Closed Self-Service in Library Cafe Raises Student Dissatisfaction

The Main Library cafe, Franki’s, has ended its self-service options on weekends since March 2026. Since the start of the Candlemas exam diet, students have expressed discontent over a lack of access to food and drink in the library on weekends.

Franki’s Cafe ended its self-service outside of weekdays “due to ongoing and increasing instances of theft,” according to a sign posted on their closed self-service shelves. A statement from the University explained that the theft was discovered when comparing opening and closing stock levels against sales. 

The sign further stated that, “this change is necessary to ensure we protect our products and maintain a pleasant environment for all our customers.” The self-service options and machine will maintain operations on weekdays whilst staff is present and during extended exam hours.

Second-year student Reese Colbert told The Saint that the self-service closure “is an inconvenience all around.” She expressed that it now poses problems for students who don’t have time to leave the library and wait in lines.

“They don’t even have water [cups] available on Saturdays and Sundays for those who want them,” said second-year student Emaan Nazar Shah. “My friend has been saving a cup since Friday."

When asked for a response on how the self-service closure would impact students during the revision and examination season, a representative from the University stated that “the information provided [by the sign in Franki’s Cafe] has been shared in advance of closure [during the exam season], and an alternative service is being investigated.”

The representative told The Saint that a vending machine is being sourced as the alternative service and will be installed by the beginning of the next academic year.

Photo by Maria Ebrahim