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Continued from page 3 Durham North. “This Kiosk also promotes the building of social capital, it is a way for us to give back to the com- munity. Our agency’s mission is a community where everyone is valued. So, through this opportunity, people can come in and see that people are capable of working and having social skills, offering great customer service and having conversations.” In fact, the Kiosk has already partnered with another small business by providing locall produced honey for those who spike their hot drink with honey. The vision for the Kiosk, says Tracy, is the beloved Chapters/ coffee combo enjoyed by customers in big- box bookstores. “Books and coffee go together,” she explains. “Rather than having the inconvenience of running to Tim Hortons before you come to the library, and for the mothers on Tuesdays and Thursdays during “The biggest challenge is making residents and library patrons aware of the Kiosk.’ Tracy McGarry the kid’s programs, when they get here coffee is available. We have chocolate milk, juice and pack- aged cookies and biscotti.” Amy Caughlin is CEO of the Library. She con- firms that the Coffee Kiosk and the library are an excellent blend. “It’s been great. When we spoke to the public about the new library, a place to have coffee was one of the most requested things. We are happy to do it through this partnership. People spend a lot of time at the library,” says Amy. “Some people are here all day, it’s very convenient for them. We generally get a person per minute on average entering the library; that is 60 people per hour. The library is always busy. People might not always want coffee, but the people who asked for it are using it.” For now at least, the employees who work at the Kiosk are paid through a partnership with Com- munity Living Oshawa Clarington’s Employment Support program. There may come a time though, when the em- ployees are paid primarily through the tips gathered in the clear plastic glass that sits on the counter. Their tasks include serving their customers as well as keeping the library neat and litter-free with their hourly walk-throughs to wipe tables and gather up any used cups. The Kiosk is looking for volunteers to work alongside the employees, similar to how a hospital auxiliary works. 4 FOCUS - MARCH 2014 Garry, Manager of Community Development under the helpful eye of staff member, Joanne Mantel. by J. Peter Hvidsten “The community has been amazing,” says Tracy. “And the satisfaction surveys have been very positive. We're looking at implementing new product supplies and keeping everything local.” The biggest challenge right now, according to Tracy, is simply making residents and library patrons aware the Kiosk is there. Colette Larocque, a regular Coffee Kiosk customer, doesn’t need the smell to draw her in. “I thought everyone drank coffee in the library,” she says. “I think it’s a great idea. You’re always typing away and say ‘I'd love a coffee.’ And people are very friendly there. They have a nice variety of coffee.” Colette is a fan of dark roast and — being a baker at a local Tim Hortons — it would seem her opinion could be trusted. “We have quite the regulars,” says Tracy. “We offer a coffee card, with every 10 they get a free cup.” The counter of the neat and tidy Kiosk is full of boxes of Orange and Spice Tea, Cozy Chamomile and green tea and a teddy bear squeeze bottle of local honey sits alongside a carousel of coffee choices. On the floor in front of the kiosk is a board where employ- ees write a “Quote of the Week.” On the day of my visit when I was cheerfully and efficiently served by Carol, the board said: “Judging a person does not define who they are.. It defines who you are.” By Karen Stiller Focus on Scugog