The Nov/Dec 99 issue of Poets & Writers magazine (they have a web site, but it doesn’t include their “dead tree” content) reports an interesting trend: public libraries partnering with Starbucks. In Portland, Oregon and Stamford, Connecticut (hey, I used to go to the Stamford Mall all time!), you can stop by the local library for your frappucino fix! The folks in charge of the libraries won’t admit that they are trying to compete with bookstores, but $43,000/yr (what Starbucks pays the Stamford branch) can’t hurt the local taxpayer (though I’m not sure how library budgets work) so I’m all for it. Starbucks is taking over every corner anyway (I’m within a few blocks of 3 myself), why not have their rent money go to a good cause? Now, if I buy a latte, can I get my overdue fines erased?