After a successful test run, the sale of coffee soon may become permanent at the Bismarck Public Library.

For several days this week, Starbucks operated a small kiosk in the library, both to raise money for the library and to test the market for java among library patrons. It proved a success on both counts - drawing praise from visitors and collecting $500, which Starbucks donated to the library's youth department.

Mary Jane Schmaltz, assistant director of the library, said the library now hopes to build an actual coffee shop. Plans call for an area with several tables that also offers snacks and specialty drinks. Construction could begin within the year; the cost of the current proposal would be about $80,000.

The library does not plan to use money from the library budget for the project. Instead, they will seek grants and donations, and take out a loan from the city if necessary.

The library would lease the shop, and the lease money would pay off a loan, if one is taken out, then go toward the purchase of library material, Schmaltz said.

"It benefits everybody," Schmaltz said. "I can't really see a downside of it."

- Zachary Franz