In 1995, the Library contracted with Decision Resources, Ltd. to conduct a telephone survey of 625 randomly selected residents in the Library's service area. The survey indicated that the public favored a Library containing a coffee/refreshment area. The Library Board endorsed the project because it would make the Roseville Library a warmer and more welcoming public space, there was a need for more seating in the third busiest library in the state, and current customers were requesting refreshments. The Roseville Library also had available floor space, was in a good location, and had a high volume of customer traffic.

The Library contracted with a commercial real estate agent (Mike Scott of United Properties) to see if any businesses were interested in such a venture. Following a request for proposals, Dunn Brothers Coffee was the only business to express a commitment to the project. Nearby residents were notified by mail about the project and community input was encouraged through a number of public hearings over a four month period. Plans were developed and the necessary approval was given by the Roseville Planning Commission, Roseville City Council, Ramsey County Library Board and the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.

The coffee shop has a floor to ceiling wall with large windows to physically separate it from the library. The interior doorway between the library and the coffee shop is lockable to allow the coffee shop to be open before and after library hours. Features include two levels of seating, a drive-up window and a fireplace.To accommodate the space needed for the coffee shop and to increase the effectiveness of staff work areas, the library check in/out station was remodeled (paid for by the library) as part of the project. Tony Eiden Construction was hired to build out the coffee shop within the existing library interior. The remodeling, which started in mid-February, took about eight weeks to complete. The project was paid for by Dunn Brothers. The coffee shop takes up about 1,800 square feet of the 44,000 square feet of floor space in the building.

The menu features capuccinos, lattes, pastries, sandwiches and soft drinks. Coffee beans are roasted on site. People may bring library materials into the coffee shop. Customers are also allowed to bring beverages in covered containers into some areas of the library. The coffee shop is staffed by Dunn Brothers employees. There is often musical entertainment on weekends in the coffee shop when the library is closed.

The County signed a five-year lease agreement with Dunn Brothers that paid the Library $41,000 the first year and escalates by 5% in each of the next four years. The coffee shop opened on April 17, 1997. Hours are Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9:00pm; Friday 6:30am-6:00pm; Saturday 7:00am-6:00pm, and Sunday 8:00am-6:00pm.

Ed Dunn, owner of the coffee shop, says sales are meeting projections. Customers comments have been positive. The borrowing of books increased by 10% over the previous year once the coffee shop opened. Visitor traffic also substantially increased.