Meg's Daily Grind to operate East Branch Café

February 6, 2009, Rockford, IL: Rockford Public Library (RPL) announced today that Meg’s Daily Grind will operate a coffee shop and café in the new East Branch Library at 6685 E. State St.  The East Branch will also offer public meeting rooms, quiet study rooms, special areas for children, young adults and adults and an expanded collection.

“We had numerous meetings with community members and stakeholders throughout the process of planning for a new branch library, and invariably people brought up having a coffee shop,” said Frank Novak, Executive Director of Rockford Public Library. “Meg’s Daily Grind is a strong local brand, and we are excited about this private-public partnership.”

Libraries are evolving and with this evolution, there is increased attention to the overall customer experience.  Wider aisles, easier access to the collection, comfortable seating and a coffee shop are all part of the equation. RPL hopes people will use the East Branch as a community gathering place and visit not just for research, but also to attend a program, read the paper or catch up with friends over coffee at Meg’s.

Jodi Erickson, owner of Meg’s Daily Grind, is excited as well. Known for their gourmet coffee and comfortable atmosphere, Meg’s and the library are a perfect fit. Says Erickson, “We were thrilled and honored that we were chosen to be a part of the new library facility.  We look forward to a great relationship with both the library and the community.”

Some believe this is RPL’s first experiment with drinks in the library but RPL Assistant Director Fay Muhammad clarifies, “We have allowed covered drinks in the library for a long time, and giving people the option to visit the café will let them enjoy more of the library experience. Now they won’t have to leave to get that cup of coffee!”

About the Library

The Rockford Public Library, founded in 1872 as the second library in Illinois, currently has six facilities, including the Main Library and five Branch Libraries. The Rockford Public Library’s mission is to enhance community life and development by informing, educating, entertaining, and providing cultural enrichment to all people of all ages by collecting information to address the diverse interests of our dynamic community.

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215 North Wyman Street, Rockford IL 61101, Phone: 815-965-7606, Fax: 815-965-0866

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