All About Silent Book Club: FAQs and Beyond
Have you been interested in joining a book club, but don’t necessarily want to commit to monthly discussions and assigned reading? Are you searching for a quiet place to dig into the latest romantasy? Then Silent Book Club might be right up your alley. Learn everything there is to know about this growing literary fad today.
What is a Silent Book Club?
Unlike a traditional book club, where each member must finish a selected title in time for an in-depth analysis, Silent Book Clubs do not have a required book. Instead, readers are invited to gather and spend one hour silently reading whatever they’re currently working through. When time’s up, attendees have the option to socialize or head out. Think of it as BYOB—Bring Your Own Book!
What’s the History of Silent Book Club?
Silent Book Club originated over a decade ago in San Francisco when a couple of friends, Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich, began bringing their books to the neighborhood bar to read side by side. The more frequently they met, the more they realized just how great it would be if there were a book club where you could simply enjoy your novel and catch up without any homework. A few years later, in 2015, the two officially launched the organization with one mission: to unite book lovers through the shared joy of reading.
What Can You Read at Silent Book Club?
At a Silent Book Club, you’re allowed to read whatever book in whatever format you like. Some people prefer traditional physical books, others may bring their e-reader, certain people will pop in earbuds and tune into an audiobook—the options are endless. As long as you’re indulging in reading in some way, you’re welcome to partake.
Are Silent Book Clubs Typically Hosted in Public?
True to how this kind of club started, these events are traditionally hosted in public spaces. The best places are free to enter, have relaxing atmospheres, and offer the option to buy something tasty to sip or snack on while you read. While you certainly could host a version of one at home for your friends and family, doing so kind of takes away the widespread accessibility that makes it so community-oriented.
Best Places to Host a Silent Book Club:
- Independent bookstores
- Cafes
- Bars
- Public libraries
- Parks
- Breweries
- Beaches
Are Silent Book Clubs Free to Attend?
Organized by local volunteers, Silent Book Clubs are typically completely free to attend. Not counting what you decide to spend on refreshments and fuel, you don’t need to spend a dime to enjoy sitting and reading surrounded by acquaintances and strangers.
Are There Any Online Silent Book Club Chapters?
Thanks to how they’re designed, there’s no need for Silent Book Clubs to meet in person! In fact, there are plenty of online chapters that arrange virtual events in which you can all read together, from the comfort of your own home, in quiet camaraderie. This allows participants to join from anywhere, widening the net of who you can meet through these types of clubs way further than if you were to go to a local, in-person meeting.
What Does a Typical Silent Book Club Event Look Like?
There’s no doubt about it—Silent Book Club is an introvert’s dream. Designed to be low-stakes, there’s really no prep work required to attend an event. Though different chapters may have their own ways of hosting it, the general schedule remains the same. Here’s what you can expect.
The Structure of a Silent Book Club Meeting:
- Arrival: Guests arrive with their book in tow, claim a spot, and often order drinks or food, depending on the location. In these first 30ish minutes, people may chat, share what they are reading, swap books, or just dive right in.
- Reading: The silent reading hour begins. It doesn’t matter whether you choose a psychological thriller or the latest Kristin Hannah novel: attendees get to read as much as they can, surrounded by others doing the same (in silence).
- Socializing: When the hour is up, participants may choose to stay and talk with one another for roughly 30 more minutes or quietly leave—there’s no judgment either way.
Can You Bring Your Kids to Silent Book Club?
While this type of book club is designed to welcome all readers, asking a kiddo to keep quiet, stay still, or not disrupt other readers is not always going to work. Instead, keep an eye out for official Kids Silent Reading Clubs at your local chapters and libraries. There, your little one will be able to choose a book (or bring their own), grab a snack, make new friends, and read in their own little safe haven.
If you think your child may enjoy it and be able to participate properly at your usual gathering, we recommend contacting the chapter organizer to see if they’ll allow it. If the event is hosted at a less child-friendly location, like a bar, it might be an automatic no.
How to Find a Silent Book Club Near You
Is your interest piqued? Well, you’re in luck! There are countless chapters around the country (and world). Odds are, there’s one within driving distance from you.
To find the nearest meeting, consult the official Silent Book Club chapter map. There, you can search by city, chapter name, or the type of gathering.
How Do You Open Your Own Chapter of Silent Book Club?
If there’s not a Silent Book Club close by or you just want to build out your bookish community, you can apply to host your very own chapter. If you are able to locate a venue, schedule around one meeting per month, and greet readers at the event, then you’d be a great organizer!
After naming your chapter, setting up a public website with event details, and scheduling your first meeting, you can submit your location and officially register your chapter with Silent Book Club. Once you receive the welcome email, you’re all set!
Silent Book Clubs are one of the best ways to enjoy a typically solo hobby with people who love it just as much as you do. The next time you get the urge to surround yourself with readers, check out the local chapter’s events in your area. Who knows what fun you might have, both on and off the pages?