Hoover Public Library Request for Proposals - Operation of Library Cafe

HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARYREQUEST FOR PROPOSALSFOROPERATION OF LIBRARY CAFÉ IN THE LIBRARY PLAZAThe Hoover Public Library (“Library”) is requesting proposals for the operation of a café in the Library Plaza. Sealed proposals for the operation of the café will be received by the Library from the date this notice until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025.  Proposals should be delivered either by mail or hand delivery to Hoover Public Library, ATTN: Amanda Borden – Library Director, 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216.  The outside of all proposals should be marked with the following language: “PROPOSAL FOR OPERATION OF LIBRARY CAFÉ IN THE LIBRARY PLAZA.”  No proposals submitted by facsimile or after the deadline will be accepted.An OPTIONAL meeting to answer any questions regarding this request for proposals and to tour the café area will be held at the Hoover Public Library at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the Library Plaza. Amanda Borden should be contacted at 205-444-7812 or For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. to register for this meeting. If you are unable to attend this tour, you can contact Amanda Borden at the above email address with questions or to schedule a time to tour the café area, provided there is schedule availability.The Library’s mission is to be “more than a library” by serving as a central community gathering space. We are seeking a café vendor who understands and supports this mission, with an emphasis on providing high-quality service and fostering a welcoming environment. The Library has designated space available for café operations and is seeking a vendor with a clear vision for its use. Proposals that include innovative approaches to enhancing the café’s role in community engagement and overall patron experience will be given strong consideration.Approximately 400,000 patrons visited the Library from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.  The Library has a staff of 100 employees. The Library intends that the café provide its patrons and employees with high quality fare at good value. The Library will provide the café operator space which includes a kitchen and required utilities.  A list of all equipment provided by the Library is listed in the “General Provisions Related to Operation of Library Café” section of this proposal. The successful proposal will be selected based on criteria in the “Evaluation Process” section of the proposal.The Proposal Instructions should be read carefully.  Each proposal submission should respond to all information requested in the Proposal Instructions. A proposal may be rejected by the Library if the Proposal Instructions are not followed.The Library reserves the right to waive any formality in any proposal, to reject any or all proposals, and/or to select the café operator in any manner consistent with the law deemed in the best interest of the Library.  The Library also reserves the right to enter into any agreement as a result of this Request for Proposals.Amanda BordenLibrary DirectorOctober 22, 2025