Today, Phoenix City Council members are scheduled to vote on a five-year contract with a non-profit group to sell food and provide job-training opportunities at Burton Barr Library.
Only one non-profit submitted a proposal to run the Open Book Café — the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. If the deal is approved, SARRC would provide drinks and what’s called “grab and go” food like packaged salads and sandwiches to eat at the café on the library’s first floor or to take out.
The deal calls for SARRC’s clients to work at the cafe and to offer a job-training program for young people who are not working or attending school. The city will cover the cost of utilities and basic custodial services.
The last café operators included blind vendors registered through the Arizona Business Enterprise Program. A library spokeswoman says the group ended service more than five years ago and declined to get involved again.
The café is 1,894 square feet, which includes dining, storage and restroom space. Burton Barr Libraryis open seven days a week and reports approximately 3,000 visitors each day.
