Open Book was founded in 2000 by The Loft Literary Center, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and Milkweed Editions, three literary nonprofits that wanted to combine their creative forces to promote literary arts locally. They became the first in the nation to build such an facility. They endeavored to create an environment that was welcoming for anyone with even a flickering of interest in the literary arts. They have spaces to rent for meetings, book clubs, or other events. The Loft has studios to rent (for writing, for example). Milkweed is a publisher always on the look out for a fresh perspective in an author. Minnesota Center for Book Arts can help a struggling author come up with innovative ways to get the juices flowing. They want to share their love of literature and book arts with everyone.