Silent Book Club (SBC) is a global community that welcomes all readers. To keep our chapters safe and inclusive, all members, organizers, and HQ employees are expected to uphold these standards of conduct, both in person and online.
Silent Book Club LLC reserves the right to revoke chapter licenses or ban individuals from the global community for violations of these guidelines.
The Core Principles
Respect the silence: Our primary goal is to provide a quiet, restorative space for reading. Disruption of the designated "quiet hour" is considered a breach of community etiquette. Organizers have the right to ask members to step outside to hold conversations, or leave the meetup if they are disrupting other members.
Inclusivity & belonging: SBC is a global community. We have zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or hate speech based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Non-commercial space: Silent Book Club meetups are for community connection, not for solicitation, multi-level marketing, or aggressive promotions.
No self-promotion: We do not allow self-published books to be promoted on our channels. We do not allow buy/sell/trade posts. It's our policy, as well as safe internet practice, to discourage members from direct messaging (DM or PM) personal info over social media.
Protecting Our Members (In-Person & Online)
Physical safety: Physical violence, threats, or unwanted physical contact are grounds for immediate and permanent removal from all SBC activities.
Harassment: This includes stalking, persistent unwanted messaging, or sexual harassment (unwelcome comments, advances, or gestures).
Privacy: Respect the privacy of your fellow readers. Do not share members’ personal information, photos, or contact details without explicit consent.
Alcohol & substance use: While many chapters meet in bars or cafes, members are expected to consume responsibly. Intoxication that leads to disruptive or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated.
Protecting Our Organizers
Our organizers are the heart of SBC, and they are volunteers. They deserve a safe environment to host.
Anti-bullying: Targeted harassment of an organizer (online or in person) is strictly prohibited.
Boundaries: Respect that organizers are not "on call." Avoid contacting them at unreasonable hours or via personal channels unless they have invited you to do so.
Liability: Members agree that participation in SBC events is voluntary and at their own risk. Organizers are not responsible for lost or stolen personal property.
Protecting Our Employees
As a U.S.-based organization, we are committed to a safe workplace for our staff.
Professional conduct: Communication with SBC HQ employees (via email or social media) must remain professional and respectful.
Zero tolerance for abuse: Abusive language, threats of litigation, or doxxing (publishing private info) of HQ staff will result in the immediate termination of an organizer’s license and potential legal action.
Digital & Social Media Safety
Handle ownership: To prevent confusion, local chapters must clearly identify themselves as a "Chapter" and may not impersonate SBC HQ.
Moderation: Online chapter groups (Facebook, Discord, etc.) must be moderated by the organizer. Harmful content (spam, gore, hate speech) must be removed promptly.
No doxxing: Never post the personal addresses or private contact info of members or employees.
Reporting & Enforcement
If you witness a violation of these guidelines or feel unsafe:
Local issues: Speak with your local Chapter Organizer first. They have the authority to ask a disruptive member to leave.
Escalations: If the issue involves an Organizer or a serious safety threat, report it to HQ at hello@silentbook.club.
Consequences: Silent Book Club LLC reserves the right to revoke chapter licenses or ban individuals from the global community for violations of these guidelines.