Commonplace Coffee to open cafe space at Northland Library
Cafe space to highlight reimagined library building in a brand-new buildout
McCANDLESS, Pa., April 16, 2025 – Northland Public Library is ecstatic to announce a partnership with Commonplace Coffee to operate a new cafe space that is a highlight of the library’s major reimaging and renovation construction project.
“We are so thrilled to partner with the entire team at Commonplace Coffee,” said Amy Steele, Executive Director at Northland. “Having Commonplace at Northland will enhance the library experience for our patrons and serve our shared vision of crafting a true third place for the communities we serve.”
During the planning phases of Northland’s “New Northland” project, patron and community feedback overwhelmingly indicated the desire for a cafe space within the reimagined library. Northland worked for months connecting with a number of folks in the local coffee industry to make this vision a reality. After an extensive request for proposal process, Northland’s Authority Board unanimously approved a partnership with Commonplace Coffee at an April 10 Special Board Meeting.
“After learning about Northland’s desire to create a cafe space in their library and having the opportunity to meet with their team and understand their community, it was clear we wanted to be part of this incredible project,” said Alisa Paul, CEO at Commonplace Coffee. “The care they have for their community is evident, and it aligns with our values and mission at Commonplace.”
Commonplace Coffee Northland will be the focal point of the new lower-level library building extension with vista-like views of the surrounding area. It will serve as a meeting point, an area to engage with friends and colleagues, a space to connect with materials in the library, and a place to work. A full beverage menu alongside scratch-made baked goods and grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items from Commonplace’s Bakery will highlight the space. Commonplace and Northland are also excited to partner for coffee centric education and programming opportunities for library patrons.
Commonplace Coffee started in Indiana, PA in 2003 and currently operates seven cafes between Indiana, PA and Pittsburgh as well as a bakery that offers thoughtful and seasonally rotating baked goods to their cafes. Their headquarters is located on Washington Boulevard in the Larimer neighborhood of Pittsburgh and is home to their roasting and wholesale production, equipment service, barista training, and business operations. Commonplace focuses on offering quality specialty coffee that is approachable to a diverse audience and is committed to sourcing coffee in a way that supports coffee growers and the supply chain’s long-term sustainability. Commonplace is a community focused business that values the craft and care that goes into creating beautiful coffee and cafe experiences.
“It’s a partnership very much with a shared passion for care and craft,” notes Steele. “Commonplace’s focus on the entire coffee experience from sourcing and roasting their beans to their cafe experience and connection with the community to the alignment of our missions and ethos, we’re truly looking forward to our partnership.”
“Growing into the North Hills of Pittsburgh and having the opportunity to build relationships with a new community alongside an incredible partner is such an exciting moment for us,” shares Paul. “We can’t wait to share our craft with this new community and see the impact this space will have.”
About Commonplace Coffee
Commonplace Coffee exists to foster and build community through coffee with Craft and Care. To learn all about Commonplace Coffee see their website at www.commonplacecoffee.com and check out the recently released film “Craft and Care: The Story of Commonplace Coffee” celebrating their 20th Anniversary at www.commonplacecoffee.com/pages/craft-and-care-film
About Northland Library
Northland Public Library enables, empowers and encourages lifelong learning and discovery in a safe, welcoming space for all. To learn more about Northland Library’s “New Northland” reimaging and renovation construction project see their website at www.northlandlibrary.org/new-northland and follow the progress on Northland’s Facebook or Instagram pages @NorthlandLibrary
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