Frequently Asked Questions

What is Silent Book Club?

Silent Book Club is a volunteer-led global community of readers, spanning over 1500 chapters in over 50 countries. It's a different kind of book club - one without assigned reading, book discussions, or the pressure to make small talk. Instead, the focus of our meetups is on purely the shared joy of reading. Everyone brings their own book (BYOB) - all genres and reading formats are welcome. We meet anywhere there is comfortable seating and good lighting (*strong WiFi is a plus) -- which is inclusive of all the obvious spots (bookstores, coffeeshops and libraries) as well as the more off-beat ones (cafes, restaurants, bars, parks, beer gardens). Meetups typically last two hours: a half hour for settling in, followed by an hour of silent independent reading, concluding with a half hour for optional socializing.

You can learn more about Silent Book Club by accessing our originator’s website: https://silentbook.club/

Will I need to read a specific book?

No! That's the beauty of Silent Book Club - you just bring whatever you're currently reading. Whether you're into fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels, magazines, audiobooks or reading on your device - all formats and genres are welcome!

I'm an introvert - is this for me?

Yes! Silent Book Club was created with introverts in mind. The quiet reading time gives you space to recharge, and the social time is completely optional.

Do I have to stay for the whole duration of the meetup?

Not at all! While we encourage you to join for the full experience, you're welcome to drop in late or leave early as needed. We only ask that if your arrival/departure occurs within our Quiet Reading Hour, that you try to enter or exit quietly so as not to disturb other SBC readers.

Is there a membership fee?

There are no membership fees and all HSBC meetups (unless otherwise noted) are free to attend. The only cost is whatever you choose to purchase at the venue we’re meeting in.

Do you meet regularly?

We're aiming to establish regular monthly meetups. Frequency may adjust based on community interest.

Do I need to RSVP?

Yes, please! Our venues have limited space and we want to ensure everyone has a comfortable spot. RSVPs help us plan accordingly.

How can I stay updated?

Is this adults-only?

While all ages are welcome, the hour-long quiet reading component is best suited for older teens and adults.

What's your inclement weather policy?

We follow our venue's lead - if they're open, we're meeting! Any cancellations will be announced on our Instagram and through email at least 2 hours before the event.

What COVID precautions do you take?

We follow all current local guidelines and our venue's policies. Please stay home if you're feeling unwell.

☕📚🎧📱

Have a question that hasn’t been addressed above?

Please fill out the form below and we will respond back using your email address. Alternatively, feel free to send us an email or DM us on Instagram.