[Source: Angela Deligiannis, Arizona Republic] — Phoenix’s Burton Barr Central Library plans to open a new coffeehouse in the spring. The Open Book Cafe will be the first coffeehouse at a library in Phoenix and is part of a growing national trend, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, an initiative of the Pew Research Center, a non-profit research organization. “It will provide a convenient place for library customers to meet and dine,” said Victoria Welsh, spokeswoman for the Phoenix Public Library.
Having a place to get a beverage without leaving the library was the No. 1 request of library patrons in a survey last year, Welsh said. The coffee shop will be on the first floor of the library at 1221 N. Central Ave., near the entrance on the west side of the building, facing Central Avenue. Construction is under way and will be completed by spring, Welsh said. Open Book Café will offer wireless Internet access, outdoor seating, and areas for studying and relaxing. The library will partner with the Arizona Business Enterprise Program to select a vendor, Welsh said. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
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