A church of reading
I want to belong to a “church” where, from 10–12 every Sunday, I sit in silence in a congregation of others who are here, like me, to read a book without distraction. We bring our books with us, whatever we want to read — perhaps something difficult, that needs the greater degree of attention, or just something fun. We may also bring pen and paper, and spend the time writing or drawing. (We are all seated at tables or desks.) But we may not have with us electronic devices (with the possible exception of e-readers.) Phones are surrendered at the door, not to be glanced at for 2 hours.
The service may start with a 5 minute reading of a particular beautiful poem or passage. Perhaps a different member of the congregation can choose one each week. After that silence is strictly observed. Anyone talking is instantly shushed. (Deacons may have the power to remove offenders.) After the 2 hours people can stay for coffee or go to a pub or whatever, if they wish to socialise.
Membership fees could be £100–200 per year, although ideally means-tested to make it available to all. The funds pay for beautiful, comfortable, contemplative spaces*. But they don’t have to be — simple lecture or dining halls would suffice. What you pay for is guaranteed silence and freedom from distractions. It could be considered similar to a gym membership, albeit one that exercises your mind. (*An attached crèche would be a great plus.)
Am I merely describing a library? Some libraries like this do still exist (like the British Library’s reading rooms), but most of us aren’t near to ones like that. Most libraries today have little space or tranquility. And libraries don’t do anything to encourage regular attendance.
Am I describing a book club? The point is not to socialise, or discuss books, the point is to focus your mind on the thing you want it to focus on.
Is it a study or homework club? I guess it’s pretty similar, but the Church should feel like lazing in a tranquil meadow, not forcing down your medicine in a detention hall. And it needs to be available to any adult who wants to join.
A writer’s retreat? First you’d need to consider yourself a writer, which most of us do not. And for most of us this would be a once-in-a-great-while luxury, rather than a simple weekly ritual.
No alternative institution — that I can think of — exists that has the ritualistic compulsion to stay silently in your seat for two hours, engaged in reading or writing, protected from electronic distraction, surrounded only by people who are equally serious, in an environment dedicated to preserving your focus.
I imagine something like this catching on so widely that it’s available to anyone in every neighbourhood — as much as churches are, or more. More services could be run per week, if the demand is there. Some people may want to attend in the evenings.
…And that’s what it would take for me to actually finish a book. (Or write the ones I want to write.)
This is a daydream that came to me whilst sitting in church on a Sunday morning. I appreciate church services for the respectful silence and how it lets the mind roam freely, as well as a sense of community. However, Church imposes its own subject matter and continually interrupts one’s contemplation.
