As Winter break draws nearer and nearer, the dreaded finals come with it.  An endless amount of studying happens before the semester comes to a close.  It is during this time that finding a quiet and safe place to study is not only important but crucial.
This year the library is offering a solution by extending their hours to fit the needs of all students. Until Dec. 17, the library will be open until 1:30 a.m. Monday – Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This is something new the library is trying this semester, to accommodate students’ needs.
Michael Malagon, the Nights and Weekend Library Services Specialist, said the library wants to be an assistance to students during this stressful time and that a shuttle will be available late to aid students during the late hours.
“Our target goal is to assist the students during finals,” he said.
The shuttle is easy to acquire and it is for students of the campus.  The process is simple and focuses on the needs of the students.  The shuttle is scheduled every half hour and sign-up is at the circulation desk in the library.
“As it stands right now, it would have to be in person, the student would come to the circulation desk.  Their Warrior Card is required.  The library shuttle services are exclusively for students, it wouldn’t pertain to community members unfortunately,” Malagon said.
As of right now there is only one shuttle, but the rides have never been over booked.  For an hour, the library shuttle and the University Police Department (UPD) shuttles are both available, making it even more convenient for students to get a ride.
There are only certain designated spots that the shuttle goes to, which Michael Malagon suggests a student parks if they are planning to stay late and desire a safe ride.
“For one hour, both shuttle services are available.  Our shuttle services are limited to lots 2, 3, 4, 5 and we also take students up to the pergola.  If it’s still not 12 yet, if someone needs to go to lot 11 or lot 6, we call UPD shuttle services for that student.  If they would like to call for a UPD shuttle they could do it or they can ask us to and we would be happy to help them,” Malagon said.
With the increase of students spending time in the library, the library employees work to make sure everyone is respectful of the new study time.  This has been proven to be a perfect quiet place for students to retreat.
“[keeping the peace] has been working out perfectly fine, there hasn’t been an instance were people are complaining or any other disruptions.  It’s been very civilized,” Malagon said.
Some students on campus see this new time extension to be a great opportunity for students to have a place to study that is safe.  Jasmine Dhadda (senior, Sociology) sees the new extended hours as a good thing for students that live close to campus.
“I feel like it would be good for like students that live on campus or who have classes later they can have a safe place to go study,” she said. “Especially since they’re going to provide transportation.  It’s safe and they can go there and get their work done, I think it’s a good thing.”
Another student, Jasmine Kaur (senior, Liberal Studies), also sees the extended hours as a good thing and if she lived closer would make use of the opportunity.
“I feel like it’s really good for students who live on campus, I personally don’t live on campus and I try to go home as early as possible so I can get studying in, and also because the library does close down.  So, I think it will be really beneficial for students,” Kaur said.
The library will be offering shuttle rides Monday-Thursday from 11:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. leaving every 30 minutes and Friday – Sunday from 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. every 30 minutes.
Drop offs will be to parking lots 2, 3, 4, 5, and Student Housing.