A different kind of book club is drawing readers from across the region, including many from Mt. Lebanon. The South Hills chapter of the Silent Book Club has created a welcoming space for book lovers to gather, read and connect without the pressure of assigned books, structured discussion or expectations to speak.
Laura Procario, Main Entrance Drive, leads the group, along with founder Stevie Hosler of Bethel Park. After discovering the national Silent Book Club movement on Instagram, Hosler launched the local chapter when the Pittsburgh group’s schedule didn’t align with hers. Procario soon joined, and together they built a low-pressure, high-comfort experience that resonated with adult readers, holding their first meeting in November, 2023.
“I have two young kids and I’m at this stage in my life where I need more friends — specifically female friends,” Procario said. “It’s so hard to make new connections as an adult, and this felt like a low-pressure way to do it.”
Rachel Veltri, Lebanon Avenue, said the freedom to read whatever you want is what makes the format so accessible.
“I’m such a mood reader. If I want to read it, I’ll devour it. If I don’t, I just can’t be bothered,” she said. “With this club, you read whatever you want. There’s no judgment, no pressure.”
Veltri, who is recovering from a concussion, currently listens to audiobooks and said she appreciated the group’s inclusive atmosphere at a recent book club meeting. “Everyone had their books out, and I was listening on my phone. It wasn’t a big deal at all,” she said.
Each meeting typically begins with about an hour of socializing and book-themed activities, followed by an hour of silent reading. “At 7, Stevie always says, ‘It’s library voices time,’” Veltri said. “If you don’t want to read, you just use a hushed tone out of respect for others.”
The group usually meets monthly at The Porch at Siena, but its popularity — often topping 40 attendees with a waitlist — has them seeking new, no-cost locations, especially in Mt. Lebanon. “We’d love to rotate between venues,” Procario said.
The group fosters connections through special activities. From “blind date with a book” exchanges to Valentine’s Day treat swaps, the goal is to make everyone feel welcome. “Some people come just to read, but others enjoy the activities and make fast friends,” Hosler said.
Veltri said those friendships often extend beyond the club. “We’ve had s’mores nights, PowerPoint parties and even a tattoo day with book-themed designs,” she said. “We’ve really built friendships here.”
Procario and Hosler also invite small businesses and vendors to participate. “We’re really intentional about supporting local businesses and keeping things fun,” Procario said.
What started as a way to read more has become a lifeline for members seeking connection.
“This is really about fostering an inclusive community,” Procario said. “If you’re looking for support or just a quiet place to be, you’ll find it here.”
Veltri agreed. “It’s so not my thing to go somewhere new by myself, but Stevie and Laura made it easy,” she said. “I would totally recommend it.”
To learn more about upcoming meetings, activities and how to join, visit the group’s Instagram account @sbc_southhills [1], where they post event details and sign-up links.