The Second Floor

If you’re a non-profit organization, why don’t you give everyone free coffee?
Non-profit organizations are set up to support a cause or an issue. Our mantra is to become a vibrant centre of civil society, through culture, the arts, and public discourse. The coffeehouse is the first vehicle we decided upon. To achieve our lofty ambitions, we have to make money to pay our bills. Any revenue we generate goes towards paying the rent, running the generator, and paying our staff. If we ever make a profit, the money goes back into the organization and not into the pockets of our board members. Non-profits do not issue stock or pay dividends, unlike for-profit corporations. If you decide to provide us with funding, you benefit when we achieve our objectives.

Why do you close on Mondays?
We’re terribly inspired by barbers. Everyone needs a day off and we thought we’d all take a break on the same day. We are considering opening 7 days a week though. Stay tuned.

What’s with the Macs and iPods?
We’re Apple evangelists. We love Apple’s products and have rich experience in using and selling them. You should buy your next iPod or Mac from us because we’re trendy geeks and ask the right questions.

Why don’t you send out event invitations by post?
We’re tech-savvy tree huggers. E-mail and web-based announcements are cost-effective and no money is wasted on printing and postage. No trees are cut down either. Sign up today!

Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes. And it’s free. (Thank you, Maxcom.)

Who owns T2F?
T2F is a project of PeaceNiche, an NGO set up in 2007. The Founder of PeaceNiche is Sabeen Mahmud, a social entrepreneur, activist, graphic designer, and technology consultant. PeaceNiche is governed by a Board of Founder Members and an Advisory Council. Seed funding for the organization was provided by Sabeen Mahmud and a few wonderful well-wishers. Donations are welcome!

Can I borrow a book from the browsing shelf? Just for one day?
No.

Can I donate books to T2F?
Yes. We’ll take pretty much anything but Time and Newsweek end up in the loo and we totally draw the line at Readers’ Digest.

Why don’t you advertise so more people find out about T2F?
We advertise through our opt-in mailing list, (WE DO NOT SPAM!), website, word-of-mouth, referrals, and UNSOLICITED media/blog coverage. Karachi is a large city and we can’t reach everyone, so please help us spread the word. Tell a friend about T2F.

I’m a graphic designer/artist/photographer/whatever. Can I exhibit at T2F?
If your work is compelling, yes. Printing and framing costs are yours and we charge a 20% commission on any work that gets sold. Social themes, political commentary, and thought-provoking content preferred.