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Oldsmar Needs Someone to Run Library Cafe

Mark Schantz/SUNCOAST NEWS

The newly constructed Oldsmar Public Library building, which opens in January, will have a cafe in operation by next summer.

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: November 23, 2007

OLDSMAR, Fla. - OLDSMAR, Fla. - When the Oldsmar Library reopens its doors at its new location early next year, patrons will have to wait a few months to quaff a cup of coffee at its indoor-outdoor cafe.

City council recently directed staff to advertise for a concessionaire to operate the cafe at the library after the January opening.

Last week Public Works Director John Mulvihill finished a request-for-proposal document available through the city.

The city recently completed its new 19,800-square-foot library at 400 St. Petersburg Drive E.

The library's design includes Old Florida architectural elements, according to Mulvihill. It has raised barrel-tiled gable roofs and prominent octagonally shaped spaces on its western corners to make it appear larger.

The library was planned and designed to include the newest trend, providing food concessions within library facilities, in this case a cafe, Mulvihill said.

The cafe area, with 970 square feet of interior floor space and 540 square feet of outdoor terrace, has a separate access from the library building.

The cafe will not only provide service to existing patrons but also entice others to utilize the Oldsmar Library, Mulvihill said.

"Most cafes or coffee bars are operated by private sector vendors who are reaping the rewards of discovering that libraries offer desirable demographics, strong customer loyalty and high traffic volume in a unique and distinctive environment," the public works director said.

Food consumption will be restricted to the cafe, outdoor patio area and community room. Hot and cold beverages will be allowed in the library but only if covered.

Through its request for proposal, the city is looking for an established vendor to operate its cafe on a full-time regular basis. The vendor will be responsible for completing interior construction to build the cafe and furnish equipment.

For several years the library was housed in the historic Oldsmar Bank building on State Street, which is in need of restoration. As many as 400 people a day visited the library. The expectation is that many more will visit the new site that can accommodate three times as many visitors, Mulvihill said.

The new library will also host many more programs and offer a meeting room that can accommodate 150 people.

Requests for proposals to operate the cafe will be taken until Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008. City officials want the winning vendor to have the cafe in operation by July 1, 2008. A pre-submittal meeting is planned at the new library site for Thursday, Dec. 6.

Information about the request for proposal is available at the Oldsmar Public Works Department, technical services division, City Hall, 100 State St., or by calling 813-749-1135.

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