Alexandria’s Book Clubs Are Going Quiet
Two Alexandria Events Offer Readers A Relaxed Way To Gather, Read And Socialize With Silent Reading
Alexandria VA – Two Alexandria events this weekend will give folks in town an opportunity to read in the company of others without the usual requirements of a traditional book club.
The Company of Books in Del Ray will hold its monthly Silent Book Club on Saturday, September 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. Old Town Books and The Satire hotel will present “The Next Chapter: A Silent Reading Party” on Sunday, September 20, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The events are not connected, but both allow people to bring books of their choice and read independently in a group setting. There is no assigned title, reading deadline or required discussion.
The Company of Books Silent Book Club
The Company of Books offers a free monthly neighborhood gathering and registration is not required. Participants may socialize during the first 15 minutes before the quiet reading period begins. The community-run club meets on the third Saturday of each month at the nonprofit used bookstore, located at 2200 Mount Vernon Ave. The store carries fiction and nonfiction on three floors. The bookstore’s third floor includes tables, chairs, board games, crafting materials and meeting space. The area is used for book clubs, workshops and other community activities. Readers with accessibility questions about the third-floor meeting space should call The Company of Books before attending.
The Company of Books is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. For additional information, call 703-299-3080, email [email protected] or visit tcbdelray.com.
Old Town Books Book Club Meeting
The Satire and Old Town Books offer a different version of the silent-reading experience at the hotel, located at 625 First St. in Old Town North on Sunday September 20 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Readers may bring a book they are currently reading or browse a selection supplied by Old Town Books. The Eventbrite listing does not specify an age restriction and says refunds are not available. Anyone with questions about age requirements should contact the organizer before purchasing a ticket. The Satire has elevators and accessible routes from its main entrance. Its restaurants and other public areas are also listed as accessible. Guests seeking specific accommodations should call the hotel at 703-650-0200.
Tickets are listed at $40 and include one signature cocktail or mocktail, light bites and $2 off additional drinks during the event. Tickets remained available as of Friday, September 18. Advance purchase is required. Tickets and current availability are listed on Eventbrite.
Old Town Books is owned by Ally Kirkpatrick and is located at 130 S. Royal St. The bookstore holds author appearances, workshops, book clubs and other literary programs. Questions about Sunday’s program may be directed to Old Town Books at 703-647-9749 or [email protected].
Why Silent Reading
Silent reading is not limited to Alexandria’s bookstores and hotels. Alexandria Library has also offered programs in which people bring their own books or choose something from the library’s collection and read together quietly. Silent Book Club was co-founded by Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich. Its website includes a map of chapters and instructions for people interested in starting one.The library system is led by Executive Director Rose T. Dawson. Its online calendar lists upcoming programs at individual branches. General information is available at 703-746-1701 or alexlibraryva.org.
The Alexandria programs are examples of a format that has spread internationally. Silent Book Club reports more than 2,200 chapters in 70 countries and more than 1 million members. The organization uses the description “introvert happy hour” for its gatherings. People can talk with other readers if they choose, but conversation is not required throughout the event. General and media inquiries may be sent to [email protected]. Additional information is available at silentbook.club.
The format gives people who have not completed a particular book an opportunity to participate without missing a meeting or worrying about spoilers. Someone reading a novel can share the same room with another person reading history, poetry, a memoir or an electronic book. Readers may introduce themselves and discuss what they are reading, or they may spend the reading period quietly with their books.
