 We propose an optical dipole trap for cold, neutral atoms using a hollow rectangular slot cut through an optical nanofiber, which combines a far-off resonance blue-detuned field with the attractive surface atom interaction potential to achieve stable trapping, and three-dimensional confinement of laser-cooled rubidium atoms at a distance of 140 to 200 nanometers, from the fiber surface. This scheme facilitates optical coupling between the atoms and the nanofiber for quantum communication schemes using ensembles of laser-cooled atoms. This article was authored by M. Daily, V. G. Trump, C. F. Failin, and others.