Photo by Burst
Silent Book Club is a book club movement that celebrates the joy of reading and fosters a community of book lovers who relish the tranquil embrace of a good book.
Imagine a gathering where book enthusiasts come together to revel in the shared companionship of a silent reading experience.
Let’s explore what this club does, how it works and where you can participate in and around Portland.
What is a Silent Book Club?
Silent Book Club brings together bibliophiles in a relaxing, community building environment to share in the joy of reading. Unlike a traditional book club, there is no assigned reading. Instead, you bring along whatever book you want, read together and socialize.
Participants are invited to read whatever they want—ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books, etc.
Silent Book Club fosters a community of readers and introverts across the globe. The club has grown to more than 500 chapters in 50 countries.
Everyone is welcome, and anyone can join or launch a local chapter.
How does Silent Book Club it work?
Silent Book Club events are free to attend and also support local businesses. Events are held at public locations, including pubs, libraries, food truck pods and more.
Most events follow this structure:
- Arrive at a set time and location.
- Order food and/or drinks. Some events let you bring your own snacks.
- Share what you’re reading.
- Settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading.
- After an hour, attendees are invited to socialize with each other, or not. If the shared experience of reading was enough socialization for you, there’s no pressure to stick around.
Photo courtesy of Leikam Brewing
Silent Book Club Events in and around Portland
Ready to check out a local Silent Book Club? There are currently four chapters in and around Portland.
Find a chapter to join:
Portland Eastside
On the second Wednesday of each month, attend the Portland Eastside Silent Book Club at Leikam Brewing.
Here’s the schedule:
6:30 p.m. Grab a drink and chat.
7-8 p.m. Read in silence.
8 p.m. Connect with other bibliophiles.
If you have a book you’ve finished and want to share, you can bring it to add to the free library.
Leikam Brewing is at 5812 East Burnside St. in Portland. The brewery also hosts a comedy night on the second Saturday of the month.
Washington County
The Washington County Silent Book Club is held from 6-8 p.m. on the first Monday and third Thursday of each month.
Events are held at different businesses throughout Washington County, giving you the opportunity to explore new restaurants or visit tried-and-true favorites.
Dates and details for upcoming events are shared on the Washington County chapter’s Instagram page.
Tigard/Beaverton
Attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks.
For more details about upcoming events and to connect with participants, join the Facebook group.
Beaverton City Library is at 12375 SW 5th St. in Beaverton.
Camas Public Library
On the second Friday and fourth Thursday of the month (except holidays), Camas Public Library hosts its event from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Here’s the schedule:
5:30-6 p.m. Arrive and settle in. The library’s doors lock at 6 p.m. so in the building before then.
6-7 p.m. Silent reading.
7-7:30 p.m. Chat with fellow book lovers or keep reading.
Light beverages and snacks are available. You are also welcome to bring your own.
Camas Public Library is at 625 NE 4th Ave. in Camas.
Details for all of these local chapters are subject to change. Be sure to follow the links provided before attending.
For more information about these events, chapters outside the Portland area or to start your own chapter, visit the Silent Book Club website.
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