A brewtiful alliance for barista students

There’s a new success story brewing at Armidale War Memorial Library.

A fortnightly barista cart began operating at the library last week, under a new initiative between library staff and the nearby TAFE NSW campus.

Library users will be able to enjoy a skilfully prepared beverage, while the campus’s Hospitality students receive valuable work experience.

Library Manager Ian Greenhalgh said it was a great opportunity for the Library to play a further role as a place of learning, to assist another valuable local organisation and expand its services to library customers.

“It’s further incentive for people to take their time browsing our collection, using online services on the computers or participating in organised activities,” he said.

“Settle in to enjoy some of the many services we provide, while enjoying a great coffee, tea or hot chocolate – all for a gold coin donation.”

The joint venture sprang from a regular networking forum, with Cataloguing Librarian Kirsten Bell identifying a prime opportunity to work with TAFE.

TAFE Head Teacher Matt McAllister said the hospitality students participated in a number of practical work experience ventures and TAFE welcomed new opportunities for them to get a taste of working in the real world.

“This venture gives our students access to a ready supply of discerning coffee drinkers, in an environment that is very conducive to them honing their barista skills,” he said.

The cart will be operating at the Library every second Tuesday from 10am to noon, until early December. It returns to the Library on Tuesday 13 November.

Published on 07 Nov 2018