Library Café to Close for Facility Repairs and Updates
The Library Café’s last day of operation will be September 11, with construction beginning September 14.
The closure will allow Laramie County Library System to complete required facility and code updates, including installation of a grease interceptor, as well as additional updates to the café space. With the café already needing to close for this work, LCLS will also use this time to address how café service can be provided more sustainably in the future.
Looking Ahead
The café has been a valued part of the library for many years, offering patrons a place to grab a cup of coffee or a meal and adding to the experience of spending time at the library.
Like many library services and amenities, the café represents an investment in the patron experience. The current operating model requires a level of ongoing library resources that has prompted us to explore a more sustainable approach, particularly because operating a food-service business falls outside our core services and expertise.
As stewards of public resources, we have a responsibility to consider both the value the café provides, and the resources required to operate it. The current level of investment is not sustainable, and the upcoming closure provides an opportunity to pursue a different approach.
Like many library services and amenities, the café represents an investment in the patron experience. However, directly operating a food-service business falls outside LCLS’s core services and expertise.
As stewards of public resources, we have a responsibility to consider both the value the café provides, and the resources required to operate it. The current level of investment is not sustainable, and the upcoming closure provides an opportunity to pursue a different approach.
During the closure, LCLS plans to issue a request for proposals seeking an outside organization with food-service expertise to operate the café. Our intention is to preserve the space for café service while pursuing an operating model that is more financially sustainable and better suited to the day-to-day operation of a food-service business.
Both the required construction and the proposal process will need to move forward before we can determine a reopening date or make a commitment about when café service may resume.
We recognize that this change also has a significant impact on our café employees. We are deeply grateful for their service and for the welcoming environment and relationships they have built with patrons and staff.
We know the café is important to many people in our community, and we appreciate your patience and support as we work toward its next chapter. We will share additional information as the facility work and proposal process move forward.