Elgin library has a hot idea

Something new is percolating at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin.

Come October, one of Elgin's most popular destinations will have its first coffee shop and cafe.

Chicago-based La Tazza signed a one-year agreement to serve coffee, sandwiches, pasta, soups, salads, pastries and more in a 2,000-square-foot vending area at the library, 270 N. Grove Ave.

"We think it's really going to enhance people's visits to the library," said Denise Raleigh, library spokeswoman, who added that customers may take their coffee into the library proper if their cup has a cover. "The idea is we want you to have a fantastic experience when you come in."

The library, which will celebrate its 5th birthday in its new building in October, was originally built with a concession area to host a coffee vendor.

But when Gail Borden officials a few years ago sought tenants, there was little interest.

This time around, three companies put in and La Tazza, which means "the cup" in Italian, emerged as the winner.

"It was a good opportunity to provide a necessary service.," said Valerie Valentino, an Elgin resident and the company's marketing manager.

Part of the area will be a self-serve kiosk. There will be an indoor and outdoor eating area that can seat about 30 people.

Valentino said the cafe will be open seven days a week and before the library opens. The exact hours have not been set. Library officials also have devoted five parking spaces to the cafe outside its entrance, which is separate the library.

Valentino said the shop also will offer a children's menu, value menu and discounts for seniors in an ornate setting.

"It's a very high-end, upscale look for the for the library, but our prices are going to be very competitive," she said.

Raleigh said La Tazza is open to changing its menu if library patrons want something different.

"It's going to be a breadth of offerings," she said. "We went with the company that offered the most. We felt lucky we had such quality people coming forward."

La Tazza was founded in 1991 and primarily handles vending at destinations such as the Shedd Aquarium. Elgin will mark the company's second permanent location.