Open Book
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Open Book is a community gathering place dedicated to diverse and dynamic creativity, conversation, and collaboration rooted in the literary and book arts.
Open Book is the first facility of its kind in the nation, serving as:
•the permanent home for organizations that educate, inspire, mentor and foster creativity and imagination among artists, writers, and book lovers of all ages;
•a place to introduce the region’s children and youth to the book and literary arts;
•a community center for book and literary artists, and lovers of these art forms;
•a laboratory for experimentation, creation, presentation and exhibition;
•a catalyst to develop audiences for the book and literary arts;
•a launching pad for regional book and literary artists;
•a model of how the book and literary arts can assume their rightful place alongside the visual and performing arts in the public’s imagination;
•a learning institution for America’s book and literary arts fields. The three partner organizations are the national leaders in their fields, combining the principles of artistic excellence, education, youth development and public access into their award-winning programs. Targeted outreach to communities historically under-represented in the book and literary arts – people of color and residents of rural communities – is an important component of each organization’s operations. Open Book is fully accessible to artists and audiences with disabilities. The Loft Literary Center reaches over 600,000 Minnesotans annually. Each year the Loft enrolls writers and readers of all ages and at all levels of development in classes and workshops on poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, audience development, and the business of writing. Loft “alumni” have gone on to win fellowships from the Minnesota State Arts Board, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Jerome, Bush, MacArthur and Lannan foundations. The Loft brings writers of international acclaim to Minnesota to educate, entertain and inspire, and has presented such renowned writers as John Irving, Rita Dove, Michael Ondaatje, Li-Young Lee, Margaret Atwood and Gordon Parks. Milkweed Editions releases up to 30 books each year that consistently garner excellent reviews in such publications as the New York Times Book Review, USA Today, Bloomsbury Review and the Los Angeles Times Book Review. Milkweed authors have won the American Book Award and the Minnesota Book Award. Milkweed publishes fiction, memoir, nonfiction, juvenile fiction, and poetry. Minnesota Center for Book Arts reaches over 21,000 people annually through classes, workshops, and lectures for adults and children, exhibitions, public events, and Artists-in-Residence program, publications, and extensive youth programs. Courses and workshops annually enroll over 1,400 artists at all levels of development on topics ranging from Eastern and Western papermaking and binding, paper marbling, and Japanese paste printing, to relief and letterpress printing and lithography.
09/16/2026
Please join us in congratulating Heid E. Erdrich, McKnight's 2026 Distinguished Artist!
09/04/2026
Important community gathering next Tues, Sept 15 at Open Book, 4:30-7:00 pm. Hennepin County project planners for upcoming Washington Ave safety improvements want to hear from you!
Washington Avenue safety improvements Hennepin County is working to make it safer and easier for people who walk, bike, and roll to travel on Washington Avenue (County Road 152) between 5th and 11th avenues in downtown Minneapolis. We plan to make improvements starting in 2028. Open house on potential
07/24/2026
Another opportunity to work at one Open Book’s Founding Partner orgs!
Milkweed Editions is hiring! We are currently seeking a part-time Advancement Coordinator to manage donor data and support communications, events, and the membership program.
Apply now: https://milkweededitions.submittable.com/submit
07/24/2026
We’re Hiring an Events Program Manager!
Apply early - priority given to applications received by August 6, 2026, with interviews starting right away on a rolling basis.
https://www.openbookmn.org/events-program-manager
06/15/2026
Join Milkweed Editions as we present Gary Paul Nabhan, author of WATER IN THE DESERT (out now with Milkweed Editions) and Terry Tempest Williams at Open Book on June 16 at 6pm. Both authors will read from their newest collections, engage in conversation and audience Q+A, and book signings.
Space will be limited, so please register and let us know if you can’t make it! RSVP now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/milkweed-presents-gary-paul-nabhan-terry-tempest-williams-tickets-1987149322115?aff=oddtdtcreator
06/15/2026
☀️📙 The Summer's Best Book Fair for Grown-Ups!! 📗☀️
⚡️ Saturday July 11th in partnership with The Loft Literary Center we are taking over the MN State Fair Grandstand and bringing you all the bookstores, authors, food trucks and craft b**r!
🎟 Snag your Early Bird tickets NOW and plan your summer day of fun with your friends and fam! Ticket link is in our bio 😎
🍺 We listened the the feedback from last year's event and we've made changes to ensure this year everything is more accessible, no long waits, multiple outdoor food/beverage areas and more!
06/01/2026
Tomorrow night Center for Canon Expansion and Change invites you to a public talk By Andrew Janiak about his book:
Registration required: https://www.minnesotaccec.com/public-event
05/28/2026
Tuesday at 6:00! Join the Center for Canon Expansion and Change for an engaging public talk.
Registration required: https://www.minnesotaccec.com/public-event
05/07/2026
Afternoon Karaoke? Lots of family friendly songs? Yes, lets go! During Doors Open Mpls we are opening the performance hall doors and letting you belt it out with your families and friends! https://www.openbookmn.org/doors-open
Doors Open Minneapolis at Open Book — Open Book Doors Open Minneapolis at Open BookMay 9 + 10, 202610:00 AM - 5:00 PMDay 1 Schedule: Saturday May 9, 2026Day 2 Schedule: Sunday May 10, 2026 Join us for 2 days of special tours & activities! We’re thrilled to be part of this city-wide special event once again.Start your Doors Open day with HARISE...
Looking for one of the best gifts for Mothers Day? Take your mom to Doors Open Mpls! Fantastic coffee, drumming demos at Open Book then find other amazing places to see! https://www.openbookmn.org/events/doors-open-minneapolis-2026-may10
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Website
Address
1011 Washington Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN
55415
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 6pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 9pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 9pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 9pm |
| Friday | 9am - 9pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 6pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 6pm |