Hobbies, Book Clubs & Groups

Silent Book Club: How It Works and How to Host One in Marikina

A silent book club has no assigned book and no discussion homework. Here is how the format works and how to host a small one in Marikina.

A silent book club is a book club for people who do not want homework. Everyone brings whatever they are reading. You chat a little, read quietly together for an hour, then chat again or leave. That is all.

The idea began in the United States and spread worldwide. There are chapters in Manila and other Philippine cities, and "silent book club Manila" is a common search.

Why people love it

• No assigned book. Read anything: novels, comics, textbooks.
• No pressure to speak. Good for introverts and tired people.
• It makes you read. An hour with your phone away is rarer than it should be.
• You still meet people. The before and after are social, and you leave with recommendations.

The usual format

1. 30 minutes: arrive, order, say hello, show what you brought.
2. 60 minutes: silent reading.
3. 30 minutes: optional talk. What are you reading? Would you recommend it?

Host one in Marikina

You do not need permission to hold an informal silent reading hour with friends.

1. Choose a quiet venue with comfortable seats. A book café at an off-peak time is ideal.
2. Tell the café you are coming, and make sure everyone orders.
3. Post the date. Say clearly: bring any book, come alone, no need to talk.
4. Start the hour with a simple signal and end it the same way.
5. Do it on the same day each month.

If you want to use the official name and be listed as a chapter, check the Silent Book Club organisation's own guidelines.

A small room for it

Our studio's window nook and mini library suit a silent reading hour for a few people: natural light, mountains in the distance, coffee nearby. If you would like to try one, message us with a date.