Is there a need for a materials research library?

I live in the Pacific NW and have been thinking about how design disciplines are mixing more and more. Do you think there would be a need for, or interest in a materials research library/meeting space? I know there is a HUGE population of freelance/emerging designers in my city and I assume a lot of them can not afford the expensive subscriptions to material sample services, much less store the stuff.
I’d like to stock everything from the latest in fabrics, to sustanable building supplies. I’d like to throw in a coffee shop of course… it is the pacific NW! It would be great to host lectures/forums/meetings as well.

what do you think?