Monday, June 08, 2009
My Neighborhood
Elmora Dunkin' Donuts often mentioned in this blog, a few steps from the branch library (I wish it was part of the library). Give the owner credit, they're not required to try for some coffee bar atmosphere. It attracts small study groups from Kean University, guys from a nearby Jewish high school, & people with laptops. One young counter employee was mopping the floor - not her usual duty - & I joked that a barista didn't do that kind of work. "What's a barista?" she asked. OK, it's not Starbucks, but if she made a list of everything she does well in her job, from a dozen variations on an egg & cheese sandwich to basic espresso drinks to helping children choose a dozen donuts, she might be surprised.Labels: Elizabeth NJ
Comments:
<< Home
"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." Thomas Jefferson
I went to a seminar with a group of Dutch librarians. They commented on how different the American library philosophy is about food and drink in libraries- we're so worried about protecting the books. But, said the European librarians, what do you think the patrons do with the books when they get home? They're not kept hermetically sealed- we eat, visit the restroom, take them outside, etc.
A few stateside libraries do have coffee bars a la Barnes 'n Noble. It's a good idea (and a revenue generator in a lousy economy.) It would be nice if the DD could be attached to the library.
A few stateside libraries do have coffee bars a la Barnes 'n Noble. It's a good idea (and a revenue generator in a lousy economy.) It would be nice if the DD could be attached to the library.
Rahway's library was designed as one floor of a commercial office building, with a cafe & outside balcony as part of the library space, leased & operated independently. The mayor had Starbucks visions & talked of poetry readings, lectures, & book signings in which he himself had no interest, not being a literary-minded guy or, so far as I could tell, much of an espresso beverage type. & it was impossible to imagine the place open at midnight. Rahway at the time had a wonderful downtown coffeehouse that couldn't attract a strong local clientele, & there was no reason to think the library staff would grow to the idea. I loved the concept of the multi-use structure, but deemed the project impractical. It was built & it was. But by then I'd been exiled to Elizabeth.
Post a Comment
<< Home
