1 · The plan
Ninety minutes, one rule: be quiet
Three questions for chat time
- What are you reading, in one sentence?
- Read us one line you liked, or pass.
- What would make this hour better next time?
No sign-up, no list
People do not register. If the venue needs a number, give a maximum such as 8 and count at the door. Do not collect names, phone numbers or emails, and do not photograph attendees.
How people find it
The A4 sign at the venue, the venue's own noticeboard if it agrees, and a message you send yourself to friends or a local reading group. Put the day, time and venue on it, never your phone number.
Small is fine
Two readers at a quiet table is a real silent reading hour. Start small, keep the same day and time each week, and let it grow by itself.
Want table cards and a post template too? See the extended silent reading host kit.
2 · Venue
Ask a library or a café in one message
Copy, replace the [brackets], send. Get the answer in writing; a message is enough. Always follow the venue's own rules.
To a library
I would like to hold a free, quiet reading hour for adults at [library name] on [day] from [time]. Everyone brings their own book and reads silently for an hour, then there is an optional 20-minute chat. About [8] people at most, no speaker, no music, no equipment.
Could you tell me: (1) whether a quiet table or room is free then, (2) whether a small group needs a booking or has a limit, (3) whether I may put up one A4 sign for the session, (4) the library's rules for groups I should follow, and (5) who I should confirm with?
I will arrive early, set up and tidy up, and keep the group considerate of other readers. Thank you,
[first name]
To a café
I would like to hold a small, quiet reading hour at [café name] on [day] from [time], at a quiet time of day. Up to [6] people, each with their own book, reading silently for an hour and chatting for 20 minutes at the end. Everyone would order a drink or something to eat when they arrive.
Could you tell me: (1) whether a table for up to [6] is free then, (2) whether you want a booking or a minimum order, (3) whether I may put up one A4 sign on the table or by the door, and (4) who I should confirm with?
Thank you,
[first name]
Not sure which library near you runs free programs? Browse the library programs list, or look at the book clubs and reading nights already running in your city.
3 · Print
A4 sign and guest etiquette card
Click any text on the sign to edit the day, time and venue, then print. The print view contains only the sign (page 1) and two copies of the etiquette card (page 2, cut in half).
Shh... a reading hour
60 minutes of silent reading, then about 20 minutes of optional chat
- Bring any book: paper, e-reader or audiobook with headphones
- Phones on silent, face down
- Come alone, sit anywhere, leave any time
- No sign-up and no list of names
[Venue name] · Everyone is welcome
Guest etiquette card
How a silent reading hour works
- Read quietly. Any book or screen, no talking until chat time.
- Phones on silent, face down. Step outside for calls.
- Headphones only for audio, kept low.
- Come and go quietly. You never have to stay for the chat.
- Chat time starts when the host says so. Nobody has to join.
- Be kind to the venue: order something, tidy up, leave the table as you found it.
- Your details are yours. Nobody here keeps a list of names or contacts.
How a silent reading hour works
- Read quietly. Any book or screen, no talking until chat time.
- Phones on silent, face down. Step outside for calls.
- Headphones only for audio, kept low.
- Come and go quietly. You never have to stay for the chat.
- Chat time starts when the host says so. Nobody has to join.
- Be kind to the venue: order something, tidy up, leave the table as you found it.
- Your details are yours. Nobody here keeps a list of names or contacts.
Questions people ask
Do people have to sign up or give their name?
No. There is no sign-up, no RSVP form and no list of names or contacts. The host puts up the sign, people arrive, read and leave. If the venue wants a number, tell it a maximum (for example 8) and count heads at the door; do not write names down.
Does Come Alone keep a list of hosts or sessions?
No. This page is a kit you print and use yourself. Come Alone does not collect host names, contact details or session pages, and it does not run a registry of silent reading groups.
How do people find out about my hour?
Through the A4 sign at the venue, the venue's own noticeboard or social page if it agrees, and your own message to friends or a local reading group. Put the day, time and venue on the sign; keep your phone number and surname off it.
What should I ask the venue?
Whether a quiet table or room is free at that time, whether a small group needs a booking, whether guests need to buy something, whether you may put up one A4 sign, and who to confirm with. The ask scripts below cover all five.
What if someone talks during the silent hour?
Point to the sign or hand them the etiquette card, say once and quietly that this is the silent hour and chat starts at the end. If it continues, ask them to move to the chat time or leave. The host decides.
Can people read on a tablet, e-reader or audiobook?
Yes. Any format that is quiet for the room works: paper, e-reader, large print, braille, or an audiobook on headphones kept low enough that nobody else hears it. Phones on silent, face down.
Is it safe to host or join as a stranger?
Choose a public place with staff nearby, use your first name only, tell a friend where you will be and when you expect to finish. Nobody has to stay, talk, buy extras or share contact details.
How long is a session?
A typical shape is 10 minutes to arrive, 60 minutes of silent reading and about 20 minutes of optional chat, so about an hour and a half in total. Shorten it if the venue prefers.
Free to print and share. This is general guidance for a quiet social event; follow the venue's rules and local law. More: Book clubs and reading nights · Library programs · Extended host kit
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