Coffee shop gives Everett Public Library a jolt

By Rachel Tuinstra
Seatle Times Snohomish County bureau

EVERETT — It's become a regular habit for David Kelley and other frequenters of the Everett Public Library: Check out some books and get a cup of coffee.

"I think this is a great idea," said Kelley, as he stood with a stack of library videos under his arm waiting for a chai-tea latte. "This used to be dead space. A museum piece that wasn't that interesting."

Kelly isn't the only one taking advantage of Espresso Americano, which began offering lattes, desserts and light lunch foods in the Everett Public Library's lobby Jan. 26. Since the shop opened, library employees have noticed a swell of visitors and an increase in books being checked out.

More...