By Angel Trinh
Jan. 25, 2018
Courtesy commonroot.net
Guests are invited to enjoy the fun of some quiet time for reading, accompanied by snacks, refreshments and soft music in the background on Sunday at Common Root Mutual Aid Center.
The center’s silent reading party is set for 2:30-4 p.m. at its location, 3140 O St., Suite 202. Free Parking will be available,. with doors opening at 2 p.m. with the silent reading period scheduled for 2:30-4 p.m.
There will be a bit of social interaction when the doors open, but people are welcome come in after the silence has begun and leave before the conclusion if they are not up for speaking or interacting with others.
“The purpose of a Silent Reading Party is to create a quiet social space. Not everyone is comfortable interacting in social spaces, but we’re social creatures,” said Common Root Volunteer Coordinator Lacey Losh. “Silent Reading Parties allow for a mellow vibe, without requiring participants to interact at all, if they choose not to. There is a great comfort about sitting in a safe space with like-minded individuals, participating in a shared activity.”
Readers are encouraged to bring their own book to read but they are also able to select a book from the center’s lending library. There is no pressure to finish the book in one setting because the books can be taken home and borrowed. Check out is simple by signing a clipboard with name, contact information, and the title of the media being borrowed. There are no deadlines for returning material, unless an item is required for an upcoming event or discussion.
Genres within the library include: literature and poetry, global politics and activism, history, LGBTQ and feminism, racial justice, ethnicity and culture, science, education and DIY, religion and spirituality, zines and DVDs.
“My personal hope for this Silent Reading Party is to create an enjoyable and meaningful experience to all participants, and if things go really well, make a new friend who also loves to read,” Losh said.
Common Root has been hosting Silent Reading Parties sporadically since they started in July 2016. They don’t have a set schedule for upcoming Silent Reading Parties because their events greatly depend on the availability of their volunteers since Common Root is an all-volunteer organization. They are a non-profit dedicated to providing a welcoming, supportive community space with resources for the purpose of mutual inspiration, education and connection. They’re broadening social consciousness to improve our local and global communities. They facilitate community-building events and provide for the advancement of the arts. All of the organizers and volunteers strive to create events that encompass the center’s mission.
Other upcoming events hosted by Common Root at the Center include bi-weekly organizational meetings and a Movie Night on Saturday, February 3rd at 8 p.m.. They also host events in other spaces in the community. More details about these events can be found on their website: commonroot.net
Angel Trinh is an editorial intern with KZUM.
