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Drinking Coffee to Support Local Libraries

Chris M. Arnone

Senior Contributor

The son of a librarian, Chris M. Arnone's love of books was as inevitable as gravity. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. His novel, The Hermes Protocol, was published by Castle Bridge Media in 2023 and the next book in that series is due out in winter 2024. His work can also be found in Adelaide Literary Magazine and FEED Lit Mag. You can find him writing more books, poetry, and acting in Kansas City. You can also follow him on social media (Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, website).

Coffee and books go together like peanut butter and jelly, like Simon and Garfunkel, like Harry and his scar. I defy you to find an episode of The Gilmore Girls that doesn’t show characters reading and drinking coffee, usually at the same time. Every time I walk into a book store, I get a hankering for strong, black java.

In Kansas City, drinking a great cup of Joe can also help support local libraries. How I missed this announcement astounds me. My wife and I drink Roasterie coffee daily. It’s local and delicious, the company supports many local charities, and generally does everything it can to support Kansas City. Nevertheless, I was surprised when I was unloading my stocking on Christmas and found a bag of this from my mom:

Beard Library Coffee

ERMAGERD! Library coffee!

She has worked for Mid-Continent Public Library for over twenty years. I’ve been a patron since I could hold a Golden Book in my hands. My favorite coffee roaster supporting my favorite library? This was a match made in heaven. And of course, it was wonderful coffee.

But the story only begins there. Head over to The Roasterie’s website, and you’ll find they sell two different “Cause Blends” to support two of the major libraries on the Missouri side of the Kansas City area.

Mid Continent Public Library Card

The Library Lovers’ Blend supports Mid-Continent Public Library, the large library system that supports Jackson, Platte, and Clay counties in Missouri, which includes Kansas City. MCPL boasts one of the nation’s largest collections, including a dedicated genealogy center. Easy to see why it’s my favorite. Plus my mom works there.

Kansas City Public Library Parking Garage

That’s the parking garage!

The Library Blend supports Kansas City Public Library, which focuses solely on Kansas City, MO. While dwarfed in size and budget by MCPL, it boasts one of the most bookishly beautiful parking garages anywhere. My wife and I had our engagement photos shot in their central branch.

Buying bags of these beneficent beans sends 10% of the proceeds to these amazing libraries. The Library Lovers’ Blend even offers their Autopilot program, so anyone living anywhere can get the grounds or whole beans delivered directly to their door on a regular schedule.

This led me on a quest across the Internet to find more coffee roasters or coffee shops that support their local libraries, but Google disappointed. So I ask you, dear readers, what local coffee joints are supporting your local libraries and how?

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