On Monday, December 9, 2024, the Duane G. Meyer Library hosted its first ever Fizz & Focus, a soda bar to refresh students who were studying for finals. 339 students participated in the event, which took place in the library’s lobby. 

Brynna Wehner, a sophomore at Missouri State University and a Marketing and Communications Assistant, came up with the idea for Fizz & Focus.

“Right now, soda bars are popping up all over the place,” she said, noting that a new one recently opened in Kansas City.

But how many libraries have one?

“It was something a little different than what we’ve done in the past,” she said. “It was a way to take a break, get caffeinated, and get back to studying.”

Wehner pitched the idea to her supervisor, Holly Kouns, Coordinator of Public Services for the library. After Kouns gave her the green light, Wehner got to work. It took almost a month to pull it off.

“I emailed the account executive at Ozarks Coca Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Co. and asked if they would be willing to donate drinks, and so they donated all the sodas for the event,” Wehner said.

The cans of soda were the base. There were also flavored syrups to choose from, including cherry, coconut, vanilla, and raspberry, plus add-ons like creamer and lime juice for customization. 

Wehner was surprised by the enthusiasm.

“As soon as we set up, people were lining up at the door trying to get a soda,” Wehner recalled. “There was a lot of positive feedback. They were saying, ‘This was so much fun,’ ‘This was a great idea.'”