In this National Year of Reading who says reading has to be a private, solitary activity? Not us!
Our guest reader for our October Silent Reading Group is Alison Irvine, who will talk about her latest novel, Daughterhood.
Publishing Scotland, in association with UNESCO Edinburgh City of Literature, will be hosting a series of monthly Silent Reading Group events at the Fruitmarket throughout 2026.
Silent Reading Group runs on the last Monday of each month until the end of the year. There will be a break in July and December for summer and Christmas holidays.
What is a Silent Reading Group?
There is a growing trend towards silent book groups. Silent – or perhaps better put – quiet – reading groups are a way to enjoy reading without having to commit to a set book or a tight-knit social group. Conventional book groups play a fantastic role in growing readers – but they can be intimidating to join. Silent reading – in a large but less formal group without the pressure to participate in discussion – can be a useful alternative, as well as a powerful public statement of the benefits of getting unplugged and immersed in a good book.
What will happen each month?
Each month, we’ll be giving readers the time and space to enjoy reading whatever they want—there is no assigned book—in a convivial and welcoming atmosphere. We’ll provide solid reading time, plus there will be a chance to chat and network with fellow readers. We’ll also have a guest author at future events to introduce attendees to new reading recommendations. There will also be a chance to buy books from the Fruitmarket bookshop or to take a book from the UNESCO Edinburgh City of Literature book box.
Tickets for each event is £4, but can be redeemed at the Fruitmarket café on a drink of your choice—alcoholic, hot and soft—to help the narrative go down!
We’d love to see you there!
