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The concept of the library and the coffee house has been linked for quite some time. Thinking back to the work of Jurgen Habermas, around the time of the Revolution Habermas articulated the importance of the coffee house as a place for meeting, discussion and debate, before freedom of speech was the norm. Historically, and even today, the library is seen in the same manner, as somewhere patrons can go to access educational tools and become informed citizens. Perhaps political discussion is not as common in the library, but many still meet there for programs, to study, or simply to hang out. The following information will discuss the recent merging of coffee bars and libraries, as a marketing strategy to reach patrons- especially teens.

A 2006 study of teens reports a 25% increase in the number of teen coffee drinkers over the course of 2 years. This number is really quite staggering! When asked why, many replied that they like the caffeine and the taste, and they enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a place like Starbucks. Bookstores have already jumped on this notion, encouraging customers to linger a while and enjoy the books, One study showed that some teens were using a local Barnes & Noble like a library- reading, studying, asking for reader’s advisory. When asked why, they gave the following reasons:

• the collection is more up-to-date
• they enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Barnes & Noble
• the area seemed more friendly and inviting
• coffee bars allowed them to take a break and return conveniently

Academic libraries (who typically have more funding and are in competition for students) are latching onto this trend perhaps more quickly, by placing coffee shops in or close in proximity to their library. Wireless computer access allows students to move about the library, in a way that wasn’t possible only a few years ago. A study on this topic sought to gage college/university students library usage, study habits, and coffee consumption. The library was listed as the number 1 study location, and studying and using email were the top 2 library behaviours. In terms of coffee consumption, convenience was listed as the number 1 factor in choosing a coffee bar, and students reported drinking 1-3 cups on average per day. 33% of academic libraries in the overall sample were said to be amending their food and beverage policies to make the library a more relaxing place to be.

Coffee shops were especially a good idea in cases where libraries had extended hours. One university turned their coffee house into a place for poetry readings and open mic nights on certain nights of the week, which I thought was a great culturally enriching move. The libraries in the study reported an average of 24% more people coming in after installing their coffee bars and/or vendor. So, this service was tested to work well with college/university student, who are studying intensively and require a relaxing atmosphere to conduct their studies. Will this be as effective to bring teens into public libraries? It remains to be seen, depending on what kinds of coffee service/snack service is offered - a full service facility, variety of snacks, staff run/contracted, vending machines, etc. are all considerations. Below are a list of pros and cons to coffee houses in libraries, based on the research I have conducted.

Pros 

• place to socialize
• creates more relaxed atmosphere
• convenient (patron don’t have to leave the library if they need refreshments)
• could do creative programming with it (as per the example above)
• makes library appear “cooler”
• bookstores have already done it, and proved it successful
• proven to increase attendance in academic libraries
• teens drink more coffee lately, so there is a demand for it

Cons 

• expensive to implement/run, contracts need to be negotiated
• potential damage to library materials
• may increase noise level
• may change library space too much
• does not necessarily bring in more patrons
• could be a passing trend

Either way, this is an idea many libraries are considering, and I believe it is valid to consider why. I welcome any opinions on whether or not you think coffee bars/cafes are a good idea for public libraries, specifically for teens.

References 

Anonymous. (2008). A cafe or coffee bar in the public libraries. realistic or not? Retrieved March 24th, 2008 from http://members.tripod.com/~robyn64/Page.htm

Marshall, M. (2006). The teen coffee drinking trend. WBZTV.com. Retrieved March 24th, 2008 from http://wbtv.com/Caffeine.Teen.Coffee.2.575920.html

Schott, K. (2006). Libraries with coffee shops the ‘in’ thing at area universities. BNET.com. Retrieved March 24th, 2008 from http://findarticles.com/p/articesl/mi_qa3652/is_200608/ai_n17191828/print

Singh, G. (2002). Evolving space: an examination of coffee shops in academic libraries. Retrieved March 24th, 2008 from http://www.ils.unc.edu/MSpapers/2813.pdf