[Publib] re: coffee contract

[James Casey]

I agree that a coffee shop venture in one's library should not be
Looked upon as a revenue stream option, but as a value added service.
It might be hard to attract vendors unless there are some incentives
-- such as some waivers of rent to defray expenses, catering
opportunities for library programs, gift certificates for coffee 
shop, special staff association promotions, etc..  Having a coffee
shop in one's library adds a more relaxed and positive ambience 
that can make the Library a favorable destination rather than 
merely a place one has to go to do homework or job hunt.

Does anyone remember what ever happened to the old fashioned
Bookstores that chased you away if you had a coffee cup in your
Hand?  "No food or drink in the store."  Market share has
Gone entirely to the Borders and Barnes & Noble stores with
Their coffee shops and their "destination" attitude.  The stuffy,
restricted, stores have disappeared or become marginalized.  

James B. Casey



-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Bookbitch
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2006 7:10 AM
To: 'PubLib'
Subject: RE: [Publib] re: coffee contract

I just wanted to comment on the coffee business.  My library doesn't have
it, but I worked for Borders for many years before the library at a store
that is half a mile away from the library.  As crowded as the café was at
Borders, it was a perpetual money loser.  It is my understanding that most
of the cafés in bookstores are.  They use them to bring people into the
store and to keep them there, the theory being the longer they are there the
more likely they are to buy something, hopefully something like a book or
CD.  As expensive as the café items are, they just don't make money on them.
My point being if you are looking at the coffee shop idea as a money maker,
don't count on it.  If you want to provide a additional service to the
community, then go for it.

Just my two cents.

Stacy Alesi
Library Name *Censored*
Boca Raton, Florida

I am the BookBitch  
www.bookbitch.com  
Start the new year off right! Win BLINDFOLD GAME by Dana Stabenow or 5 more
thrillers...and check out my interview at www.subtletea.com

_______________________________________________
Publib mailing list
Publib at webjunction.org
http://lists.webjunction.org/mailman/listinfo/publib