Are you looking to join a book group but worry about keeping up with the reading? Maybe you love the idea of forming a bookish community but only want to read books in your preferred genre. Or perhaps you’re an introvert who’s interested in all aspects of a traditional book club except the actual discussion part.
Let us introduce you to Silent Book Club, a global reading community that’s revolutionizing how we think of book groups.
Since its launch in 2012 by co-founders Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich, Silent Book Club has become a global phenomenon, with more than 800 chapters across 50 countries around the world. At each Silent Book Club meeting, friends and strangers join together in a public space to read, drink, eat, and socialize—or not. In contrast to traditional book groups, there’s no assigned reading or guided discussion. Instead, your only task is to sit back, relax, and read in companionable silence for an hour. Once the hour is up, members can opt to chat with those around them about the books they chose to read (meetings are BYOBook) or continue reading quietly. Every type of reader is welcome!
Silent Book Club emphasizes the importance of inclusion and community—that’s why Silent Book Club meetings are free to attend, and the purchase of food and drinks (if taking place at a bar or cafe) or books (if taking place at a bookstore) support local businesses. At its core, Silent Book Club is a place for readers to come just as they are, offering the unique opportunity to be social even in silence.
Want to see if there’s a Silent Book Club chapter in your area? The Silent Book Club website has an interactive map of existing chapters that allows you to search by continent, country, and city. If there’s already a chapter near you, you can click on the map for meeting details and instructions on how to join; if not, no worries! It couldn’t be easier to start your own Silent Book Club chapter. All you need is a friend, a comfortable public space to meet, and a book of your choice—that’s really all there is to it!
If you want to add your chapter to the Silent Book Club chapter map, there are just a few more simple steps:
- Designate a chapter organizer who can commit to scheduling and attending monthly book club meetings.
- Find a public venue—you can get creative! Maybe you’ll decide to host meetings at your favorite bar or cafe or an independent bookstore in your area. Once you’ve decided on your dream space, talk to the manager to make sure they’re on board.
- Finally, submit your chapter info (including the meeting location and a link to event details) on the Silent Book Club website, and voila! Your chapter will then be added to the map so that you can start building your bookish community!
Visit the Silent Book Club website to learn more about the organization and how to join or create a chapter. We’re certain you’ll love this fresh and exciting take on the book club format.
(Photo: SBC Seattle, Graduate Hotel. Credit: Danielle Shull)