From Monday 28 April, we’ll have a range of activities and displays available in Bill Bryson Library and some of our other study spaces around self-care and wellbeing. 

There’ll be a chance to grab some free fruit for an energy boost whilst you study, and Billy Bee will be celebrating World Bee Day on 20 May, handing out different freebies throughout the day. And make sure you look out for our golden tickets on Lucky Ticket Tuesdays throughout the exam period – there's lots of prizes to be won! 

We’ll also have details of wellbeing, leisure reading and self-care resources you can access through the Library, and details of various support services available to you from the University. 

For more information, visit our Wellbeing Guide.  

To keep up to date on all our wellbeing activities, follow us on Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram. 

#DULibWellBEEing  

We loved hearing from everyone and made sure we read every single comment, with both things you really like and things you want us to improve. We’ve gone through all the feedback and just wanted to share a brief update with where we’re up to with addressing some of the improvements.  

You said:   

• “Please bring back 24 hr opening times”  

We did:  
From the weekend before Easter Term starts until the end of the exam period Billy B will indeed be open 24/7. From your comments and from feedback Durham Student Union we  also extended the original period of 24/7 to cover the last week of exams.  

From the work in last years Student Study Space Habits survey, you told us that this was the period it was most important to be open 24/7. 

You said:    

• “More study spaces – level 4 opposite the lift”  

• “I wish there were more seats in the library”  

We did:  

Over the Easter vacation period we have moved some shelving on Level 4 and created some more study spaces – thank you for the suggestion. We’ve also added some more sofas on Level 2 to make better use of existing space. 

You said:    

• “Fix the chairs the recline too far when you lean back” 

We did:  

We have  purchased some more chairs so we can replace some of those that are not providing good support. This includes operator chairs in the Post Graduate Room. We have a lot of chairs in the Billy B!  

Over the summer we’ve got some plans to refurbish the informal group seating on level 1 north. 

You said:    

• “Bring back free breakfast”  

We did:  

We’re so excited to be bringing back free breakfasts for Easter term, until the end of the exam period. Essentially when we’re open 24/7! This is a three-way collaboration between the Library, Small Island Coffee and the Student Union. Thank you everyone for making it happen. Please help us by keeping the area clean and only taking what you need for breakfast that morning. 

You said:    

• “Microwave please”  

We did:  

We spoke to Small Island, and unfortunately adding a microwave isn’t on the to do list. However, they are exploring getting some noodle pots or similar so you can make some hotfood using the water-tap. (Just remember to eat any hot food in Small Island, and don’t take it into the library 😊 Thank you! 

In the pipeline...  

• We're looking into adding more height adjustable desks in different areas of the Library  

• We’re working with colleagues in Estates and Facilities to review maintenance and checks of our plug sockets (please do let us know when you find one that isn’t working so we can report it!)  

Some of the things you love  

We’ve told you about some of the improvements you’ve asked us to make, but we can’t finish without sharing just a few of the things you love too! Seems like matcha is a big hit! 
  

“You’re always a source of comfort and familiarity.”  

“That you have such helpful staff who help me get the resources I need.”  

“The window seats and matcha lattes” 

“Your extensive book collection and online resources!”  

“That it feels like come.”  

“The staff and the puzzles in The Snug”  

“Your beautiful and natural lighting and cathedral views…” 

 “Downstairs talking area and blueberry match!” 

“The colouring in choices and crafting materials in the Snug” 

 
Thanks to everyone who took the time to tell us what they thought 😊