The HUB-Robeson Center and Boucke Building were evacuated for part of yesterday afternoon in response to a bomb threat received at 2:02 p.m. at the Pattee Library circulation desk, Penn State Police Services said.

Staff in the buildings set alarms and filtered through the building, urging occupants to leave, witnesses said.

"In light of recent events, we're taking extra precautions," said Bruce Kline, assistant director of Penn State police.

Sheriffs from around the state happened to be in a training session at the HUB-Robeson Center when the evacuation began.

Penn State police asked for the sheriffs' help in securing the perimeter of each building. They also kept students and other onlookers at a safe distance.

Kyle Cooney (junior-management) was reading in one of the chairs on the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center, when the fire alarms went off.

"No one knew what was going on," Cooney said. "I was confused, but everyone left in a calm manner."

Linda Frank, a cashier at the Higher Grounds coffee shop, finished up her orders and left the building after hearing another staff member's warning.

"This is the first time I've been through such a scare," Frank said.

After the evacuation, a mix of staff and students lingered just beyond the sheriffs' line to see if anything would happen.

Before evening fell, people were allowed to return to both buildings — first Boucke and then the HUB-Robeson Center — after no bombs or suspicious materials were found, said Tom Harmon, director of Penn State police.

Officers told Harmon that many students seemed to be upset and aggravated by the interruption, he said.

"We are taking no further precautions other than to leave posters up saying that there was a bomb threat and having auxiliary officers patrolling the area," Harmon said after the buildings were reopened.