What a beautiful library...why couldn't they put a Barnes & Noble here?

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.