The bring-your-own-book club at the Richmond Library

The Richmond branch of the San Francisco Public Library hosts a Silent Book Club every other Wednesday, promoting a unique reading experience where participants read silently for one hour before engaging in discussions. This approach allows members to select their own books, fostering a diverse range of literary conversations. Annie Reasoner, a member since fall 2024, values the uninterrupted reading time, noting that home distractions often disrupt her focus. The group typically consists of six to eight participants, primarily retirees, and has fostered friendships among attendees, such as Nancy Berry, who has been attending for over 50 years. The Silent Book Club model, which began more than a decade ago in San Francisco, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional book clubs that require reading preselected titles.

Marina Sobolevskaya, the adult services librarian, started the Richmond chapter in late 2022 after being inspired by a colleague's experience in a similar group. The club's format encourages participants to explore a variety of genres, with discussions reflecting personal insights and preferences. As the trend of Silent Book Clubs expands, the Richmond library's chapter has emerged as a pioneering example in the city.