Lafourche Public Library Opens Wi-Fi Cafe

THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — More than wireless Internet access is free at the Lafourche Parish Public Library System's new Wi-Fi Café. The coffee's free, too.

The Daily Comet (http://bit.ly/Q3utXX) reports the cafe is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in the old Thibodaux Library.

Patrons can buy snacks from vending machines or bring their own food. There are tables and easy chairs for individuals and small groups, and larger groups as meeting spaces for groups. And there are places to charge electronics.

No librarian will shush you if you chat with your neighbor. Lafourche Parish Library Director Susanna LeBouef says it's a casual gathering space.

"Social networking has become more prominent, and there are limited places in Thibodaux for people to go and sit and stay as long as they wish," she said. "We do have businesses that offer Wi-Fi, but after a while they want you to buy something or move on."

The library moved in February to its new home in the old Daily Comet building, after extensive renovation. The 25,000-square-foot building is the largest library in the parish and has separate departments for children, teens and adults.

With the Wi-Fi Cafe the library system hopes to provide a comfortable space for residents to hang out, work or study, LeBouef said.

___

Information from: Daily Comet, http://www.dailycomet.com