It’s not every day you’ll find students putting golf balls in the stacks or poring over rare manuscripts by candlelight.
This is Thrive Week, a time when McMaster University community members come together to connect and recharge with a lineup of free stress-relieving activities.
As part of the week, McMaster University Libraries are offering a range of activities designed to support well-being and connection.
“The libraries support students in many ways beyond academics,” said Crystal Mills, head of Access Services. “Our events during Thrive Week offer simple, meaningful ways to step away from stress they may be experiencing and feel supported.”
Thrive Week is an annual initiative at McMaster and universities across Canada that encourages conversations about mental health and well-being. Throughout the week, campus partners collaborate to offer programming that supports the psychological well-being of faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
During Thrive Week, McMaster community members are encouraged to drop by the libraries to participate in hands-on activities and creative workshops.
Thrive Week events at McMaster University Libraries
Book Exchange: Leave a Book, Take a Book
All week during open hours
Health Sciences Library
Pet Therapy with Franki
Jan. 26, 2026, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Health Sciences Library, 2nd floor at main entrance
Make Your Own Stress Ball
Jan. 26 & 28, 2026, 3 – 4 p.m.
Mills library
Hide & Go Sloth Scavenger Hunt
Jan. 26, 2026, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mills library, start at Services Desk, main floor
Putt Putt in the Gov Pubs
Jan. 27, 2026, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mills library, government publications, 2nd floor
Cut, Paste, Create: Moodboard Making
Jan. 27, 2026, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Mills library, Lyons New Media Centre, 4th floor
Volunteer Opportunity: Seed Packing
Jan. 27 & 29, 2026, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Mills library, Wong Classroom, main floor
DIY Fidget Toys in the Makerspace
Jan. 29, 2026, 1 – 3 p.m.
Thode library, Makerspace, lower level
Rare Books by Candlelight
Jan. 29, 2026, 4:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Mills library, William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections, lower level
Learn more
For more information about Thrive Week at campus libraries, visit the libraries’ events webpage.
For a full list of university-wide events, visit the Thrive Week webpage.
