Coffee Connection is Back at Crete Public Library

With school back in session, Coffee Connection at the Crete Public Library has just begun its 17th year of providing refreshments for library visitors. Coffee Connection began in 2002 with a grant written by then-director Jane Schulten, as a partnership with the Special Education Department at Crete-Monee 201-U.

Students from the high school come to the library to serve a selection of hot and cold beverages, including coffee, tea, cocoa, juice, and bottled water, and offer prepackaged biscotti and Nutrigrain bars. Under the supervision of Brigitte Calgaro, Job Coach, the students brew the coffee, run the cash register, bus tables, and practice their customer service skills. They also set out small vases of fresh flowers, provided by The Finishing Touch florist in Crete. This endeavor provides a unique opportunity to the students, who gain experience interacting with the public, preparing the coffee, and handling money. Many of the program's past participants have gone on to secure paying jobs in the community after graduation.

Coffee Connection is open from 10 am until noon, Monday through Thursday, during the school year on days that school is in session. Crete Public Library is located at 1177 N. Main Street. Please stop by the library to visit us!