For many book lovers, reading time is sacred. And what’s even better than settling down with a good book? A local event lets you read with a favorite beverage in hand and in the company of others who enjoy it as well.
Fairfax Corner will hold its third Silent Read & Sip on Friday, September 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Previous events have proven popular and attracted between 150 and 200 participants.
“A Friday evening is ideal, as it’s a chance to gather friends, grab a sip-and-stroll beverage, and ease into the weekend,” says Maggie Jackson, Fairfax Corner’s director of property marketing.
The Silent Read & Sip will be held on Fairfax Corner’s Plaza, which is located between Coastal Flats and Cinemark. Seating will be first-come, first-serve; attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs, cushions, or mats.
Silent Read & Sip Programming
Purists should be aware that the event may not be “silent.” In addition to the ambient sounds of the shopping and dining district, attendees can take a break from reading to browse a free book swap.
Guests can also browse titles at the Wandering Shelf mobile bookstore, which will also be collecting donated books for local nonprofits. And participants of all ages can craft friendship bracelet-style bookmarks, a complimentary activity provided by Fairfax Corner.
To-go beverages can be purchased at Uncle Julio’s, Crafthouse, Ruthie’s All Day, and P.F. Chang’s. Alcoholic beverages brought from outside are prohibited.
Cinemark is also offering complimentary popcorn in celebration of book-to-screen adaptations like the upcoming releases of The Cat in the Hat and Sense and Sensibility.
While walk-ins at the Silent Read & Sip are welcome, attendees who RSVP via Eventbrite and check in onsite will be entered in a giveaway raffle. The prize package includes a best-selling title, bookmarks, stickers, reading accessories from The Nest Egg, a themed tote bag, and Cinemark tickets. Five winners will be selected and contacted after the event.
Other Reading Events in Northern Virginia
If you can’t make this event, you might fill your silent reading soul at a similar meet-up. Check out these possibilities:
- Old Town Books and the Satire Hotel, Autograph Collection in Alexandria collaboratively host periodic Silent Reading Parties. A $44.52 ticket includes a themed beverage, a selection of light bites, and a comfortable, quiet reading space. The next scheduled Silent Reading Party will be Sunday, September 20, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can register via Eventbrite.
- Mary Riley Styles Public Library in Falls Church hosts an hour-long Silent Reading Club for adults on the first Wednesday evening of each month. The next gathering is October 7 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. No registration is required.
- The Company of Books in Alexandria’s Delray neighborhood hosts a Silent Book Club on the third Saturday of every month. The first 15 minutes of the free two-hour gathering is an opportunity to socialize before quiet reading. Upcoming dates are September 19 and October 17, both from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No registration is required.
Feature image courtesy Fairfax Corner
