Open Book has endless opportunites for students

-- Julie Kline

Open Book is a 52,000-square-foot-center dedicated to literary nonprofit organizations, including the Loft Literary Center, Milkweed Editions and the Minnesota Book Arts. Open Book focuses on activities in the Twin Cities, creative writing and publishing. The building itself is a turn-of-the-century brick building that has been renovated by architecture and interior design firm Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle, Ltd. (MS&R). There is a fascinating staircase designed to look like an open book. MS&R calls the staircase a metaphor for joining the craft of making a book, literary with the content of a book being taken apart.

In addition to the fascinating architecture, the building serves the community of the arts. Open Book has a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. There are always programs and activities for education on written work.

Open Book has a resource library, gallery, coffee shop and study rooms to rent out. "There is nothing like the Open Book Center anywhere in the country," said Michelle Filkins, assistant professor at Metropolitan State University and small press editor.

According to its' Web site, Open Book inspires and celebrates a vibrant, growing book community. It serves as a gathering place that welcomes all to participate in the power and pleasure of literary and book arts experiences, and is a catalyst for artistic collaboration, bringing together the many partners who create books, from idea to finished work. Open Book invites in the greater community, through engaging activities and programs designed to awaken interest, educate, and provide access to the rich and joyful universe of the written word, stories, and especially books.

The Loft Literary Center is an inspiring resource center for writers of the literary community. They offer classes for writing and reading. The writing classes help advance and develop better writing skills.

"Events [at] The Loft are unique in that [it] offers accessible programming for writers and readers of all ages and abilities," said Claire Wilson, events and volunteer coordinator at The Loft. "We have classes in every conceivable genre for every skill level and these classes are offered on a sliding scale fee basis and with an option to do a work study, great for students."

The Loft offers students a relaxing setting for reading and writing, as well as numerous courses for students to explore areas of interest in a non-academic setting. The Loft has many students who work there as interns and volunteers.

"The Loft offers internships in almost every working area of the organization," said Wilson. "Students can explore facets of the non-profit life from marketing, editing, programming and education. All internships are unpaid but are greatly rewarding in terms of the people you meet and the work you do." Visit www.loft.org for internship listings and information.

"For students who are interested in any aspect of the publishing industry, internships are not only a great way to learn about the field but also one of the most effective ways to enter the profession," said Filkins. "Publishing frequently operates on a kind of apprentice system, and the first step in working toward a career in publishing is often through an internship," says Filkins.

Open Book is great place for students interested in publishing, public relations, fine bookmaking and nonprofit work. Open Book opens a door for inspiring writers, while maturing their passion for writing. Students can visit Open Book located at 1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis.