Last week, a member of the Wantage and Grove Community Facebook group shared a compelling idea with local residents: starting a silent book group. The concept stemmed from a screenshot of a social media post that had garnered widespread attention, showcasing someone’s positive experience at a similar gathering.
A silent book group, as the name implies, brings participants together for a brief catch-up before they immerse themselves in their books, reading in complete silence for the remainder of the session. This idea resonated strongly with members of the group, sparking an outpouring of support and enthusiasm.
The person behind the post encouraged responses by asking if such a group already existed locally or, if not, whether there was wider interest in creating one.
The proposal gained traction when Wantage Library expressed interest in supporting and helping develop the concept. Seeing the positive reactions from the community, a library representative announced their willingness to host such gatherings. They suggested hosting a meeting once a month on a Monday evening from 7 pm to 8 pm, with an added bonus of free tea and coffee for attendees.
To ensure the group’s success, the library invited interested residents to contact staff via email so they could assess the logistics involved, such as the potential need for space and resources.
Meanwhile, the creator of the Facebook post vowed to explore other opportunities, stating they would reach out to local businesses to host an additional session. This would provide an alternative for those unable to attend the library-hosted meetings, while also supporting local enterprises.
“I am also going to contact a couple of local business venues about maybe having another option once a month on a different night alongside the library night for those who can’t make that one. It’s good to support local services and business, watch this space,” they commented.
This kind of initiative reflects the collaborative and community-focused spirit of Wantage, offering residents a chance to connect over literature while supporting local services. With plans shaping up and momentum building, the idea seems poised to take off, signaling a creative and unique addition to community life.
Stay tuned for further updates as details about the meetings are finalized! If you’re a local business or venue interested in hosting such an event, why not create a free profile in our [business directory](https://wantage.com/submit-listing/) to showcase your space?
