Volunteer-Run Common Grounds Debuts Inside Main Entrance
An idea long in the making has finally come together at the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library with the start of a new coffee service.
Those passing through the library entrance Monday through Wednesday mornings can now stop by the Common Grounds coffee counter for a hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and pair it with a delicious baked treat from JJ’s bakery. Staffed completely by volunteers, the proceeds will benefit Friends of the Marshfield Public Library.
The response has been positive so far since the service began a week ago, said Midge Anderson, who plans to volunteer weekly with husband, Wally. “I hope it catches on and people will embrace it,” she said. “It’s been fun just to see how many people come through the library. It’s a busy place.”
The idea for a coffee service dates back to 2010 during a meeting that included gathering ideas about what a modern library should look like. Coffee came up multiple times, said Library Director Lori Belongia, who started researching how other libraries approached the concept.
She found that bringing in a business wouldn’t be a sustainable option, and began creating a list of people who might be interested in volunteering their time for the service until the time was ripe for a test run.
A potential coffee area had already been built into the new library’s plans with plumbing and a foldable counter and cabinet. The coffee and treats can be enjoyed in the common area or at other seating inside the library except near the computers.
Extended hours and days are a possibility as volunteers hone the operation. “We’ll be asking people who come to the library when they would want to see that service, and we’ll be trying more hours as time goes by,” Belongia said.
Proceeds benefit the Friends organization, which supports library services and programs such as kids coding lessons and learning materials, among others.
The coffee area will be available from about 8:30 each morning until noon.
