By Mmathabo Maebela
Imagine sitting in a circle of like-minded reading enthusiasts on a cool Saturday morning. Sitting on a soft blanket or the plush green grass with a book in your hands. No nametags, no pressure, just your book, your coffee or water, and an hour of shared silence.
It sounds simple, but it’s a quiet kind of magic that is surprisingly moving.
A new chapter begins
Last Saturday morning offered just that when a group of book lovers got together at the Botanical Gardens for the launch of Makhanda’s first-ever Silent Book Club. The idea is simple: bring your own book, pick a spot to read in peace, and read alongside fellow book enthusiasts.
Readers of various ages came to find a spot in the open gardens. Some had books tucked under their arms, some had dogs, and some brought cozy blankets to sit on. But we all settled into an hour of quiet companionship.
One of the organisers, Nicol Gowar, described the birth of the Makhanda chapter as one that grew out of her curiosity about Makhanda’s literary landscape. “I am always interested in what Makhanda has to offer in terms of our literary scenes. We have Amazwi, that does book launches and looks at our indigenous knowledges,” she said. Her curiosity and social media’s algorithms led her to the Cape Town Chapter of the Silent Book Club’s page, eclectic and thriving. And so, she thought, “How does one get into this?”
When Cathy Gush, a longtime literary advocate in Makhanda, messaged her with a similar idea, everything just clicked.
Gush mentioned that she believes that the Silent Book Club is a perfect fit with the city’s ethos. “Makhanda is a city known for its education, and so there are students, lecturers, and all sorts of people who enjoy reading. So, I think having a silent reading time as this goes nicely with our whole brand,” she said.
More than just a club
The Silent Book Club offers one the liberty to pick what book they would like to indulge in for that hour. There is no assigned novel, and no pressure to perform or even discuss anything, though many did after the reading hour, swapping recommendations about the books that spark their joy.
As Gush explained, “The Silent Book Club is not meant to be exclusive.” Readers are allowed to come and go. It does not place a burden of responsibility but offers the space to read companionably. But, she added, “It is a golden opportunity for networking and for people to talk to each other about the things that they’re involved in.”
Being an English teacher herself, Gowar emphasised the need to make reading enjoyable. “I feel like projects like this are really a good way to get people to start reading because they enjoy reading, not because they feel obligated to read,” she said.
Your book, my book, our book
The club’s vision goes beyond simply reading together. Readers are encouraged to bring book donations to club meetings, particularly children’s books and young adult fiction books that will be distributed through local literacy projects such as the Lebone Centre and school libraries.
“Lots of schools in our community do need books of different ranges so that the kids can just pick up a book and read,” Gowar said.
Gush explained that “81% of grade 4s are unable to read for meaning in South Africa. Which means that children are not coming through the foundation phase able to read for meaning.” This is what makes literacy projects such as the Silent Book Club important in communities.
The donations are simple. Just drop your book in the basket anytime during the meeting.
Where to from here?
The first meeting yielded a turnout that exceeded the expectations of both the organisers. “I really didn’t know what the response was going to be like. So, I’m very happy. I think there were 12 of us. I’m confident that it will grow in profile and in popularity.” Gush said.
The Silent Book Club hopes to meet monthly. The sessions run for two hours, with no RSVP or entrance fee.
Keen to join the next session, or drop a book in the basket? You can stay updated through the club’s WhatsApp group or by following their posts on Facebook @silentbookclub and Instagram @silentbookclubmakhanda.
For Gowar, the aim is to build a sustainable reading community for book enthusiasts. “It doesn’t belong to one person. So, if anyone else wants to get involved and just have energy, that’s what creates a sustainable project.”
And yes, come as you are (with a book, of course)
Whether you’ve been reading for as long as you can remember, you’re looking to fall back in love with books, or you’ve just started reading, the Silent Book Club promises you a welcoming and silent space to start or continue.
Maybe you’ll read the full hour, maybe you’ll just rest and take in the energy.
Either way, bring yourself, bring a friend — and bring a book.
