Comment by Molitor5901
13 hours ago
It would be interesting if libraries also operated, say, cafes. Rules apply of course, but it might create a job and add something extra to a library.
13 hours ago
It would be interesting if libraries also operated, say, cafes. Rules apply of course, but it might create a job and add something extra to a library.
When visiting Delft in the Netherlands I was extremely jealous that the library there not only had a cafe, but that the cafe served wine and the whole place was open until like 11pm. Haven’t encountered anything like that in the US.
Oh wow I remember having the same feeling there. I had forgotten about that, thanks for the memory.
This would definitely be a great thing to add.
One thing that I don't like about American culture is that people are a little too hesitant about adding 'retail' into publicly-owned spaces. There's a reflexive attitude of that being A Bad Thing, even though most Americans who visit, say, Japan, really appreciate the various shops and kiosks they have in transit stations over there.
I also really enjoyed in Germany when at the top of some hike there'd be an inn+restaurant, something Americans seem to treat as nearly anathema.
Given the rest of American culture is intensely commercialised, I can see why there is a desire to protect the remaining non-commercial spaces.
My local library has an indepenently run coffee kiosk out front, the Council (local govt) own the facility and lease it to the operator, and presumably have some lease terms about allowable signage and branding.
I'd probably feel differently if it was a mega franchise like Starbucks or McCafe right at the entrance of a civic building.
I understand why, but it often results in bad outcomes. Part of why transit in other countries is better is often precisely because of greater commercialization. It's not just that it's more convenient for travelers, but also it makes money to fund transit.
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Near where I live, there is a library facility that has a cafe. However, it's not a regular book-lending library... it's run by the country library system, but it's actually a free coworking space. They even have a music room with 4 stringed instruments, a computer, and an electronic drum kit as well as a podcasting studio.
The library in my town had coffee, but it was more like a library that had a little coffee than a cafe with a library, if that makes sense.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library's top floor has a cafeteria.
There's a library in the neighboring suburb that has a little cafe in the lobby.
Japan already has a range of cafes that let you read books, manga, or listen to music
I think at least a couple do have cafes here in Göteborg