In this guide
How the Mill works
The Mill is a cooperative. It's just us — a bunch of writers who dedicate a little of our time to keeping this place running. We've never made a profit and never intended to. We charge enough to cover expenses and keep a little cushion for lean times.
We ask that you help make the Mill a clean and pleasant place to work. That means picking up after yourself, helping maintain common spaces, and being respectful of your fellow members and Mill policies.
Governance. All members have a say in how the Mill operates. We hold all-member meetings two or three times a year, and big decisions go to a full member vote. A volunteer steering committee handles practical, day-to-day decisions. Anyone is welcome to sit in on those meetings and volunteer.
Space and access
Address: 34 North Maple Street, Suite 203, Florence MA 01062 (second floor)
Front door. Always keep it locked. Lock it behind you when you arrive and when you leave.
Cubbies. There are shelves with baskets near the bathrooms where you can store your things.
Bathrooms. We have 2, and they're gender neutral.
Rules
Quiet and calls. The open desk room is quiet — no talking, no phone or video calls. Short calls are fine in the lounge. If you have a personal desk, calls are okay if your coworkers are fine with it.
Eating and drinking. Both fine in most of the Mill. Just not in the open desk room (drinking is okay there, though).
Guests. Friends and family are welcome for a quick tour, but the Mill is members only. No one else should be working, hanging out, or meeting here.
Kitchen
Dishes. Wash them after you use them — don't leave them in the sink.
Fridge. Use it freely. Write your name on anything you don't want to share; otherwise it's fair game.
Trash. If it's full, take it out. Dumpsters are outside.
Water. If the dispenser is empty, open the cabinet at the bottom, swap out the empty bottle, and replace it with a new one (stored in the lounge).
Tech and utilities
Wifi. The password is in the manila envelope on the kitchen bulletin board. (We keep it a little hidden — some members prefer to work internet-free.)
Printer. Once you're on wifi, add a printer on your computer and it should show up.
Heat and AC. On timers — they shouldn't need adjusting.
Lights. The last person to leave turns them all off.
Membership
Dues
| Desk type | Monthly | Quarterly |
|---|---|---|
| Open desk (communal) | $162 | $486 |
| Personal desk (semi-private) | $244 | $732 |
Rent is due quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Pay via Cheddar Up.
Prorated rates (for members who join mid-quarter):
- Open desk: $5.32/day
- Personal desk: $8.02/day
Jobs. Every member takes on a responsibility. If you haven't heard yet, someone from the steering committee will reach out. If you have an idea for something you'd like to contribute, tell us.
Leaving. We'll be sad to see you go. Email the steering committee at least a month in advance, and leave your key in the mailbox on your way out.
How people join the Mill
In case you're curious about the process:
- Prospective member connects with the membership committee and sets up a tour
- Membership committee shares a link to the application (sent automatically to info@writersmill.org)
- Membership committee reviews the application, contacts references if needed, and sends the good news
- New member pays
- Morgan sends a welcome email with orientation info
- Membership committee sets up a meeting to hand over the key
Stay connected
Slack. An easy, informal way to connect with other members — great for quick questions like "are we out of paper towels?" Sign up here (totally optional).
Google Groups.
- All members: writersmillmembers@googlegroups.com
- Steering committee: writersmillsc@googlegroups.com
Supplies. Running low on coffee or paper towels? Write it on the dry erase board, or email Alison.
Tax receipts. Email Morgan and she'll send them.
Member groups
Questions and requests
Building
Building and lease
Square footage: Approximately 1,540 SF ($1.13/SF monthly, $13.63/SF annually)
Monthly rent: $1,750
Current lease (signed August 2021)
Floor plans:
