Nothing new under the sun?

It would seem that the recent trend for extended opening hours,  putting a  coffee shop or holding classes in a library is not as new as we may have thought. 

Naismith's Hamilton Directory for 1878 -79.

COFFEE HOUSE  and READING  ROOMS.   

Open Daily to the Public from 6 a.m. till 11 o''Clock p.m.

 The Premises contain, on the Ground Floor, the COFFEE ROOM, where Refreshments, including  Soup, Steaks, , Tea, Coffee, &c., &c., can be obtained at the most moderate prices

On the Second Floor, there is a large READING and RECREATION ROOM and LIBRARY, admission to which is One Halfpenny, except on Saturday Nights (when there is generally Music and Singing, or a Readings, the charge is One Penny.

 A small sum is charged for Games, which Consist of  Bagatelle, Draughts, Chess, Carpet Bowls, &c., &c.   Several Daily and Evening Papers are laid on the table. 

  On the Top Storey, there is a Comfortable Room, where several Classes and Meetings are held in the evenings—a Mutual Improvement Class for Young Men in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association ; also, Classes for Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, information regarding which can be had from the Manager, Mr George Moffat, at the Coffee-House. 

Source : http://www.archive.org/details/naismithshamilt187879ham