MELAKA: Students of SMK St Francis (SFI) here can soon enjoy a double shot of espresso while visiting the school's library.
SFI's parent-teacher association (PTA) chairman Datuk Ronald Gan said his team has revolutionised the concept of a library by offering the students a modern cafe setting.
"The cafe located at the side of the library offers coffees, lattes and cappuccinos where the concept is designed to cultivate the reading habit among our students.
"Our first-of-its-kind concept focuses on interior design with a modern aesthetic outlook that is a far cry from conventional libraries," he said on Tuesday (Sept 19).
Gan said the library would soon be a place where students could read, work on classroom assignments and also socialise by enjoying a hot cuppa.
"We have completed the first phase of the renovation and the whole project is expected to be fully operational by early next year.
"The total cost of this innovative library is estimated at RM250,000," he said.
Gan said students would be allowed to order drinks, but chatting is prohibited inside the library and only allowed at designated areas.
"The objective of this concept is to provide the optimal study environment for the students with minimal noise," he said.
The drinks at the cafe would be affordable, he added.
Gan said the PTA has also installed multiple electrical outlets and strong WiFi for the students.
He said SFI students would be trained to manage the outlet and even prepare the drinks for those placing an order.
"Selected students will undergo barista training conducted by professionals as well as in the required skills to manage the outlet," he added.
