Public libraries ‘should try to emulate coffee shops’

Independent report warns of library closures if features such as free Wi-Fi are not improved

Libraries should be more like coffee shops and have free Wi-Fi, said the author of the report. Photograph: Alex Segre / Alamy/Alamy

Press Association

Thursday 18 December 2014 - The Guardian

Public libraries are facing an “absolute disaster” and should try to emulate coffee shops, the author of an independent report into the service has said.
William Sieghart, who headed a panel to produce an independent report on the role of the public library service in England, warned of large-scale closures if features such as free Wi-Fi were not improved.
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While at The Telegraph:

Thirsty? Go to a library, not a coffee shop

And from Shelf Awareness:

Library Advice: 'Please Don't Shelve Sandwiches'

Sound advice from the University of Liverpool Library (‏@LivUniLibrary): "Please don't shelve sandwiches. If you need help differentiating between books & food ask a member of staff #experts."