Photos by Brett Phelps

Preview: The Commons at Helm Library

President Caboni announced on Monday, April 11 in an email to the student body that the Commons at Helm Library will open on Monday, April 18. Originally slated for a fall 2021 opening, construction for the Commons first began in January 2020 before being delayed due to COVID-19, according to the university’s website. The Talisman was able to get a preview of the restaurants, hangout spots and overall look of the Commons before its opening. Flip through the photo gallery for a sneak peak at the new location.

Members of the WKU community tour The Commons at Helm Library on Wednesday, Apr. 13, 2022.
Members of the WKU community sit in The Commons at Helm Library at WKU on Wednesday, Apr. 13, 2022.
A look at the seating options at The Commons.
Spencer’s Coffee prepares to open a location in The Commons at Helm Library on Wednesday, Apr. 13, 2022.
Pictured are various seating options located on the third floor of The Commons at Helm Library.
Members of the WKU community try food from Moe’s Southwest Grill in The Commons at Helm Library.
Pictured are various setting options located on the third floor of The Commons at Helm Library.
WKU is adding Moe’s Southwest Grill, Panda Express and a variety of other restaurants to The Commons at Helm Library.
There are various kinds of seating arrangements in The Commons at Helm Library, from single-person desks to group study rooms.
Staff and members of the Western Kentucky University community wait in line to order from Moe’s Southwest Grill in The Commons at Helm Library on Wednesday, Apr. 13, 2022.
There are stairs leading from the first floor, where most of the dining options are, to the third floor, which is filled with study areas.