Whether it’s reading a book silently or discussing a literary text, there are many book clubs and reading communities across the city, encouraging bibliophiles to do what they love the most – read. While some groups read in public places like gardens, a few prefer to walk together to a bookstore or a cafe – these reading communities meet, read, share experiences and take their reading journeys forward. “Joining fellow readers at the Lodhi Gardens every Sunday has become an important part of my weekends. Not only has it deepened my passion for reading, but it has also fostered an affection for the city, says Anchal Sharma, who is a member of a reading community.
Groups reading in silence follow the concept of BYOB (Bring Your Own Book)
‘Discussion-oriented groups encourage to read and reflect’
Delhi Reads founders Molina Singh and Paridhi Puri tell us, “It is an interaction-based community of literature and book lovers. This community-forward venture is being built to encourage people to read in a shared space, meet others offline, and interact in real time in the city. Apart from discussions, we travel around Delhi and visit old and new bookstores. Today’s generation is constantly consuming content and ending the day doomscrolling, so the community is an outlet to process that overload of information. It allows members to listen to other people’s thoughts and reflect.”
Medha, who runs a readers’ club in Gurgaon, with Chaitanya, adds, “Apart from weekly meetings, a monthly meet-up is usually carried out to discuss a book of the month. The idea is to create a community that allows you to explore new perspectives, new books and authors in a group setting.”
The idea of reading in a garden is to inspire more people to pick up books. Women wanting to read outdoors feel safe with a community around them. They can lie on the grass for hours and read leisurely
Ritika Chawla, co-founder of Lodhi Reads
Delhiites read together, in silence
Ritika Chawla, co-founder of Lodhi Reads, a community that reads silently in the serene nooks and greenery of Lodhi Gardens, says, “In today’s time, where social media is everywhere, reading often takes a backseat. The weekly meeting at Lodhi Gardens allows people to take a break from their daily hustle and immerse themselves in reading. There’s a magic in collective energy, so reading privately yet together amplifies the experience.”
Rachna Kalra from Silent Book Club shares that in winter, the group meets at Sunder Nursery, while in summer, they usually gather at a readers’ friendly cafe. “The idea is to get people back to reading together even if it is for an hour. In a community, they share the joy of reading and continue to read silently,” she adds.
Each meeting is centred around a theme or genre and the discussions are not limited to books, but often include references from video games, films and pop culture
Nadeem Qais