Latte at the library -- CU's first cyber café opens in Olin Library

By Beth Fontana

Students and faculty returning from spring break have found a new place to meet and relax between classes and on breaks from studying in the evenings. Libe Café, Cornell's first "cyber café," opened March 26 on the first floor of Olin Library.

From left, Carmen Blankinship, library associate and head of OKU Access Services, and University Librarian Sarah Thomas try out the new Libe Café on the first floor of Olin Library. Nicola Kountoupes/University Photography

Shaking the dust off the stereotypic perception of academic libraries as dark, dull places where one dares not speak, cyber cafés are becoming de rigueur at university, college and public libraries throughout the country. Cornell joins other universities such as Columbia, Dartmouth, Berkeley and Michigan State, which are transforming library facilities to keep pace with their patrons' demands for the latest technology and modern conveniences.

Libe Café is the brainchild of University Librarian Sarah Thomas. She envisioned creating a cyber café at Cornell soon after she arrived from the Library of Congress in 1996.

"We see this as much more than a convenience for library users," Thomas said. "The café is just one more component in our plan to transform our facilities into more dynamic and vibrant spaces."

Thomas is confident that the café will become a hub of social and educational interaction between students, faculty and university staff. "We view it as a more relaxed 'office' setting," she said. The library will also use the space to present readings, guest lectures and other special events.

Cornell Library selected Cornell Dining as the food service vendor and worked with the university's Planning, Design and Construction department to draw up a plan for a sleek, contemporary facility. Libe Café provides seating for up to 70, including the coffee bar, tables for two or four and groupings of comfortable arm chairs. There are 15 computer ports currently "live" to provide Internet access, and the space is wired to allow easy installation of more ports if demand increases. Wireless access also will be available in the near future.

"Cornell Dining is committed to providing creative and exceptional service, especially partnering with campus units such as the library," said Nadeem Siddiqui, director of Cornell Dining Services. "The concept is fresh, new and one that students will be enjoying for a long while."

In addition to the requisite cappuccino, lattes, espresso and regular "joe," Libe Café will offer a selection of cold beverages, bagels and fresh-made pastries. Food must be consumed in the café, but beverages in approved covered containers will be permitted in the library's public areas. The café is open during Olin Library's regular hours and will close an hour before the library closes in the evenings.