Jun 22, 2009 4:49 pm US/Eastern
Enoch Pratt Library Offers Books And Lattes
Reporting
Ron Matz
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
Something new is brewing at the Enoch Pratt Free Library downtown. How would you like a latte with your latest book?
Ron Matz reports now you can get one at the Pratt Cafe.
Book lovers can get a latte at the library now. It's happening at the Pratt Cafe. The new self-serve coffee kiosk at the Pratt Library on Cathedral Street is where customers say the price is right.
"Our patrons and staff love it. It couldn't come at a better time. There used to be a Starbucks down the street and a latte was $4.50, here you can get a small latte for just $2, your cup of joe is a buck, you can't go wrong with that," said Roswell Encina, Enoch Pratt Free Library.
The cafe has seating for 12. It just opened a month ago and it already is a best seller.
"We were approached from the folks from Coinstar. They wanted to try something new. These Seattle's best coffee kiosks are usually located in grocery stores and they wanted to venture into a new market," said Encina.
It is as easy as one, two, three to make your special latte. First, make your selection, and add your own cream and sweetener. The coffee is getting good reviews, so far.
"It's great because if you leave the top on you can bring it within the library. You don't have to just sit here and drink it. It's very reasonable. They also have hot chocolate, it's lovely," said Laura Brigerman from Bolton Hill.
There's more than just coffee brewing at the stand. There's also free wireless internet service.
"I really like how they have free Wi-Fi. There aren't a lot of places that have that. Plus, the book selection and movies are amazing," said Brittany Byers from Mount Vernon.
The use of the library has increased recently, so more cafe seating is on the way.
"We're the first library in the nation that carries one of these Seattle's best kiosks. So far, we've been doing so well we've been told we're in the top ten in the nation for sales," said Encina.
A fresh idea, as the Pratt Library turns a brand new page, with a hot cup of joe.
The cafe's hours will be the same as the library's central branch. The free Wi-Fi service was made possible by a donation from the Bank of America.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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