New Well-Being Room: a space to relax and recharge

On the first day of Night Library, a new Student Well-Being Room was opened on the 2nd floor, replacing the former family room. This newly opened space is designed for taking a break from studies and unwinding.

The idea of a well-being room had been on the library’s agenda for some time. "Many students had expressed this wish," said Liisi Lembinen, the library's Development Director. "Last year, Master’s students in Economics conducted a study to find ways to improve the library environment. One of the most frequent requests was a well-being room where people could take a moment away from their studies." To ensure the space meets students' actual needs and supports mental health, the library consulted with the University of Tartu Counselling Centre and the Student Union.

The well-being room features soft lighting and a lounge area with pillows for maximum comfort. For those who find relaxation through creativity, one corner is stocked with supplies for crocheting, making dreamcatchers, origami, and coloring. The shelves offer a curated selection of books focused on mental health and wellness. There is also a community diary on the table where visitors can write down their thoughts or leave encouraging messages for others.

The project was made possible through CAELUM an initiative exploring how research libraries can support communities during times of crisis. The University of Tartu Library chose to focus its support on students, with the well-being room being a key part of this mission.

To keep improving the space, feedback is welcomed from all users via an online form or on-site.