Tired students will be able to refuel in the University Library after construction finishes in late November on an espresso cafe inside the building.

The Plaza Cafe, to be located near the after-hours entrance of the library, will begin construction next month, said project manager John Blosser.

“It will be a cafe that serves various kinds of coffee, teas and sweets like muffins or cookies,” said Blosser, who also serves as head of the serials department in the library. Other types of food may be added to the menu, he said.

The $500,000 project has been in the planning phases for about three years, Blosser said.

“It’s an idea that’s been appearing in many academic libraries,” Blosser said. “We were thinking of how to use our space to make it more available for patron use and be more inviting — a place where students can relax and enjoy the library space.”

SodexhoUSA food services will operate the cafe, so students should expect prices similar to those at Higher Grounds in Norris University Center.

The after-hours entrance, in the plaza between the library’s main entrance and Norris, now will open into the coffeehouse instead of the library. The stairs on the west side of the entrance will be removed, Blosser said, to make room for the service counter and a seating area.

The area also will contain lounge furniture, where students will be able to relax or study.

Since the location is not adjacent to any study areas, there should not be many noise concerns for those in other parts of the library, Blosser said.

Students said they are excited about the opportunity to enjoy a snack without leaving the library or eating out of a vending machine.

“I think it’s a great idea, if we can sit there and have some coffee,” said Trace Kulhan, a Medill graduate student. “I think that (not having access to food) is one of the frustrations people have with libraries.”

Library employee Ben Diseroad agreed.

“Food is always good,” said Diseroad, a Weinberg senior. “Now we don’t have to walk as far.”

Patrons will be able to access the cafe from either inside the library or through the plaza doors. The outside entrance will make it easy for patrons to quickly grab breakfast or a snack en route to class, and make it possible for the cafe to be open when the library is not, Blosser said.

The final hours will be set by Sodexho, after officials monitor usage during the first few weeks of operation. Blosser said the cafe probably will open at 8:30 a.m, when the library opens. Closing times will depend upon demand.

Students should not expect the new facility to look like a Starbucks — officials have planned a 1970s-inspired decorating scheme of green, orange and rust to complement the library’s architecture from the same decade.

“It will be clean cut, but not trendy,” Blosser said.

Although students are excited about the new cafe, some are not so sure the decor was a good idea.

“That’s horrendous,” said Cari Bucci, a Medill graduate student. “The architecture in the library was a mistake to begin with.”