Open Book ... closed

This past Saturday I attended (as a guest) a conference sponsored by the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). The conference was held at Open Book, which, near as I can tell, is the physical plant of the group known as The Loft (an interesting mis-type there almost had me refer to the place as "The Lost").

At first, I had a strong liking for the place. There ought to be more places for people to go to write and read and drink coffee, all within a writer-friendly/encouraging atmosphere. And to make it even more friendly, the building was wireless accessible and I could turn on my laptop anywhere in the building and get internet access.

But the longer I was there the less I enjoyed it.

First, their book shop was not exactly shopper-friendly. Only one small section actually sold books, and the selection was dismal. Mostly for sale were over-pried, hand-made items -- books, prints, posters, calendars, and wanna-be-collectibles were the primary focus. I was interested in picking up a copy of speakeasy, The Loft's magazine. The grumpy clerk/manager didn't realize that she not only didn't have any copies, but she hadn't had any all day (I was there when they opened, and back again to inquire about five hours later). She suggested I go up to The Loft's office, which was right outside where I had been speaking.

I rang the bell outside the door, and no one came. The door was unlocked, so I went in and tapped the desk bell for assistance (as instructed by the sign). Still no one came. I briefly considered pulling the push pin out of the one tacked to the bulletin board, but I couldn't resort to theft even as an act of annoyed defiance.

I left, feeling as though the attitude was one of superior arrogance. "You can come here if you think you belong...and if you meet our standards."

I had considered (even up to the point where I entered the The Loft's office) getting a membership, even though I felt the $60 annual fee rather steep for someone who wasn't likely to make many trips to the area. Now, however, I feel that it is image, status, that defines membership in The Loft, and not usefulness.