I wonder how long an "open late" cafe with all electronics but e-books banned would survive? Would people actually TALK with strangers? Used to have a coffee place w artists and cops that was remarkably social and welcoming. People DID talk to one another. Not sure why that worked so well but it did
I think yes, but it'd be a bit sui generis, not a chain, in a city and it'd have to have committed and good-at-the-books owners. It's a good idea. In SF there is or was a nice fantasy/SF bookstore that had a cafe next store, with frequent author presentations and groups in the back, that was nice
also I should say there's the LGBT center that has a cafe and also rooms; and city community/rec centers, there's at least one group I've attended meetings at my local. but not everywhere has those. They should!
and then there are bars and pubs, of course. I'm not much of a drinker, but I'm happy enough to go, and Working Families for instance does a monthly think at an outdoor pub; thing is, they can get noisy when it's not like theirs where they actually reserve a whole big space.
There are libraries. There are parks. Struggling. And libraries aren't always comfy esp in a back room where you don't have to shush, and parks, there's weather. and omg I went to a WeWork one time for a meetup. I HATED IT SO MUCH FLAMES ON THE SIDE OF MY FAAACE Kombucha on tap. Nuff said.
then I read the Cult of We after those imploded and it was so very...now. these people are all fucking insane. The techbrozillionaires--well, WeWork was never tech, but he SOLD it as tech somehow, which is why he was able to scale up tremendously before it all crashed. high on their own farts
Miss Aja, if you follow her - she's amazing - did a letter writing campaign in a library. I went several times and had a blast. Yeah, the chairs were uncomfortable, but I had a grand time, good talk, and she provided SUPER food. That was great fun!
don't know her!
Oh check her OUT! She is freaking brilliant, also very funny. She is lovely to know in real life, too. She has some of the BEST commentary! She's a strong Black woman who wades social issue and policy waters with enormous skill. I always learn from her. She will link you to others equally fine!
does she have an account here?
oh, is she based in SoCal?
We're in Sacramento. And yes, she has an account. Just look her up as Miss Aja. You won't be sorry. She's GREAT.
Not political as such, of course, but nice. Unfortunately they ended up closing the cafe because it wasn't making enough money. You start to realize how challenging it is when you're in book clubs. Now since Covid a lot more are on Zoom, which is nice bc easier to attend, but...nicer in person.