By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart
If Robin Petrus, Director of SUNY Broome’s Cecil C. Tyrrell Library, knows one thing for certain about college students, it’s this: if you feed them, they will come!
Petrus is keenly attuned to the study habits of the student body. When she noticed that Friday attendance in the library was on the lighter side, she did some research, sought support, and sprang into action. The result? Hive Mind Finish Fridays!
Recognizing that quality learning is fueled by brain food, library staff welcomes students each Friday with complimentary breakfast, lunch, and more, all in hopes of ushering Hornets into the weekend with full stomachs and assignments complete.
Hive Mind Finish Fridays at SUNY Broome all started with Petrus doing what librarians do best: research. While exploring an unrelated topic, she stumbled across an article titled, “The Friday Finish: Incentivizing Student Success and Building Partnerships.”
Intrigued, she read about how librarians at Indiana University hoped to preemptively combat the “Sunday Scaries.” They noticed that though their students visited the library on Fridays, they often left to grab lunch and never returned. To encourage prolonged attendance and productivity, they created the Friday Finish program. Students who visited the Wells Library on Indiana University’s Bloomington campus on Fridays were offered free breakfast and lunch to complement their studies. In addition to grab-and-go meals, students had access to campus resources, and could participate in de-stressing activities to kick-off a restful weekend.
The article struck a chord, as Petrus noticed a nearly identical trend at SUNY Broome’s library. Hoping to develop a similar program, she shared her findings with Dr. Penny Kelly, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who offered her wholehearted support.
“Historically, libraries have always served as a gathering place for people to learn and exchange ideas,” Petrus explained. “Our goal is to make the Library a welcoming and productive space for our students. Hive Mind Finish Fridays served as an opportunity to expand on that goal.”
Petrus enjoys visiting with students during Hive Mind Finish Fridays.
Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
The inaugural Hive Mind Finish Friday was launched in the Spring 2025 semester. At first, students were confused when a team from American Dining Creations entered the library with platters and chafing dishes. Petrus and her team walked to each table to personally invite students up to the buffet, assuring them that the food was both plentiful and free of charge.
“A student walked up, looked at the food, and asked me, ‘Are you having a party?’” Petrus laughed. “I said, ‘Yes! For you!’ It was such a special moment.”
Finish Fridays menus are simple, but nourishing. A continental breakfast is served at 10 a.m., featuring a selection of pastries, fresh fruit, and coffee, tea, and juice. Lunch starts at noon with a rotating menu of college staples of pizza, tacos, and wraps.
It didn’t take long for word to spread across campus that the Library was the place to be at the week’s end. Now, Finish Friday lines curve around the lobby and often overflow out the door. While a handful of students eat and run, most stick around for student support, accessing tutoring, attending drop-in hours in the Math Lab and Writing Center, or simply wrapping up their schoolwork for the week, with Success Coaches, Learning Specialists, and Accessibility Specialists nearby. For many students, Hive Mind Finish Fridays have become a fixture in their weekly routine.
“We love to see our Hive Mind Finish Fridays regulars,” Petrus beamed. “But new visitors are always welcome!”
One genuinely appreciative regular, particularly on taco Fridays, is Chemical Dependency Counseling A.A.S. student, Max Howard.
“I often go to the Math Lab on Friday afternoons, and having the opportunity to get some brain food beforehand has been really helpful,” Howard shared. “Finish Fridays are a great way to wrap up work before the weekend.”
Always looking to engage the campus community, Petrus loves when “special guests” table beside the buffet. Recent special guests include Academic Advisors, the Success Coaches, and pop-up Math support with Clint Ryan. Even therapy dogs make an occasional appearance. While some believe libraries are meant to be silent, Petrus respectfully disagrees.
“I love to hear murmurings across our library, because that means it’s being used! Those murmurings mean that our students are learning and growing!”
Check the BUZZ for Hive Mind Finish Fridays Announcements and Menu!
Learn more about the hours and services provided at SUNY Broome’s Cecil C. Tyrrell Library!
For many students, Hive Mind Finish Fridays have become a fixture in their weekly routine.
Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
Tags: Library, Profile, Women's History Month
