This week, the Palo Alto High School library is staying open late and serving a new brand of free pizza as part of “Snack and Study Week,” a long-running tradition designed to support students in the last days before final exams.
After school this week, leading up to finals, the library will remain open until 6:30 p.m., giving students extra time and a quiet place to prepare. Associate Student Body (ASB) is providing pizza from a local restaurant, Pizza Guys, from 4:30 to 5 p.m., turning the space into a mix of a study and hangout spot.
According to senior Jaydin Richards, the extended hours make the stressful times feel more manageable.
“I’m really glad that Paly is continuing its tradition of having late-night study groups before finals,” Richards said. “Especially because this time of year is so stressful, it’s very nice to have a space to concentrate on work.”
According to librarian Sima Thomas, the event has become a regular part of finals season.
“We’ve been doing this every finals, winter and spring, for around five to six years now,” Thomas said. “I stay late, and ASB provides pizza … It’s very low-key, and it’s just like a warm, safe place to study.”
Senior ASB treasurer Jerry Yan said the goal is not only to help students academically, but also to encourage healthier study habits by providing social support.
“It’s beneficial because we get a week before finals week where we are encouraged not to procrastinate,” Yan said. “We get to study, and even if we aren’t, we are having social time, which is good for mental health, especially before finals.”
According to Yan, the pizza is an upgrade from previous years.
“The pizza is also better than last year because it’s locally made,” Yan said. “We’re supporting local pizza [Pizza Guys], and it feels fresher than Costco.”
Senior ASB president James Park said providing food and extending hours are both intentional parts of making the space more welcoming and effective for studying.
“We continue the tradition of ‘Snack and Study’ so that students have a place to study quietly with their friends, and providing food helps people study and lock in,” Park said.
This event takes place after school and runs from Dec 9 to 11 in the library.
