Audrey Geisel says she always believed the Geisel Library at UCSD was a special place, and so did her late husband Ted (Dr. Seuss). That’s why she has been showering the library and campus with gifts over the years.
Now, UCSD will do something for the generous philanthropist — it will name the café now under construction in the building as the Geisel Library Café in her honor.
Audrey’s is expected to be completed in mid to late spring, with a grand opening planned for the campus and community supporters in May. The café, which has been under construction since last December, is located on the second floor in the East Wing of Geisel Library, conveniently situated on the north end of the building’s most heavily used study area, which also houses the overnight study commons.
“I’m truly touched that so many of my friends at the UC San Diego Library have decided to name this new café after me,” said Geisel. “Even before we established the Dr. Seuss Collection here at the library many years ago, I felt that this was a very special place and certainly worthy of my continuing support. I know that Ted felt the same way, so I’m very pleased to know that our support will help to provide the resources and the services — not to mention caffeine– that today’s library patrons need to stay on the cutting edge.”
The café is one of the many enhancements planned for the university’s flagship building over the next several years, thanks to a $3 million gift made by Geisel in July of 2015, the lead gift in the Geisel Library Revitalization Initiative, a major endeavor aimed at transforming and rejuvenating the interior public spaces of the library.
The café will be operated by the university’s Sports Facilities, which manages Peet’s coffeehouse in the north part of campus. Coffee and tea will be supplied by Café Virtuoso, an independent local roaster, known for its environmentally sustainable products, including certified organic and fair trade coffee and tea. San Diego’s Bread & Cie will provide pastries and other breakfast items; salads and sandwiches will also be provided.
Audrey’s will occupy approximately 3,000 square feet, including an adjoining lounge. The café is expected to provide seating for between 50 and 75 patrons and will feature a to-go counter. While café hours are subject to change, Audrey’s will initially be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, with shorter hours over the weekend. The café will stay open until midnight during finals week and other crunch times.
– San Diego Metro