Meet Cubbon Reads, Bengaluru's community of book lovers
What's the story
There's an unmatched charm in feeling the pages of a book, inhaling the smell of it while immersing yourself in its storyline.
If you find yourself struggling to get some reading time, Cubbon Park in Bengaluru can be the place to be.
Besides flora and fauna, the park is now home to a community of silent readers called "Cubbon Reads."
Initiative
The community was started early this year
It all began in December 2022, when Shruti Sah, a marketing professional, and Harsh Snehanshu, an entrepreneur started cycling every week to Cubbon Park to read books under the trees.
They posted about it on their respective social media accounts.
Soon, this silent reading practice expanded to a group of about six members, which led to the starting of the Instagram page, Cubbon Reads.
Working
How it works
The process is pretty simple!
Get your books and head to Cubbon Park on a Saturday, anytime between 9 am and 2 pm. Bring a sheet to lay and some snacks and water if needed.
You will be able to spend a good time reading under the trees along with other book-loving people.
You are free to read books of your choice.
Not just books
No rules, just a great time
People gather at Cubbon Park on Saturdays to read under the trees while carrying books, mats, and food. A few individuals who remain till the afternoon ultimately share lunch.
Most of them have their own smaller groups.
In fact, some even bring their art materials and do their art or even bring laptops to complete their assignments.
Expansion
Initiative growing bigger
Since the two founders formally launched the community in January 2023, with only six readers, the Cubbon Reads meetups have attracted a larger readership.
Currently, there are about 70 Reads chapters across India and the globe, transforming parks into quiet spaces where hundreds of people read a variety of genres.
Meanwhile, the Instagram page of Cubbon Reads has over 47K followers currently.
Uniqueness
What sets the community apart?
Book clubs typically meet in homes, libraries, or cafes.
In contrast to typical indoor settings, choosing an outdoor location promotes a sense of connection with nature and offers a more laid-back ambiance.
The community also promotes meeting and exchanging experiences amongst people from various backgrounds.
Today, you can find similar communities like Cubbon Knits, and Cubbon Writes that bring together people with specific interests.