Silent Book Club chapters to check out in the Charlotte area
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo: Courtesy of That's Novel Books
Alyssa Pressler started a Silent Book Club chapter at her Camp North End bookstore That's Novel Books because she wanted more time to read.
- What started as a four-to-five-people gathering a few summers ago has turned into an average of 110-150 people, Pressler tells Axios. That's Novel Books hosts two Silent Book Clubs a month.
Why it matters: Hobbies like reading and running have gained popularity since the pandemic. We're definitely in our run club era, but we're also in our book club era.
Context: Silent Book Club has more than 1,500 chapters across 54 countries worldwide, including a few official chapters in Charlotte. You can find a local chapter on Silent Book Club's website.
How it works: Each Silent Book Club has its own vibe, but the goal is universal — finding a little quiet time to read. Here are a few to check out:
That's Novel Books
Silent Book Club is the first Thursday of every month from 6-8pm and the third Sunday of the month from 9:30-11:30am. No sign up required. Just show up with your reading material and bring your own chair or something to sit on. It's dog-friendly so your pup can come too.
- You can chat for the first 30 minutes or grab food and drinks from around Camp North End. Then it's a silent hour of reading, followed by 30 minutes where you can chat to wrap everything up.
- The exact location at Camp North End varies based on weather. Check That's Novel Books' website or Instagram before you head out.
- February's Silent Book Clubs are scheduled for Feb. 6 and 16.
- Stop by: 330 Camp Road
The bottom line: "The goal is just to get you reading," Pressler says.
Troubadour Booksellers
A Silent Book Club takes place the last Wednesday of every month from 5:30-7:30pm at this east Charlotte bookstore. Bring a book or buy one from the bookstore. No RSVP is required.
- The last 30 minutes include an optional discussion with other attendees about what you're reading.
- Stop by: 1721-7C Sardis Road North
Go deeper: New independent bookstore opens in east Charlotte
Silent Book Club - Charlotte
Locations and times vary for this group, but the next event is scheduled for Feb. 5 at 6:30pm. Find more details about the group here.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library hosts a monthly Silent Book Club at Waterbean Coffee in Huntersville from 7-8:30pm. Bring your book and chat for the first 15 minutes, read for an hour and then discuss what you're reading for the final 15 minutes. The next event is scheduled for Feb. 18. Register and see future dates here.
- Stop by: Waterbean Coffee at 9705 Sam Furr Road Huntersville, N.C.
Sip on Stories
The online bookstore organized the Silent Book Club Matthews chapter. Check its Instagram for updates about future events.
Belmont Bookshop
Head 20 minutes west and you'll find the charming town of Belmont. Belmont Bookshop's next Silent Book Club is Feb. 24 from 6-7pm. Bring your own book or pick one up at the store. You can head to Stowe Park (weather permitting) or stay and read at the bookshop.
- Stop by: 7 N. Main St. Belmont, N.C.
