Coffeehouses Independent Small Part Local Long Opportunities Eslpod 0795 Cn

In recent years, "coffeehouses" or "coffee shops" have become popular meeting places in the United States, especially in the "Pacific Northwest" (the northwestern part of the country, especially Oregon and Washington). Most coffeehouses have comfortable "couches" (soft seats for two to three people) and small tables "configured" (positioned) to "promote" (encourage) conversations in small groups. Modern coffeehouses have "soft" (quiet) music, often jazz, "dim" (not very bright) lighting, and interesting artwork on the walls. Sometimes the coffeehouse "features" (shows) "pieces" (artwork) by local artists, and those pieces may be available for purchase.

Almost all coffeehouses offer free "wi-fi" (an Internet connection that computers can connect to without cables). Customers are allowed to stay in the coffeehouse for a long time as long as they purchase something. Many self-employed people work in coffeehouses and/or meet with clients there. Students are often "found" (seen) studying at coffeehouses when they want a "change of environment" (wanting to do one's activities in a different place from where one normally does those things).

Many "independent" (small, private businesses that are not part of a national or international chain) coffeehouses are "community-oriented" (thinking about the community) and host community events. For example, they might have "poetry readings" (opportunities for poets to read their poems aloud), "book signings" (opportunities for writers to sign their books for readers), and music performances. Some independent coffeehouses have special evenings for "crafts" (art done by hand) or "board games" (games played at a table with dice, cards, and other small pieces). Other independent coffeehouses invite politicians to speak to members of the community. These coffeehouses also encourage local organizations to "book" (reserve) space for their meetings.