Coffee and books. Add gardening, and you have the full scope of Lucila Khan’s personality. She was working for The Library when she heard that the coffee-shop space in McCormick Riverfront Library would be available. She and her husband, Jalal, seized the idea. 

“It seemed like kind of a pipe dream, but all of sudden we’re buying equipment and sourcing beans,” she says. 

Now, Khan is the owner of Wildflower Coffee, the new café that opened early this year inside the downtown Harrisburg library. The spot serves drip coffee and espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and teas in intriguing tastes, such as the Icy Mint Cold Foam Iced Latte and Sweet and Spicy Hot Latte custom-made for the Harrisburg Ice & Fire Festival.  

“The space is so lovely,” Khan said. “We’re right by the big windows. With the renovations, McCormick Riverfront Library is so airy and modern, but they still kept the historical vibe.” 

Khan has worked in food service and once helped open a new coffee shop, but she had no business experience. With full support from Library staff, she is winning fans of her delicious coffee.  

What do you like to read and drink?

I’ve been on a magical realism kick for the past few years. Soft sci-fi has been my go-go. And with coffee, anything with caffeine. Right now, springtime flavors like lavender rose are my favorite. Coffee’s coffee, so I don’t usually complain.  

How did Library staff help you establish Wildflower Coffee?

We originally met with Charlie Miller [Community Engagement Director] and Karen Cullings [former Executive Director], and they were super helpful, explaining things like the need for a business plan and the next steps. Even though we didn’t have any experience to prove ourselves, they were happy to answer questions. They still are helpful. Dwana Pinchock [Marketing & Public Relations Manager] has helped spread the word, helping us set up accounts in the print shop. She definitely has been a social butterfly for us.  

Are customers doing what you dreamed of, getting a cup of coffee and curling up with a book?

People come in and order our largest coffee and just sit and read or journal or take work meetings. It’s been lovely to watch people go about their lives.  

What does The Library mean to this community?

It’s a safe space. You come in here, and you’re not expected to buy anything. You’re not expected to say why you’re there. Libraries are one of the last footholds of that third space. I used to love going to the big bookstores, but I felt weird taking up space and not buying anything. At libraries, you don’t have to account for why you’re there. You can just be there to be there.