Annenberg Opens Overnight During Reading Period

Annenberg Dining Hall has remained open 24/7 during reading period, giving first-years an overnight study space as students prepare for final exams, according to a Monday email sent to first-year students by Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students Nekesa Straker.

The first-year dining hall, which typically closes at 11 p.m. on weeknights and 7:30 p.m. on weekends, has kept its seating area open overnight, though its servery closes after Brain Break. All 12 upperclassmen dining halls already remain open at all hours.

“Need a late-night study spot during reading period? Annenberg has you covered,” Straker wrote. “While the servery will close at its usual time after Brain Break, the space itself stays open for you all night long.”

“There is also a possibility that these extended hours will continue through finals period, so stay tuned for updates,” she added.

A College spokesperson wrote in a statement that “the College is pleased to provide this additional access for our first year students.”

Several first-years said the extended hours offered a convenient alternative to crowded libraries during one of the busiest academic stretches of the semester.

Sylvia R. Ombiro ’29 said other study spaces are often full during reading period, making Annenberg’s overnight access especially useful.

“Most of the libraries, especially this time, usually are so full,” Ombiro said. “The fact that Annenberg is open all night is very convenient.”

“If we had food, it would be even more convenient,” she added.

Aria Vue L. Daugherty ’29 said she already spends time in Annenberg between meals and welcomed the change.

“I like to sit here in between meal times anyway, so it’s nice that I don’t have to loiter at the end in order to do that,” Daugherty said. “It’s a great study spot.”

“I won’t be a freshman anymore, but for the future freshmen, it would be nice if they had extended hours all the time,” Daugherty added.

Nicolo De Pasquale ’29 called the initiative “a really great idea,” saying Annenberg’s location and atmosphere make it an appealing place to study during finals season.

“It’s really good for finals, because I can just stay here after I get breakfast or before lunch,” De Pasquale said. “I don’t have to move between the library or my dorm here, so I do save a lot of time, and it’s a beautiful space.”

Linde E. Burger ’29 said Annenberg’s proximity to the Yard makes it a convenient study spot for first-years, though she said she had not felt a pressing need for the dining hall to stay open later.

“I think it’s nice,” Burger said. “I don’t think it’s very necessary. But, like, why not?”

Some students said the College should go further by offering food during the extended hours. While Annenberg serves Brain Break — late-night bites offered on weeknights — until 11 p.m., upperclassmen Houses leave snacks out overnight beginning at 9 p.m.

William Krzysiak ’29, a member of Harvard’s varsity football team, said food options during Annenberg’s overnight hours would be especially helpful for student-athletes.

“I like the idea of having it open for 24 hours,” Krzysiak said. “But I think that if they’re gonna do that, they should provide food, at least. Even just some snacks, like Brain Break.”

“I’m an athlete,” he added. “Sometimes I get out of practice later. Sometimes I got to study late.”

But the extended hours also raised concerns among some students about the burden on Annenberg staff.

De Pasquale said he would not want Annenberg to remain open 24/7 throughout the academic year, citing concerns for Harvard University Dining Services workers.

“Poor HUDS workers,” he said. “We need to also have breaks for the workers too.”

Raihana Rahman ’26 also said the extended hours could place an undue strain on Annenberg staff.

“I wonder how much strain it puts on custodial staff and dining staff to keep the space up for that long,” Rahman said. “I feel like they’re already overworked and underpaid.”

—Staff writer Wyeth Renwick can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X @wzrenwick.