Cafe Society? Expanding to meet the Wants and Needs of our Students

I was just  reading an excellent article by Debra Lau Whelan in the January 2008 edition of School Library Journal, Cafe Society:  Do School Libraries Need a Double Shot of Espresso?  The article brings to the table the question of the changing needs of school libraries and libraries in general.  It highlights several high school libraries that have incorporated small cafes, thus encouraging students to browse and spend more time in the library in a relaxed, coffee-house atmosphere.  Two distinct and entrenched sides have opinions on this concept.  One side is appalled with the idea of food services in the library, lamenting the cost, clean up, and overall image of cafes:  aren't we here to promote books, not caffeine?  On the other hand, more progressive librarians see it is as a way to encourage students to drop into the library.  Those who have established cafes have seen new faced arrive, as well as a rise in circulation.

I, personally, love the idea.  I am not the type of librarian to forbid water bottles or who goes around shushing her patrons. It never seemed to make sense to me to alienate the very group of people we are trying to attract.  We WANT students to WANT  to be in the library, and if that means bending some long-standing old-fashioned rules, then so be it.  Of course, we don't want a big mess in our libraries, or  to have coffee spilled over all of the books, but if corporations like Chapters are willing to take that risk, shouldn't we give it a try? 

 My husband and I have a favourite date night - going to Chapter's, browsing for books in mutual silence, and then meeting up for a cozy cup of tea at the adjoining Starbucks to discuss waht we read or purchased. The coffee bar concept is popular for a reason - it is a meeting place, and place for discussion, entertainment, book clubs, socializing, etc.  One school media specialst was quoted in ths article by saying, "I wanted a place where students could read, do research, and work on classroom assignments, but also socialize."  If our challenge is to get more students INTO the library in order to become familiar with and use the school library, this seems like a great palce to start.