With the unexpected closure of the café on October 1, the Boulder Public Library (BPL) is undertaking a complete review of the alternatives for offering food services at Main Library. The process we are working with is one that will help us address several matters and result in offering the best possible food service, as a compliment to the library experience.
The most significant matter we must address in replacing the previous café with a similar food service is the lack of adequate utilities on the bridge, including water, sewer and electrical power. A new operator of a similar food service will be required to comply with all applicable Health Department regulations. This will require making some important capital investments in order to meet these code requirements. Within these considerations, potential vendors will need to address necessary items to appropriately outfit the space. The equipment and fixtures previously at the café on the library bridge were not owned by the library. It is also important to note that there are currently no capital resources available in the library budget to make such an investment at this time.
As a result, we are considering a wide array of alternative food service delivery models, menus and locations within the library so that we can creatively explore the best options for our customers. We also expect that this will give many vendors the opportunity to consider a partnership with the library.
A request for proposals (RFP) will be released in mid-December, and library staff expects to make a decision on the best proposal in late January. Assuming that no unforeseen obstacles are encountered, we hope to resume food service in February or early March.
The library understands that our customers and staff desire a robust food service that enhances the experience at Main Library. We appreciate your patience as we work through this deliberate process to identify the best alternative.
If you have questions about the City of Boulder RFP process, please contact Calder Grey in the Purchasing Division at: greyc@bouldercolorado.gov.
Filed under: Library News
