Event: Silent Book Club

Catherine Hurcombe is a regular at Silent Book Club, and here she tells us what to expect from the two events coming up this month…

Silent Book Club is one of the highlights of Exeter City of Literature's event programme. Taking place on the first Wednesday of the month at Topsham Brewery, and the third Tuesday at The Hourglass Inn, the club attracts attendees of all ages, reading all genres.

I have been attending these events since 2024, and they're a fantastic way to meet fellow bookworms and set yourself some dedicated reading time. Each session starts at 6pm, giving attendees time to mingle, grab a drink (or on the Wednesday sessions, order some dinner from Portal Pizza), before the reading begins at quarter past. Then, hosts from Exeter City of Literature will introduce the event, and at the sound of the gong, the room goes quiet, and everyone picks up their books. After an hour of reading time, the gong rings again, and attendees can chat about their reading or pick up drinks and snacks before heading off home.

Photos courtesy of Charlie, for Exeter City of Literature.

There's such a welcoming environment to all of these sessions - whether you're a prolific reader, or struggle to find the time, you're sure to find people to talk to. There's something so peaceful about having a silent space to catch up on your reading, but one that still leaves you the opportunity to be social. Over the last several months, these sessions have gone from cosy winter reading in the Hourglass Inn's basement, to celebrating Exeter Silent Book Club's first birthday by the sunlit quay. I've met people from all walks of life, making new friends and bonding over a shared love of literature. These events are a great, free way to shake up your after-work routine and put down your phone in favour of whatever book you choose. Seeing people reading such different books in the same space has encouraged me to brave new genres - the only downside being, your pile of ‘to be read’ books may just keep growing taller!

The next Silent Book Club will take place at Topsham Brewery, 6-8pm on Wednesday 4th June, closely followed by The Hourglass Inn session on Tuesday 17th.