The Loft Literary Center

Featured Offerings
Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers Open Mic and Mixer
Loft Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers Mixer + Open Mic | Aug 27

Join us as we celebrate our writing community! During this social/writing hour come write with us for the first hour and half at Open Book, expand your network, and join us for the Writers of Color Open Mic Reading afterwards. 

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Valeria Luiselli headshot with her book cover for Tell Me How It Ends behind her. A Loft logo with the insignia "Loft Book Club" on top.
Loft Book Club: Valeria Luiselli

Please join us for a series of book club events where we will discuss select titles and the different themes they explore by some of the renowned authors featured at the Loft this fall! Come even if you haven’t read the book!

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Event featuring artists Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Erin Sharkey
Alexis Pauline Gumbs on Survival is a Promise–The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde

Join The Loft Literary Center and Moon Palace Books for an evening with beloved writers Alexis Pauline Gumbs in conversation with Erin Sharkey, celebrating Dr. Gumbs' new book on the life of Audre Lorde! 

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Not Sure Where to Start? Try a Loft Pathway
Signage with an arrow saying "Choose Your Path"
Choose Your Path

The Loft’s five pathways help readers and writers find the right offerings based on their goals—whether you're just beginning, looking to spark creativity, connect with others, dive deep into stories and craft, or refine works-in-progress. Choose the path that fits where you are (or want to be) on your literary journey.

Graphic for Discover and Explore pathway with a compass icon
Discover & Explore

Perfect for beginners or the creatively curious, this pathway offers a welcoming space to build confidence, uncover new interests, and connect with other curious readers and writers.

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Graphic for Gather and Socialize pathway with a full cup and sparkling stars next to it.
Gather & Socialize

Writing and reading don't have to be solitary—this pathway centers connection, conversation, and community. Join fellow writers and readers for casual meetups, celebrations, and shared creative energy.

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Graphic for Generate and Create Pathway featuring an icon with a lit light bulb.
Generate & Create

This pathway focuses on sparking imagination and creative momentum. Through prompts, exercises, and playful exploration, you'll find fresh ways to get writing and keep going.

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Graphic for Expand and Discuss Pathway featuring an icon for a speech bubble.
Expand & Discuss

For readers and writers who love digging in, this pathway offers rich conversations and craft-focused discussions centered around books and big ideas. Grow, question, and engage with others who love to think critically about stories and storytelling.

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Graphic for Feedback and Polish pathway with a page with some notes written in the margin.
Feedback & Polish

This pathway is for writers with works in progress who are ready to refine and elevate their craft. Get targeted feedback from peers and teaching artist and develop strategies for revision and next steps toward publication.

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Upcoming Loft Events

Learn More About Loft Events

The Loft hosts numerous events throughout the year. Take a look at our upcoming offerings and plan your next visit.

Upcoming Loft Events
Aug
27
2025
2025 Loft Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers Mixer + Open Mic

Join us as we celebrate our diverse writing community! During this social hour, we encourage current and prospective friends of the Loft to come hang and write with us from 4:00 - 5:30 PM at Open Book and join us for the Writers of Color Open Mic Reading afterwards at 6:00 PM. Drinks and light snacks are provided. $10 or pay as you can at the door for general public; $5 for Friends of the Loft!
Sep
6
2025
Loft Book Club: Valeria Luiselli's Tell Me How It Ends

Please join us for a series of book club events where we will discuss select titles and the different themes they explore by some of the renowned authors featured at the Loft this fall! Come even if you haven’t read the book! 

For our first book club, join the Loft’s Executive and Artistic Director, Arleta Little, to discuss the 2025 McKnight Judge in Creative Prose Valeria Luiselli's Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in 40 Questions (Coffee House Press, 2017).
Sep
17
2025
The Loft and Springboard for the Arts Presents: The Writer’s Guide to Sourcing Images

This practical workshop is designed for writers, editors, zinesters, and independent publishers who want to confidently find and use images in their creative work. Whether you're assembling a zine, designing an email newsletter, or laying out a self-published book, this session will help you make informed choices about what sort of images you can use, and where to acquire them.
The Loft's Blog
Around the Loft
Every Budget Tells a Story: A Fond Retirement Farewell to Beth Schoeppler
I met Beth 15 years ago, in a job interview that would shape the course of my career. She was on the hiring team, and I remember being struck by how deeply she understood the Loft—not just what we did, but how it all fit together...
Chris Mackenzie Jones
Aug. 5
The Bookish Brand
Is the Writer You Used to Be Holding You Back?
“I challenge you today to stop clinging to the writer you have been so that you may fully embrace the writer you are becoming.“
Rachel Werner
Jul. 31
The Bookish Brand
The Truths We Burrow Into Fiction
Reflections from six authors on how identity, experience, and intention shape the characters they create.
Rachel Werner
Jul. 2
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Your Support Unleashes the Power of the Word

At the Loft, we envision a world where the power of the word liberates minds, deepens relationships, and inspires movements for people and planet. Your gift sustains our community of writers and readers whose stories are vital to our shared humanity and our freedom.

Become a Friend of the Loft Today
Poet Guante with eyes closed and hand against chest in front of microphone reading a poem.