA’s Backyard

Where: Bierce Library, first floor display cases
When: Open now through Dec. 2025

Journey to Ohio’s past in a new exhibit, “Ohio Unearthed: Geological Discoveries from UA’s Backyard,” now on display at Bierce Library.

Curated by University Libraries and the Department of Geosciences, “Ohio Unearthed” shares the rich geological and fossil history of the Buckeye State.

Minerals, ancient fossils, and mastodon bones discovered in the University of Akron’s backyard are on loan from the Department of Geosciences for this fascinating exhibit.

These artifacts along with student research on Summit Lake’s sediment tell the environmental story of Akron and Ohio and their roles in Earth’s geological history.

Explore and interact with “Ohio Unearthed” in Bierce Library’s display cases around the first floor staircase during open hours.