MCCANDLESS, PA (December 19, 2025) – Commonplace Coffee and Northland Public Library are ecstatic to announce the opening of Commonplace Coffee Northland, a new cafe space that is a highlight of the library’s recently completed major construction project.
“From the moment we met the Northland Public Library team, it was clear that we shared a commitment to foster community and cultivate welcoming spaces for people to connect.” said Alisa Paul, CEO of Commonplace Coffee. “The care Northland has for their community is immense, and aligns seamlessly with Commonplace’s own values and mission.”
Commonplace Coffee Northland is a focal point of Northland’s new lower-level library building extension with vista-like views of the surrounding area. It serves as a meeting point, an area to engage with friends and colleagues, a space to connect with materials in the library, and a place to work.
“We are so thrilled to have Commonplace Coffee Northland open to our patrons and the community,” said Amy Steele, Executive Director at Northland. “Having Commonplace at Northland will enhance the library experience for our patrons and serve our shared vision of crafting a true third space for the communities we serve. Commonplace and Northland are destinations for the surrounding communities. I also know our staff is excited for fresh coffee and homemade baked goods!”
A full beverage menu, including a spectrum of coffee and tea beverages, alongside scratch-made baked goods and grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items from Commonplace’s Bakery highlight the space. Commonplace has developed a shake and smoothie program for the Northland cafe to provide expanding offerings aimed at after school study and collaboration sessions.
“The community in and around Northland is so vibrant and special,” said TJ Fairchild, Founder of Commonplace Coffee. “Walk in and you’ll see families making their weekly book run; rushes of students in the afternoon after school lets out; people from all walks of life seeking a peaceful corner to play or rest. At the core of Commonplace’s ethos is a dedication to serving local communities with unique, curated menu options. It’s a substantial honor, having this opportunity to share our devotion to craft and care with this incredible collection of humans.”
The cafe space features a full-service bar area, banquette type seating paired with tables and cafe style chairs and a nook area with L shaped seating, making for a cozy spot that is sure to be popular among guests. The library’s 10G WiFi extends to the cafe and the library remodel features additional seating areas throughout the new space.
One special nod to their new partnership is “The Commonplace” poem by Walt Whitman that graces the walls of every Commonplace Coffee location. Commonplace works with local artists to bring the poem to life in each of their cafe locations. Northland’s iteration of the poem will be designed and painted by longtime Northland staff member, recent retiree and artist Susan Claus.
“Susan’s impact on Northland Library is immense. Her artistry is amazing and what better way to celebrate her legacy and our new partnership thaen to display the poem in Susan’s vision,” notes Steele.
Commonplace Coffee Northland is open year-round Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cafe is open Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. during Northland’s “regular schedule” (the weekend after Labor Day through Memorial Day weekend) when the library is open on Sundays.
“Growing into the North Hills of Pittsburgh and having the opportunity to build relationships with a new community alongside an incredible partner is such an exciting moment for us,” shares Alisa Paul, CEO of Commonplace Coffee. “We are so thrilled to share our craft and introduce our delicious drinks, food, and products to this new community.”
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About Commonplace Coffee
Commonplace Coffee exists to foster and build community through coffee with Craft and Care. To learn all about Commonplace Coffee see their website at www.commonplacecoffee.com and check out the recently released film “Craft and Care: The Story of Commonplace Coffee” celebrating their 20th Anniversary at www.commonplacecoffee.com/pages/craft-and-care-film
About Northland Library
Northland Public Library enables, empowers and encourages lifelong learning and discovery in a safe, welcoming space for all. To learn more about Northland Library’s “New Northland” reimaging and renovation construction project see their website at www.northlandlibrary.org/new-northland and follow the progress on Northland’s Facebook or Instagram pages @NorthlandLibrary.
