Helm Library was originally constructed as the Health & Physical Education Building. Designed by Brinton Davis, it contained a gymnasium with a 5,000 person capacity as well as classrooms, offices and a shooting range for the Physical Education and ROTC / Military Science departments. It has occasionally be confused with the Red Barn which was the gymnasium it replaced in 1931.
Plans were made to convert the building for a library while Diddle Arena was under construction. In 1963, renovations began which created a 70,000 square foot library that could accommodate over a 1/2 million books on three floors with a seating capacity for 1,000 students. The building also provided space for Library Science and Industrial Arts departments. It was dedicated on October 14, 1967 and named for librarian Margie Helm.
Marvin Leavy
WKU ROTC In Pageant of Progress
ROTC Rifle Range Is Improved
Rifle Range Moves Into Gym
Physical Education Department Enlarged
WKTC Pershing Rifle Patch
WKU Commencement
ROTC Cancer Drive
ROTC Honor Guard
Registration
Certificate of Service Award
Dessie Barlow Wilson White