Over the last year or so I've come to terms with the fact that I'm terribly mainstream. My tastes are so average that I'm strange. I love a meal at Applebees, Chi-chi's was the best Mexican restaurant ever and Olive Garden seems like a great example of fine Italian cuisine.
It's not that I don't appreciate the towny bars and mom and pop shops - I do. But chain stores are built from experience. While they don't always fit in the context of the community around them, they always seem convenient.
Today, however, I reached a new low. I was walking around a brand new community library. A block off of the main drag, within easy walking distance of the entire community. Its a prime example of a public library. My downward spiral started when I asked a few local officials if a coffee shop was included as part of the development. I realized after I had opened my mouth I've never seen a coffee shop in a public library. I suppose I see a conflict that would prevent a private business sharing space in a public library but that is one of those conflicts that never seems like it would REALLY matter. The picturesque library lies next to a gently flowing river meandering back and forth with a train track in the background. It truly is a beautiful space.
Wouldn't you know, all I could think about was how much I wished it were a Barnes & Noble.
A friend put it best. "Wouldn't it be great if you could buy the books instead of getting them for free".
But I really could use a cup of coffee.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
What a beautiful library...why couldn't they put a Barnes & Noble here?
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For your consideration:
GRAND OPENING-Primo's Cafe @ YDL: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm June 6 at the Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. Drop In. Details: 482-4110 ext. 1303
Join in the grand opening celebration of Primo Cafe, the long-anticipated coffee shop located in the lobby of YDL-Whittaker Road. Owner Goitom Berhe has put together an exciting menu featuring a selection of hot and cold beverages plus sweet treats and sandwiches that will be available at the Cafe during library hours. The Library Board recently approved a new policy about food and drink in the library. Beverages in covered containers will be acceptable in all but the library's computer area, Ypsilanti Heritage Room, and special exhibit areas. To launch this exciting new partnership, Primo Cafe will be offering free coffee and samples of sweets throughout the day. Check out the new seating area in the lobby where you can enjoy coffee, read a book, or check your email on wifi!
There's also the whole, y'know, Bombadill's next door to downtown Ypsi Library thing. Urban synergy and all.
Just another way Ypsi is superior - good coffee-book connections.
I always thought Superior Township was Superior. Damn you Bill McFarlane!
The good folks at MSU have a coffee shop in their main library, too. It's not such an unnatural thought. While some might question whether it's appropriate for a public facility to operate something like that, I think it's a great example of creatively generating revenue. I suspect we'll see more government agencies pursuing more such creative means of generating revenue as time progresses.
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