For those avid readers who are more introverted but still want to be around others, Silent Book Clubs have been popping up throughout the country, including a growing number in Connecticut.
Avon Free Public Library started its Silent Book Club in May 2023 and has grown from a handful of participants to 10-15 when they meet once a month at the library.
Avon adult reference librarian Taylor Skorski has led the group since the beginning. She said the club meets once a month on a Monday night for an hour. From 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., the group sits together and reads. There are no rules on what to read. The last 15 minutes is an optional social time about their book or any topic.
“In the last six months it has increased in interest,” Skorski said. “It’s not a huge group, but I think that plays to our strengths. Many people are shy and want to be quiet and don’t want to get that traditional book club feel.”
Skorski said the club has an even split among genders and ages, ranging from college students to senior citizens. The group meets in an open part of the library.
“They all read very different genres and types of books,” Skorski said. “Everyone is generally interested in what others are reading. The main conversation is about books. We have people who read true crime or light novels and others (who) read more graphic novels that have turned into movies. Others read mysteries and fantasy. This is much different from usual book clubs.”
Skorski is the timekeeper and at the end of each club meeting, participants are invited to chat if they choose to.
“Over time most come over and tell the group what they have been reading,” Skorski said. “It’s not intimidating. It’s a relaxing place for people to meet each other and gather.”
Some members have lingered much longer than the allotted time.
“It’s amazing to me that they can sit and read together for 45 minutes,” Skorski added. “It’s a really long time to read. I’m a librarian and I love to read. I love this group and I’m glad we can have this club. I know other universities like the University of Hartford and Wesleyan University have them.”
The club in Avon is free.
“There are no barriers except for getting here,” Skorski said.
“I noticed a need for other people that aren’t extroverts to make a connection and to have a place for them was important to me because I’m an introvert who loves to read,” she said. “We also get a lot of people who are new to the town and want to meet other people.”
Courtesy of Avon Free Public Library
Taylor Skorski started the Silent Book Club at the Avon Free Public Library last year. The club meets monthly for an hour. (Courtesy of Avon Free Public Library)
Southington’s Megan St. Lawrence, 30, has been a member of the club for more than a year. She said she likes to read anything including science fiction or horror.
“The group is fabulous,” St. Lawrence said. “It’s a great chance for introverts to meet and enjoy each other’s company in silence but still wanting to be in the company of others. Hopefully, more libraries will add this club.”
St. Lawrence said it’s a mix of regulars and new people joining each month. She said it’s the first book club ever joined.
“For 30-40 minutes we are reading silently and at the end if we feel comfortable sharing we could. Or we can leave. It’s been nice for me to go outside of my comfort zone and share,” St. Lawrence said.
“I like that it’s low energy. There is no expectation to share and Monday evenings at the Avon Public Library are quiet. I like that it’s not stressful. I used to work at the library, and I’ve seen other book club discussions, and the conversation can deviate from the book. I like the vibes of this club. I like the silence.”
The next Avon silent book club gathering is on Nov. 25 at the library’s first-floor atrium. Additional gatherings are scheduled on Dec. 16 and Jan. 6, 2025.
Skorski said she is excited to hear similar book clubs are popping up in other places in the state.
“I think there’s still room for growth in our group, but I don’t see it being a ginormous program,” Skorski said. “There’s something about the smaller size that’s less intimidating. A lot of people come here that are shy, and I’m a shy person. If I was going to go to a big book club group, I may be intimidated. I wouldn’t want to overwhelm people.”
Farmington is starting a Silent Book Club with the first meeting scheduled for Nov. 2 at the Barney Library, located at 71 Main St.
“I decided to start a chapter at the Barney Library because of our unique building,” said Shana Shea, Barney branch manager/marketing and communications librarian at Farmington Libraries. “We regularly have patrons come to study and read in our reading room and I thought this was a unique opportunity to invite patrons to enjoy the space.”
There are Silent Book Club chapters all over Connecticut. In addition to Avon and Farmington, others are in Bristol, Enfield, Windsor Locks, Hartford, Pomfret, Willimantic, Stonington, New London, Ledyard, Old Lyme, Middletown, Bethany, Hamden, North Haven, New Haven, Southport, Norwalk and Stamford, among others.
Stephanie Weggeman
When traditional book clubs are too much, the Silent Book Club trend provides everything you didn’t know you were missing. (Stephanie Weggeman)
Humble beginnings
The Silent Book Club started in San Francisco in 2012 when co-founders Laura Gluhanich and Guinevere de la Mare would meet and read in silence at a neighborhood bar.
Gluhanich was born and raised in Michigan and now lives in Denver. However, she does have some Connecticut roots — her parents are originally from Bridgeport. She said she and Guinevere would complain about regular book clubs and wanted to just get a book and read.
“So, the two of us would just meet for dinner and read together and that’s how it all started and here we are today,” Gluhanich said. “We now have more than 1,400 chapters and we had about 500 last year. We’ve seen explosive growth. People seem to like a low-pressure environment to share a space and an interest.”
The Silent Book Club has chapters in 50 countries around the world that are led by local volunteers. They are held at bars, cafes, bookstores, libraries and online.
Gluhanich said stories in 2018 and 2019, including one by National Public Radio, helped increase the number of chapters from 30 to 90.
There was an expected participation decline during the COVID pandemic, although some chapters would still meet online. The numbers then bounced back after the lockdowns ended.
“People love getting out and socializing,” Gluhanich said “This is a lightweight way for people to go out and connect with each other. This year has been the biggest growth when we saw a member of the Seattle chapter go viral. That kicked up the most recent growth.”
Gluhanich said the groups are volunteer run and she asks all chapters to be open and accessible for all. She said the co-founders give a framework to each chapter leader.
“It’s incredibly gratifying,” Gluhanich said about the growth of the Silent Book Club. “We love seeing people sending in pictures and telling their stories.”
Gluhanich, whose background is in community and program management, participates with a Silent Book Club chapter in Denver. Gluhanich said co-founder de la Mare works for Google and lives in Hawaii.
“We just wanted a welcoming, easy and accessible space for people who love reading,” Gluhanich said. “We support all kinds of reading and the way members and organizers have taken to this has been inspiring and gratifying. … There’s an energy when you are in the space with five, 50 or 100 people. It really is something special.”
