These sessions at local book stores, coffee shops and libraries offer a happy hour of sorts for bibliophiles — without the pressure to discuss the reading
by Addie Ladner | photography by Joshua Steadman

On a cold, dark Friday night in City Market, folks sit elbow-to-elbow at Blackbird Books & Coffee. But unlike the nearby bars and restaurants, which bustle with music and conversation, it’s so quiet here you could hear a pin drop. Each guest has their head in a book, enjoying a new and unusual version of happy hour.

This is the premise of a Silent Book Club: a date to read quietly in the company of others. It’s a trend that originated in San Francisco about a decade ago with a pair of friends who decided to forgo the organized discussion template of a traditional book club in favor of a more low-stakes reading commitment. The idea was to get together regularly at a nearby bar to read whatever they fancied at their own pace. Afterwards, if they wanted to discuss their reading material, they would, but it wasn’t a requirement. Soon, they made it a more organized thing, coining the term Silent Book Club and inviting friends to create the first chapter in their area. 

Since then, it’s become a global phenomenon. Part of the appeal is the accountability to tackle those books piling up on your nightstand, with the ability to read your own selections at your own pace. The general format is an uninterrupted hour or so committed to reading, often with opportunities for conversation before or after. 

Raleigh boasts several official and un-official Silent Book Clubs, each with its own personality. So if you’re finding yourself wanting to read more in 2026 or sit in community with like-minded literary folks, consider one of these meet-ups.

Editors note: We’ve made suggestions based on observations about what regulars are choosing, but of course, the essence of the Silent Book Club is to show up and read whatever you want.

For the Fantasy and Bestseller Readers: Blackbird Books & Coffee 

This cozy book and coffee shop in City Market hosts two weekend Silent Book Clubs per month. “We started with one but had a full house every time, so we added a second,” says co-owner Bre Brunswick. She says the demographic is a mix of ages, but mostly Gen Z to younger millennials, with a tendency to read study material, general romance and fantasy. “It’s pretty interesting to see what people are reading. It tends to be fairly lighter things and whatever is newest,” she says. And even though it’s optional, people do end up conversing afterwards — not necessarily about books — and sometimes even head out to dinner or exchange information. “We’re a fairly small space, so people have to get cozy,” says Brunswick.
Friday & Saturday of the second full weekend of the month; 5 p.m.; 323 Blake Street; blackbirdbooksandcoffee.com

For the Classic Fiction Reader: NoRa Cafe 

Teens and retirees alike gather at NoRa Cafe’s Silent Book Club in North Raleigh. The cafe has a small side room, dubbed the library, with a collection of inexpensive used books for sale, making it a perfect spot for a quiet reading session. “Guests can purchase some wine or coffee or even a book if they need,” says Colleen Gross, who owns the cafe with her husband Matt (they also own Dog-Eared Books off Atlantic Avenue). “We close the sliding barn door that separates the reading space from the main cafe and turn on some mellow music.” After reading for an hour, folks can linger as late as 8 p.m. to converse. “It’s been a great way to unplug and give yourself permission to relax and read without distraction,” she says.
First & third Thursday of the month; 6 p.m.; 12333 Strickland Road; instagram.com/thelibraryatnora

For the Short Story and Poetry Reader: Oberlin Regional Library

The Oberlin Regional Library is the only branch in Wake County that offers an official Silent Book Club chapter. “It gives me a set time to read and be with others while collectively enjoying peace for 90 minutes,” says adult services librarian Elizabeth Mankin. She says the evening attracts a small-ish group from their early 20s to 60s, who often make plans for dinner at one of the Village District eateries afterwards. At the start of each meeting, folks are given the option to introduce themselves and share their current reading material. “The titles people choose range from current bestsellers to classics they’ve always wanted to read,” she says. “Some people use digital books/eAudio books and others bring magazine articles — it’s really up to the attendee!”
First Thursday of the month, restarting in February; 6 – 8:30 p.m.; 1930 Clark Avenue; wake.gov

For the Sports and History Reader: Vault Craft Beer

Vault Craft Beer is going on its second year of hosting a Silent Book Club that attracts casual readers who tend to enjoy a round of drinks before or after. Mondays are historically quieter nights in the brewery scene, but the book club crowd packs the Vault. General manager and bartender Christopher Curtis Smith says working his first one in December was a surprising albeit pleasant experience. “It was a full house, but completely quiet — it’s funny as a bartender to have a room full of quietness,” he says. “It was also interesting because many folks ordered wine, ciders and sours instead of the beers that were on special, which is unique for our customers.”
First Monday of the month; 518 W. South Street; vaultcraftbeer.com  

This article originally appeared in the January 2026 issue of WALTER magazine.