Hmmmm... are you wondering how there came to be a coffee shop in the Prescottt Public Library? Read on... 

“Norm!”

You half expect to hear that trademark call from the old TV show “Cheers” as you sit in the Café Libre inside the Prescott Public Library.

The ambiance of the Café Libre is definitely one of friendliness. Affable Owner/Operator Will Baril seems to have a lot of regular customers coming and going…. and he knows a lot of their names. And no wonder, as many of the customers stay to sip their coffee cappuccino, frappuccino or a variety of 30 different teas, visiting with others on their way in or out of the library.

The Café Libre is conveniently located in the library where you can browse through books all day. It’s also right next to the Friends of the Prescott Public Library book sale, so if something catches your eye it’s easy to grab it off the shelf, sit down with a scone or brownie, and enjoy a few minutes; or hours, of quiet relaxation. Or just purchase the book. As Baril says, “A $25 book for $2 - $3! Or magazines. And it’s a relaxing little spot, with the courtyard right outside.”

As can be imagined, it took quite a long time to get approval for a café in the library. Café Libre is privately owned, and the library gets a percentage of the income. But Baril had to jump through several hoops to get approval. First he did the research on serving beverages in libraries. When the concern came up about spillage, Baril pointed out, “Look what happens to a book when you take it home. It goes in the kitchen, the bathroom, bathtub, shower, you name it! And it seems to be a common thing for major bookstores to have a place for people to buy snacks and beverages. It’s a new thing for libraries across the country, but in Europe and parts of Canada, they’ve been around for a long time. Baril says, “People will come into the library from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland….  All over Europe, and love it. They see this as very avant-garde. Cutting edge for a library. Very positive.”

The plans for the coffee shop went through many changes, as it had to look right and fit in with the library’s remodel. There were several presentations to the library, and then it went out to bid. Baril’s bid was chosen and then he says he “had to get even more specific with the plans, and do a presentation at the Prescott City Council with Library Director Toni Kaus. Baril continues, “Toni’s been very pivotal in having this happen. Her foresight helped in galvanizing everything together. This was a big job.”

Aside from drawing out the plans, finding an illustrator, doing presentations for months on end, and actually building Café Libre, Baril had a lot of research to do. For example, he had to have “silent machines.” He says, “It took a little doing, but you can’t make steaming milk the regular way in a library. It would sound like a steam engine.” He found the silent machines, including a cash register that basically whispers as it opens.

Baril also wanted excellent coffee. He carefully measures 2.8 ounces into a filter placed on a scale. “It took me awhile to find a good coffee. I did a lot of sampling. Bitter coffees are hard to drink. So I got a smooth and full-bodied coffee, organic Sumatra. Not your least expensive, but that didn’t matter to me. I use organic milks so I feel confident it has a good solid flavor.”

Local vendors supply most of Café Libre’s foods and beverages. Baril says, “I try to buy everything I can locally, and use local vendors. To me it’s a reinforcement of the area’s economic envelope. You can buy off the Internet, but it’s not as fresh. This coffee is always fresh. The day I ask for a bag of coffee is the day it’s roasted.”

Baril has a degree in Graphic Arts, and has been in every business from printing, to railways to computers to a glazer. He was born in Alberta Canada and came to Prescott for the weather and the relaxed atmosphere in Prescott. He said, “It’s not so busy here. Other places have a $3 million dollar attitude. Always pushing yourself to do more. You think you’re relaxing but you’re not. This is a very gentle area.”

Despite all the fun and lively discussions at Café Libre, Baril feels that being a barista is a profession. He says, “You’re making a product, dealing with people and machines. It’s a symbiotic relationship. Somewhat like a bartender.”

People have all sorts of different combinations of coffee drinks. And he can make any concoction that people request. Half/half lattes, classic Italian espresso made with “very very hot water.” Baril is proud of his espressos. He says the layer on top is called a crema, and having that is “the hallmark of a good espresso. The oil and the caffeine in beans is what makes it distinctive, full and real coffee. Not watered down. People want that full coffee flavor.” For his mocha espresso, he uses Ghirardelli chocolate. With a twinkle in his eye he says, “Chocolate plus caffeine plus endorphins…. There are some psychological benefits!” He is also pleased to see the moms stop by and pick up some coffee or tea on their way downstairs to the children's library. He says they like to get something to drink while their children enjoy storytime.

A regular customer from a nearby table calls over to Baril after finishing his coffee. He says, “That may have been 2.9!” Baril laughs and said,  “I told you it would knock your socks off!” The customer smiles and says, “It’s better than Folgers!” As the customer walks away Baril says, “This is fun. There’s a satisfaction.  It’s like a service. And you get to know people and they become friends.”

Aside from the various coffees, lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, Café Libre carries a full line of teas, including Stash brand. He also carries iced tea from Stash in lemon, raspberry and blueberry. He says, “It’s very, very delicious. It’s done very well with premium black tea with natural true flavors.” They also have bottled teas including Honest Organic Tea and Italian sodas. In addition they carry scones, muffins, cookies, brownies and assorted other snacks.

They also offer gift certificates in any amount - a great idea for anyone you know that loves to come to the library on a regular basis!

So, cut out this coupon and come on down! Tell Will Prescott eNews sent you!

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Advice
written by John Q. Public, August 12, 2008

Decent article but I highly doubt the man said “You’re making a produce ..." (10th paragraph). The word would be "product". If you're going to be a writer you should learn to do a better job of proofreading your material before putting it out to the public.

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