Books Community Orgs Food+Drink
‘Library on the Loose’ Collaboration Launches at SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library will host pop-ups at downtown coffee shop during wintry months
Some Wisconsin libraries have begun pairing their literary offerings with food and drink services, like the recently reopened Mondovi Public Library (it has its very own Hot Drink Bar offering coffee, hot chocolate, and spiced apple cider!) and over at the Beloit Public Library (it has a Blender Café, serving food and refreshments). In Eau Claire, a similar offering will soon be popping up downtown.
The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library’s new program, “Library on the Loose," will bring members of its library outreach team a few blocks south, to SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave.). The program's mission? Transform SHIFT’s bike shop space (now "hibernating" for the winter) into a library mini-branch.
From 11am-2pm every second Saturday from December through April – Dec. 14; Jan. 11; Feb. 8; March 8; April 12 – the public can enjoy the treats and sips of SHIFT while checking out library books and other library resources. Mark your calendars now for the all-ages library access event while beating cabin fever during the wintry months.
"We have some major library lovers on our SHIFT team, and we want to bring that 'cozy coffee shop meets the library' feel to our space." –Lauren Roemhild, SHIFT
“There is a lovely natural pairing between coffee/tea and books,” shared Lauren Roemhild, arts and events coordinator at SHIFT. “We have some major library lovers on our SHIFT team, and we want to bring that ‘cozy coffee shop meets the library’ feel to our space.” Plus, folks can enjoy SHIFT’S delectable organic baked goods. Its menu and prices are posted above the barista bar for all to see.
This collaboration is a natural development between the library and SHIFT, according to Shelly Collins-Fuerbringer, library deputy director. “For our BookBike service, which just completed its ninth season, we bought our e-bike from SHIFT,” she noted. “SHIFT and the library have partnered on other programs, so we are very excited about continuing and expanding our partnership.”
At each Library on the Loose event, attendees can open a free library account, check out books – which includes recently published and high-demand titles that might usually be on a hold list! – ask a librarian for research help, and get advice on using library apps that allow access to e-books, audiobooks, and more. Outreach kits from the library’s Dabble Box will be featured each month as well, and will include a variety of crafty activities like painting, puppet making, and paint spinners.
"Library on the Loose" will be held on the second Saturday of each month from December-April • Keep up with the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire) and SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) online
