WKU News

WKU Libraries is pleased to announce the opening of “The Commons at Cravens” located on the fourth floor of the Cravens Library at WKU’s main campus. The grand opening will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 31) with remarks at 4:30 p.m. by President Gary Ransdell, Provost Gordon Emslie, WKU student Mark Reeves and Dean of Libraries Connie Foster.

“This is an exciting transformation for the Library,” Foster said. “Students can work as a group in one of the collaborative booths, sit at a bistro table overlooking the campus, or just BYOD (bring your own device) and plug into one of the stations at the laptop counter.”

According to Foster, the newly renovated floor offers a single service desk for research assistance, technology support, and writing center tutoring — all conveniently located across from Circulation Services. The space will provide students with more computer access, whiteboards for study, and movable furniture to fit their study needs.

Tiffany Hayes, Project Manager from WKU Planning, Design and Construction, said the construction began Oct. 1 on approximately 9,600 square feet of space and was completed Jan. 15.

“The scope of improvements included new carpet and rubber flooring, fresh paint, vinyl wall covering, a new laptop counter, soffits above circulation and reference desks, and decorative wall panels,” Hayes said. “The furniture company installed new computer workstations, booths, and the reference desk. The existing circulation desk was rearranged.”

“We hope this transformation creates a positive place of possibilities — a place Where Knowledge Unfolds,” Foster said.

For information on WKU Libraries, go to www.wku.edu/library.

Contact: Jennifer Wilson, (270) 745-6977.