Upcoming Events

Loft Events

For In-person events: Advanced tickets guarantee a general admission seat and help cover the Loft's costs to host the event. We are committed to accessibility at our events. If the event cost is a barrier, please show up to the event and we will accommodate you at the door through pay-what-you-can admission.  

Date
Time
7pm-8:30pm
Lit!Series: An Evening on Banned Books Featuring Carmen Maria Machado

Join the Loft Literary Center for its second Lit!Series event of the year featuring October’s Keynote, Carmen Maria Machado! This conversation will be centered around the topic of banned books and the wave of literary censorship that is facing teachers, students, librarians, and authors across the country. Carmen will be joined in conversation by authors Safia Elhillo, Jake Maia Arlow, and Ashley Hope Pérez as they discuss their work and their own experiences having books banned or challenged in schools and libraries.

Presenters
Carmen Maria Machado
Safia Elhillo
Jake Maia Arlow
Ashley Hope Pérez
Location
O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
Lit!Series Banned Book Convo with Carmen Maria Machado
Date
Time
6pm-7pm
McKnight Fellowship Application Tutorial and Info Session

Join us for a free online session on how to apply for a McKnight Fellowship for Writers. Program manager of awards, Marion Gómez will give an overview, present and answer some Frequently Asked Questions, and then take questions from the audience. Audience members should be ready to type their questions in the chat section. The session will be recorded and posted online. You must preregister for this event.

Presenters
Marion Gómez
Price
Regular $0.00
Friend $0.00
Pay What You Can $0.00
Location
Online
2025 McKnight Info Session
Date
Time
5pm-6:30pm
The 2025 Novel Writing, Creative Nonfiction, and Memoir Writing Project Information Session 2

If you're curious about the Loft's Year-Long Writing Project in Novel Writing with Peter Geye, Creative Nonfiction with Sun Yung Shin, and Memoir with Carolyn Holbrook, which is right for you, come to this informal information session to find out more!

Presenters
Peter Geye
신 선 영 Sun Yung Shin
Carolyn Holbrook
Price
Regular $0.00
Friend $0.00
Location
Online—Zoom Classroom
YLWP online info session
Date
Time
7pm-8:30pm
A Lit!Series Conversation on Democracy with Pádraig Ó Tuama

Join us for a timely Lit!Series conversation with renowned poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama, moderated by Arleta Little, as they explore the intersection of language, power, and democracy in today’s world. Through poetry and insightful reflection, this conversation will delve into how words can inspire hope, justice, and a more compassionate future.

Presenters
Pádraig Ó Tuama
Price
Regular $20.00
Friend $18.00
Pay What You Can $0.00
Location
The Loft at Open Book
Padraig O Tuama Event Nov 2
Date
Time
7pm-9pm
A Reading featuring the 2023 McKnight Fellows in Creative Prose
Join us in celebrating the 2023 McKnight fellows' in creative prose publications, including Naomi Cohn, Hilal Isler, Gen Del Raye, and Kao Kalia Yang!
Presenters
Naomi Cohn
Hilal Isler
Gen Del Raye
Kao Kalia Yang
Price
Regular $10.00
Friend $5.00
Location
The Loft at Open Book
2023 McKnight Reading Creative Prose Featuring Naomi Cohn, Hilal Isler, Gen Del Raye, and Kao Kalia Yang