OUR VIEW: Merrill Library’s Quad Side Cafe is the new, hip place for grub

The Merrill Library’s new Quad Side Café opened Monday, spicing up campus life and allowing students an extra kick for those late study nights.

Basically, the bistro was created very tastefully.

Housing and Food Services teamed up with Libraries to produce a student-friendly, homelike atmosphere, complete with cyber capabilities.

There are a variety of foods to choose from – fruit, pastries, salad, yogurt, chips, coffee, drinks and almost any other snack a starving college student would desire.

The café stays open until 11 p.m., so hours accommodate student needs.

Leaders gave students another bonus by not using their fees. The $60,000 to $70,000 needed to create the café was accrued from library savings over the past years.

Vincent Benoit, a café cashier, said his first day at work was promising.

The place provides a nice, clean atmosphere and a way to meet new people, he said.

Plus, it’s convenient.

Students don’t have to walk far for food, Benoit said.

Once they stock up on cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate, they’re not confined to the café for eating.

Linda Wolcott, vice provost for Libraries and Instructional Support, said she’s not worried about students abusing their privileges.

“We’re not going to be the food police,” she said.

She explained since students eat while their reading library books at home, they should be able to do the same on campus.

The new eatery is a good investment. Administrators really took into account student needs and wants.

Hats off to the Quad Side Café.