Westwood Resident Brings Her Talents to Ridgewood Library Cafe

You walk into the . What's the first thing you see? You might see a group of children joyfully shouting about a new program headed by one of the children's librarians. You may even see some seniors discussing political events of the day behind the stands showcasing upcoming author events and the Ridgewood cinema shows.

But look further, just a bit.

You're also going to see Joan Day of Westwood serving "Hurricane Irene" soups to children, talking all things food and pouring coffee to those on the go. A bell sounds and she rushes out, exchanging pleasantries with a customer, a ham menchego sandwich extended from her arm. Roasted red peppers and sundried tomato mayo jut out on the sides. They chat for a moment. The customer says, "This is just wonderful," and heads out to enjoy a moment of sunshine and sandwiches.

As of April, the Library Cafe is under new ownership. What was once more of a snack bar for people passing through could be poised to become a "destination," an integrated part of the library that is both a part of the library family but also a legitimate dining option in town.

"I'd love to have people come in, sample the food and enjoy it," says Day. "I'd like it to be a place where people want to come and have lunch as opposed to just stopping by. Most of all, I really want to meet the community."

Day, who says she's approaching "golden years" status, says she's having the best time of her life.

The Westwood resident was once the owner of The Back Street Cafe on Bergen Street, but after selling in 2000 and working various catering jobs, Day is bringing her decades of cooking flair and motherly homemaker touch to good use at the library. She took over from the previous proprietors, Ridgewood Culinary Studio, and says she's not going anywhere, so long as the library will have her.

There's no indication they won't.

"Joan has an innate talent for flavor," said Barbara Hand, who works as the library's head of publicity. "She really understands how unique ingredients work together."

"She's really a lovely, welcoming presence," Hand added. "She really adds to the library."

The Library Cafe is now much more than a stand, although it still has bagels, yogurts, muffins, healthy snacks and animal crackers. The prices, Day says, are moderate, recognizing most traveling through the library aren't expecting to shell out much cash.

Each week a new group of specials is introduced, with soup, salad and sandwich. While you will see her dilled chicken salad every day and even may see her caesar salad crop up a few times, this won't be the same fare every day, Day says.

"My goal is to not repeat a single thing [on weekly specials] until April."

Day works from the early morning hours with her "small but mighty" staff of three to the late hours of the night. Although the hours present challenges, they present opportunities to meet the community. She's relishing her role as an integral member of the library, which serves as the largest educator for village residents.

And that's part of the community spirit she embodies.

Not too long ago, a woman approached Day with a special request. Obliging, Day later found out that the woman had sent two special loaves to her son, a soldier in Afghanistan. The whole squad scarfed it down, a clear upgrade from military rations. It was a hit. "They said it was the best thing they ever had," she recalled.

But her role is greater than that, she admits.

"If you don't give back, you don't get," she says as the bell rings.