samreed•6d agoProlific Poster

Showerthought: The library is the cheapest co-working space I never considered

I spent $40 last month at a coffee shop just to have a desk for 4 afternoons, then walked into my local library and got free wifi, quiet rooms, and no pressure to buy anything. Has anyone else switched to using public spaces for client work and seen their overhead drop?

3 comments

3 Comments

luna2616d ago

The library by my house has a strict 2 hour limit on the quiet study rooms and the wifi cuts out if too many people are streaming. I tried working there for a week and got kicked out twice because someone needed the room for a scheduled program. The coffee shop was $40, sure, but I could stay 6 hours without anyone bothering me and the outlets actually worked. Maybe it's just me but I need reliable internet and a place I won't get shooed out of for a toddler storytime. The library is great for browsing books but for client work I'd rather pay the $10 for a guaranteed spot.

jennybailey6d ago

Have you tried talking to the librarians about your situation though? I get that the 2 hour limit stinks but they usually have some flexibility if you just ask. The library near me has a quiet floor with individual desks where nobody bothers you and the wifi is rock solid because it's separate from the public network. Maybe you hit a bad one but my local branch has been a lifesaver for client calls and deadlines without spending a dime on coffee. I just don't think coffee shops are better across the board when you factor in the noise and pressure to buy stuff every hour. It really depends on the library you go to more than the general idea of libraries versus cafes.

adam1865d ago

40 bucks is a LOT for coffee shop working though, that's more like 4 drinks.