By: Lili Romann ’19

Pencils are snapped in half. Eraser marks flood the table. Month-long units are crammed in the span of a few hours. It’s the season of midterms.

Midterm and finals seem to have similar connotations among the Staples’ community: rigorous, stressful, and strenuous. The Westport Youth Commision and the Toquet Hall are attempting to better students’ experiences by implementing the option to schedule group space in advance, offering a wider range of study space, and bringing therapy dogs to the Westport Public Library. Students will also be offered a 10% discount at the Westport Library Café.

Abigail Genser ’18 is a member of the Westport Youth Commision and shared its upcoming goals for midterm season. “I think the goal of WYC is to advocate for the youth of Westport by any means possible, and reducing stress during midterms and finals is an initiative to help achieve that over-arching goal,” Genser said.

Jaina Shaw, a member who works at the Westport Public Library, feels these changes will benefit many attendees of the library, as these were not the customs in years past.

“In the past, the library only offered group space on a first come, first serve basis. This year, space can be reserved in advance online,” Shaw said. “Groups can reserve a one and a half hour block of time for free or, for $15, groups can receive the ‘VIP Experience,’ which includes drinks, snacks, and a two and a half hour block of time.”

Juliette Schwebel ’19 spends the majority of her studying time at the library and looks forward to the events transpiring at the library.

“I think that a lot of people get overworked and stressed about midterms and it is a good idea for people to take breaks. In a way, this will force them to take breaks.” Schwebel said. “I can’t wait.”