Fri Nov 14 05:47:15 UTC 2025: Summary:
The article discusses the rising popularity of “silent book clubs” in Delhi, where people gather in public spaces like Lodhi Garden to read together in silence. Organized by bookstores like Bahrison’s, these clubs attract a diverse group of individuals seeking community, dedicated reading time, and a connection with nature and literature. The trend is partly fueled by social media, which is making reading “cool” again, and by a desire to combat loneliness and build meaningful connections. Despite hazardous air quality, readers are drawn to these gatherings as a form of self-care and community engagement.
News Article:
Delhi Readers Find Community in Silent Book Clubs
New Delhi, November 14, 2025 – Amidst hazardous air quality, a growing trend is sweeping Delhi: silent book clubs. These gatherings, organized by bookstores and community groups, bring together readers in public spaces like Lodhi Garden to enjoy the solitary act of reading in a communal setting.
Bahrison’s Booksellers launched its first silent book club on November 9, attracting approximately 30 participants. Attendees, armed with books ranging from investment guides to graphic novels, seek a dedicated space to read and connect with like-minded individuals.
“I’m an introvert, but I like being around people,” said Gursimran Kaur, a pastry chef attending her first meetup. Others cite the difficulty of finding quiet time at home or the desire to raise children with a love for reading as motivators.
The trend is also fueled by social media platforms like #BookTok and #Bookstagram, which are making reading “cool” again. “Reading or at least being seen with and around books is becoming cool again,” said Aashna Malhotra, a third-generation bookseller-in-training at Bahrison’s.
Silent book clubs provide an opportunity to build community around a typically solitary activity. “Reading is a lost art,” said Sabir Hassan, a UX/UI designer. “And the ‘loneliness epidemic,’ as they say, is a thing — this is also a form of community-building.”
Organizers are planning to expand these events, seeking indoor spaces to accommodate readers as winter approaches. Despite challenges like air pollution, the silent book club movement is proving to be a popular and meaningful way for Delhi residents to connect with literature and each other.
First Piper 