Silent Book Clubs: A Growing Trend in Wisconsin
Imagine settling into a cozy chair, opening a book, and diving into another world. Now picture doing this in the company of fellow book lovers, each absorbed in their own stories. Welcome to a Silent Book Club.
The Silent Book Club movement began in 2015 in California and has since expanded globally, boasting over 2,000 clubs, including more than 30 in Wisconsin. These clubs offer a simple yet appealing concept: host a quiet reading session in a public space like a coffee shop or bookstore, allowing participants to read whatever they like and optionally discuss their books afterward.
In Green Bay, Izabel Looney coordinates such events at Timekeeper Distillery. She was inspired by her experiences in Vermont, where she found it to be a “nice, low stimulating activity that was connecting with our community,” as she shared on WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.”
Kristin Carlson, owner of Sojourn Booksellers in Stevens Point, has been hosting a club since 2023. “It’s a way for people to connect with other readers,” she explained to “Wisconsin Today,” adding that friendships often blossom at these gatherings. Carlson describes the atmosphere as relaxed, with quiet music leading into an hour of silent reading, followed by a chance to socialize when the music shifts to a livelier tone.
The Fitchburg Public Library has adopted this model too. Tegan Karow, Adult and Technical Services Manager, noted the flexibility this format offers, allowing participants to enjoy books they choose without the pressure of finishing a specific title for a meeting.
These clubs also fulfill a broader community need. “We have also been hearing a lot from our patrons that they are looking for community-building opportunities,” Karow said. Looney echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of “third spaces” outside of home and work, like coffee shops and taverns, for fostering connections.
Since its inception, Looney’s club has seen enthusiastic participation, sometimes even exceeding seating capacity. “We love all of the people who have supported us,” she remarked. Meanwhile, Carlson appreciates the rare opportunity to read in her own bookstore, a luxury during the club’s sessions.
