From the hundreds of used books to the vegetarian menu colorfully displayed in chalk on a wall, the Book Lover's Café is embraced by University of Florida students. Phil and Anne Haisley own the vegetarian café, located inside Books, Inc. at 505 N.W. 13th St. In 1994, the Haisley's converted a storage room inside Books Inc. into a kitchen and in conjunction with the nearby Mother Earth Market, the Book Lover's Café opened. "We just thought it would be nice to have a little café in the bookstore," Haisley said. "There weren't any vegetarian restaurants in the area, so we decided it would be a great thing to have." In support of local farmers, the café purchases organic, seasonal produce, which is used in their daily vegan specials and soups. Using the local farmer's produce ensures that menu items are high in quality and full of flavor, said Ellen Cunningham, the café's manager and cook. "It's important to eat what's in season," she said. "It's a way of connecting people to the earth." Lunch is the busiest time of the day, with more than 70 people visiting the restaurant daily, Cunningham said. It is not unusual to see customers, weekdays between noon and 2 p.m., waiting in line to enjoy the popular lasagna, wheat-free tofu burgers or Three Salad Sampler. Ruth Tiederman, a UF graduate student, eats lunch at the café every other week and has recommended it to many of her friends. "I'm an active recruit," Tiederman said. Customers have the option of sitting outside on the patio or enjoying their food inside with a book from Book's Inc. "It's mind and body nourishment," said Tiederman. "The fresh, healthy food along with the combination of the books makes me want to keep coming back." The menu, which offers strictly vegetarian items, is another reason why some customers are so loyal to the café. "This is the only place in town that I know of where I don't have to ask if any of their entrees include animal products," said junior Brooke Shenkin, a public relations major. Shenkin, who has been a vegetarian for two years, says the café is a great place to study and relax and an even better place to eat. The owners and staff at Book Lover's Café are proud that they are able to offer a gathering place for people, as well as great food. "This café is a creative, dynamic, individualistic space," Cunningham said. "I believe it is our energy which helps contribute to the café's success." The Book Lover's Café is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and menu items range in price from 99 cents to $6.95. | 
