Why do bookstores but not libraries have starbucks and coffee shops ?

Question

Why do bookstores but not libraries have starbucks and coffee shops ?

Answer 1

because people who go to the library may not have spending money like those who go to bookstores knowing they will spend some money..

Answer 2

bookstores are there to sell books but libraries aren't. and that's the reason they could have starbucks and coffee shops for the customers to hang on for awhile before picking their book's choice. for libraries, it is a place where you can ONLY study, research or borrow the books. well, just my idea since i haven't seen both in my country where i am as having those shops too.

Answer 3

They are trying to lure customers in. The longer they are in and the more comfortable they are, the more readily they will be to buy a book.

Answer 4

I know of a few nice libraries that have coffee shops and cafes, but small ones. To answer your question though, libraries are owned and payed for by the government. Any action like that would be sponsored mostly by them, unless of an outside donor. If everyone got to walk around with a cup of liquid, how many times do you think  things would be spilled on? Little kids? Bookstores have multiple sets of the same book, unlike libraries. Bookstores are a corporation and industry that can pay for things like that, or they would make the customer pay for it (if there was some type of little accident). Libraries are looking to attract patrons, yes, but bookstores PROFIT from having customers, and in like every business, they need something like a coffee shop, for instance to do that.

Answer 5

Commercial entities are more likely to contract with others- but what a great idea! You would think they would, and it would cut down our tax dollars... hm... why don't public schools have McDonalds?

Answer 6

Simple economics.

A bookstore is there to make a profit. They want to make you comfortable, to keep you there hoping that the longer you are there the more money you will spend, both on books and the refreshments.

A library is there to preform a service and most do not allow food and drinks to prevent damage to the books and material by spillage of the food and drinks.

Although I do know of a few libraries that do have snack areas with vending machines, (I believe they restrict the food and drink to that area) so I wonder if your question is in fact valid.