Book lovers gathered at Estero Lounge for an evening of quiet connection and shared silence in a new ‘Silent Book Club on October 28.

The evening was part of the growing ‘Silent Book Club’ where book lovers meet and read with no pressure to talk.

Emma Kathleen Hartley started the Monmouth group which is held on the last Tuesday of the month starting at 6pm with a chance to grab a bite to eat or enjoy refreshments. From 7pm is a silent reading hour and from 8pm until 9pm people can chat or continue to read.

Emma started the group after previously visiting one which she really enjoyed but found there wasn’t one closer to home.

Not only does this group bring a unique twist to the traditional book club, but it also gives people a chance to meet with a common interest.

Unlike traditional book clubs, there is no pressure to read a specific book, talk about it afterwards, it's all about taking time to appreciate being comfortable in silence and meeting people you might have never met before.

Several people from the community attended, all reading a range or non-fiction and fiction books but all connected from the common ground that they enjoy reading.

For those who might not use technology, have an interest in books, or even just want to try something new, this is a new group which offers just that.

It provides a chance to turn away from technology for an hour, and let your mind relax from the stresses of everyday life and due to the cooler and darker months approaching, loneliness can rise but the idea of this group brings sense of comfort at an easily accessible location in the heart of Monmouth.

A book club is more than what meets the surface of turning pages; it brings a sense of belonging, comfort and escapism.