Program Description
Event Details
Silent Book Club ® is a global community of readers, with more than 1500 chapters in 54 countries around the world led by local volunteers. SBC members gather in public at bars, cafes, bookstores, libraries, and online to read together in quiet camaraderie.
Silent Book Club started in San Francisco in 2012 with a couple of friends—Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich—reading in companionable silence at our neighborhood bar. We loved books, and reading with friends, but most of our previous attempts at book clubs had fizzled out.
Often with traditional book clubs there's the scramble to finish the selected book, and the pressure to have something smart to say. Wouldn't it be great to have a book club where you could just enjoy books, friends, and drinks—without any homework?
At Silent Book Club, there's no assigned reading. All readers are welcome—ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books... it's BYOBook. Our events are free and support local businesses. Friends and strangers gather at a set time and location, order food or drinks, share what they're reading, and settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialize—or not!
We started Silent Book Club because reading with friends enriches our lives and makes us happy. We love hearing about what people are reading (often in their other book clubs) and we think it's important to put down our phones and be social. Real, live, breathing-the-same-air social, not hearting-you-on-Instagram social.
Silent Book Club is about community. Everyone is welcome, and anyone can join or launch a chapter. We encourage people all over the world to start their own Silent Book Clubs. All you need is a friend, a comfy public setting, and a book. We have active chapters around the world in cities of all sizes, and new chapters are being launched by volunteers every week.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the Programming Department at 301-777-1200.Photo Disclaimer
Allegany County Library System may be taking photos at library sponsored programs. Your participation in the program signifies your permission for us to use any photos that we take of you. Please speak to a librarian now if you would prefer that your photo not be taken.