Join us in person and online to unite against book bans and show the world that the freedom to read is an American value that must be protected.

When we launched Silent Book Club, our goal was to make this experience accessible to everyone, from small town cafés to international cities to indie bookstore owners and local libraries.

Fellow bookworms, introverts, and fans of not talking... We have some exciting news to share – Silent Book Club has officially reached more than 1,000 chapters worldwide!

From a cozy gathering in San Francisco back in 2012 to a global network spanning six continents, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. It's a testament to the universal love of books, the power of shared experiences, and the magic that happens when people come together in quiet camaraderie.

A Massive Thank You to Our Amazing Community

We could not have reached this milestone without the dedication and passion of our volunteer chapter organizers. You are the heart and soul of Silent Book Club! From bustling city centers to quaint towns, you've created welcoming spaces for readers to connect, unwind, and escape into literary worlds.

A special shoutout to the bookstores, libraries, cafes, breweries, and other small businesses that generously open their doors to our chapters. Your support has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and belonging for book lovers everywhere.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

This incredible journey has been filled with unforgettable moments:

• 2015: Our website launched, making it easier than ever for volunteers to start chapters in their own communities… with swag!
• 2019: Oprah Magazine, NPR, and The New York Times took notice, with media coverage helping us grow to 300 chapters worldwide.
• 2023: A viral Instagram reel captured the essence of Silent Book Club, introducing us to countless new readers and sparking a wave of chapter growth.
• 2024: The magic number: 1,000 chapters reached in May, marking a momentous achievement for our community!

As we celebrate this milestone, we're also looking towards the future. We're excited to continue expanding our reach, connecting even more book lovers, and fostering a love of reading in every corner of the globe.

Join the Celebration!

Whether you're a long-time member or just discovering us, we invite you to join the celebration! Find a chapter near you, start your own, or simply share your love of Silent Book Club on social media with the hashtag #sbc1000. We have a whole summer of celebrations planned, so stay tuned!

Let's raise a book (and a quiet toast) to the power of reading, the joy of community, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for Silent Book Club.

 

Earlier this month, the host of NPR's Nerdette podcast, Greta Johnsen, dropped in on Silent Book Club at Dorothy, a lesbian bar in Chicago (previously featured in this great article). She and her producer interviewed SBC organizer Charlie Schumann and bar owner Whitney LaMora, and chatted with attendees and bartenders to hear what people thought of Silent Book Club.

It's a fantastic listen, highly recommend. The story aired on WBEZ Chicago and you can find the recording online (the SBC feature starts at 15:15), but we've transcribed it here if you don't have a podcast player handy. 

A note from the founders: We created Silent Book Club to be a welcoming and inclusive community for readers. As a platform, Silent Book Club offers an opportunity to create the space and experience members have when they join the group. That's a responsibility we don't take lightly.