Zoe's Bookside Bagels now open in Wilson Library

The newest coffee shop and eatery on the Western Washington University campus is now open. Zoe's Bookside Bagels (named in honor of Mabel Zoe Wilson, who also lent her name to Wilson Library) opened at 9 this morning in the space formerly occupied by Special Collections in the WWU library.

The space is designed to be a combination eatery, study area, hangout space and even a small entertainment venue, said Chris Cox, the WWU dean of libraries.

"Students need a variety of study spaces," he said. "This gives them an informal gathering space to get together with other students and with faculty members."

Ira Simon, director of University Dining Services, said he's excited about what the new eatery offers the university.

"Our research has shown that a new destination on campus with a new menu, extended hours and local products is just what Western needed," Simon said.

Zoe's is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 to 5 on Friday and from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The room is designed so that all of the furniture can easily be rearranged, Cox said. The space can accomodate faculty lectures, student study groups and even poetry slams or other similar events.

Plus, there's also the food option, he said. The eatery, which is run by Sodexo, features bagels from The Bagelry and coffee from Tony's Coffee, both local businesses. The eatery also features West Coast-style bagels made with locally and sustainably produced Shepherd's Grain Flour.

Cox said he's hoping that students will stay and study longer in the library now that food and coffee will be easily accessible. Plus, those who might not have come in otherwise may visit the library, he said. Cox said he hopes that the new eatery will mean an additional 2,000 to 3,000 visits to the library per year.

For more information, visit the University Dining Services website at https://housing.wwu.edu/dining/.

Zoe's Bookside Bagels, the new eatery in WWU's Wilson Library, features bagels and coffee in a relazed setting.