Library to Get Coffee Shop
Posted by Admin.October 13th, 2005
Daily Athnaeum October 13, 2005
By Jessica Soccorsi
Staff Writer
For students who like to spend a few extra hours studying, the Den will no longer be the only source for up-all-night coffee. Soon they will be able to grab a latte at the Downtown Library Complex.
Recently, plans were finalized on the construction of a new coffee shop, which will be added into the fourth floor bay window area.
Due to open in mid-February, the coffee shop, which will be known as Eliza’s, will serve Starbucks products and an assortment of different food items.
Construction on Eliza’s is due to begin on Nov. 1, as announced by Student Government Association President DJ Casto during a SGA Board of Governors meeting Wednesday.
Major construction will begin during Thanksgiving Break, so students will not face major issues in regards to studying before and during finals week.
“A temporary wall will be put up to block some of the noise from construction,” said Academic Affairs Administrator Dr. Nancy Lohmann, who served on the coffee shop committee.
“I think the addition of Eliza’s will be very beneficial to students,” said Casto, noting that the shop was a proposal of BOG member Jon Jaraiedi.
“We want it to serve as a type of workgroup area, where students can meet and talk,” he added.
Eliza’s was named after Eliza J. Skinner, the first professionally trained librarian at West Virginia University.
Skinner served as library director from 1897 until 1902. Her portrait and profile will be prominently placed in a central location of the shop.
Along with Casto, who served on the coffee shop committee, was Frances O’Brien, dean of libraries; Dr. Nancy Lohmann, academic affairs administrator; Kim Hartsell, senior facilities planner for WVU; and Michael Ellington, Mountainlair director.
Casto said the area in the coffee shop will be large enough to seat 45 people. The shop will also feature cafe- style tables and chairs, with an overall appeal to blend into the library’s existing decor.
Bookshelves will line the inside of the shop, highlighting current topic readings, and various newspapers will also be available.