Members of the Hyderabad Reads community gather at public parks in the city to enjoy reading. They bring their own mats and choose a book to read peacefully in the park. The community was started in June with the goal of promoting a reading culture and does not facilitate book exchanges or promotional activities. Inspired by the Cubbon Reads community, which originated in Bangalore, this reading community has grown to include more than 30 cities.
Priyanka Peeramsetty and Sloka Chandra, Young India fellows from Ashoka University, were the driving forces behind starting Hyderabad Reads. They were inspired by the Cubbon Reads community and wanted to create a similar community in Hyderabad. After connecting with Cubbon Reads, they crafted an Instagram post and shared the idea with friends. The community started in June of this year and has completed ten weeks since its inception.
Hyderabad Reads is unique in its voluntary nature, with no registration requirements or entry fees. Members simply bring a mat and gather at public spaces to enjoy reading. The community is open to all who wish to participate and offers a diverse range of activities beyond just reading, including writing, painting, sketching, and other creative pursuits. Age is not a determining factor within the inclusive community.
The community embraces the open-air ambiance of public parks, providing a laid-back atmosphere and promoting a connection with nature. It also encourages encounters among individuals from different backgrounds, fostering the exchange of diverse viewpoints and the opportunity to make new friends.
The Hyderabad Reads community is actively seeking a public park that aligns with their vision to serve as an ideal backdrop for their reading sessions. They are also looking for curators to oversee silent reading community chapters in various areas of Hyderabad.
Overall, the Hyderabad Reads community provides book enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy reading in a peaceful and natural setting, fostering a love for books and creating connections among individuals across the city.
