Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Ottawa’s reading community has exploded in recent years, with Silent Book Club growing to over 1,200 members and the Ottawa Public Library hosting more than 40 active book clubs across its branches.
Whether you’re an introvert seeking quiet community or someone who loves spirited literary debate, Ottawa offers book club formats to match every reading style. The Silent Book Club movement—where members read books of their own choice in companionable silence—has found a particularly strong home here, with 10+ meetup locations across the city. Add in themed clubs for mystery lovers, LGBTQ+ readers, and genre enthusiasts, and Ottawa has become one of Canada’s most vibrant literary communities.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa has 40+ library book clubs (free), 10+ Silent Book Club locations (free), and numerous specialty clubs through Meetup and bookstores. Silent Book Club meets monthly at Beyond the Pale, Les 3 Brasseurs, and other venues with no assigned reading—just bring whatever you’re currently reading.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Most Active | Monday evenings, Thursdays |
| 📍 Silent Book Club HQ | Beyond the Pale, Little Italy |
| 🎟️ Cost | Free (most), $20-35 (bookstore clubs) |
| ⏰ Typical Duration | 2 hours |
| 👥 Average Attendance | 15-25 people |
| 📚 Reading Requirement | None for silent clubs |
What is Silent Book Club?
Silent Book Club at Beyond the Pale brings together readers of all genres in comfortable silence.
Silent Book Club represents a modern approach to literary community that emphasizes reading freedom over assigned books. Unlike traditional book clubs, there’s no assigned reading, no homework, and no pressure to discuss.
How It Works:
- 15-minute introduction where members share what they’re reading
- 45-60 minutes of silent reading in comfortable community
- Optional social time afterward for those who want to chat
The Ottawa chapter was founded in April 2023 by Nicole Colbeck and has grown to over 1,200 Facebook group members. Described as “an introvert’s happy hour,” Silent Book Club appeals to readers who want community without the pressure of traditional book club obligations.
What to Bring:
- Any book you’re currently reading (physical book, e-reader, or audiobook with headphones)
- No preparation required
- Entry is free; food and drink purchases at venues encouraged but not mandatory
Silent Book Club Ottawa Locations
Beyond the Pale (Little Italy)
- Address: 250 City Centre Ave, Bay 106
- Schedule: 1st Monday of each month, 7-9 PM
- Atmosphere: Brewery with large patio, food and drink available
- Neighbourhood: Little Italy
This is the flagship location for Ottawa’s Silent Book Club, drawing 20+ attendees to its monthly meetings. The craft brewery atmosphere and relaxed vibe make it a favourite.
Les 3 Brasseurs (Kanata)
- Address: 565 Kanata Ave, K2T 1K5
- Schedule: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7-9 PM
- Atmosphere: Microbrewery restaurant with patio seating
- Parking: Ample free parking available
Anina’s Café (Vanier)
- Address: 280 Joffré-Bélanger Way
- Schedule: Monthly (dates vary)
- Atmosphere: Cozy café environment
- Parking: Street parking available
Expanding Locations (2025-2026)
Silent Book Club has added locations in Barrhaven, Trainyards, and Stittsville to serve more neighbourhoods. A coffee shop location and online meetings are also in development. Check the Facebook group for current schedules.
How to Join: Search “Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter” on Facebook. No registration required—just show up.
Ottawa Public Library Book Clubs
OPL branches across the city host free book clubs with welcoming, pressure-free atmospheres.
The Ottawa Public Library system provides the most extensive network of free book clubs in the city, with 40+ active programs.
Selected Library Book Clubs by Neighbourhood
| Branch | Day/Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Nepean Centrepointe | Multiple times weekly | Varies |
| Sunnyside | Friday 2:00 PM | 2nd Friday monthly |
| Ruth E. Dickinson | Wednesday morning | Monthly |
| Rideau | Monday 7:00 PM, Thursday 10:15 AM | Varies |
| Carlingwood | Thursday 6:00 PM | Monthly |
| Vernon | Thursday 6:30 PM | 1st Thursday monthly |
| Carp | Thursday 2:30 PM | 1st Thursday monthly |
| Rockcliffe Park | Tuesday 1:30 PM | Bi-weekly |
| Blackburn Hamlet | Monday 2:00 PM | Monthly |
| Cumberland | Thursday 7:00 PM | Monthly |
| St-Laurent | Thursday 10:00 AM | Monthly |
| Greely | Tuesday 6:30 PM | Monthly |
Key Features:
- Completely free
- No registration required for most drop-in programs
- Books often available from the library system
- Mix of fiction, non-fiction, and contemporary works
- Welcoming to newcomers
How to Register: Visit booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca and search “book club” to explore options by neighbourhood.
Specialty and Themed Book Clubs
The Gloss Book Club - Ottawa
The Gloss brings together readers at different Ottawa restaurants each month.
- Format: Monthly assigned reading with discussion
- Schedule: Last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM
- Attendance: 15-25 people per session
- Cost: $34.99 (includes book + session) or $20 (session only)
- Demographics: Ages 25-60, predominantly women
- Contact: @theglossottawa on Instagram, theglossbookclub.com/ottawa/
Recent Venues:
- Thr33s Co. Snackbar, 589 Bank St
- La Paladar, 242 Bronson Ave
- Yang Shen Restaurant
A separate Kanata chapter serves the west end with the same format.
Westboro Books Club
- Address: 314 Richmond Rd, Ottawa K1Z 6X6
- Schedule: Thursday 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
- Clubs: WorldLit Book Club and CanLit Book Club
- Cost: $34.99 (includes book + session) or $20 (session only)
- Owner: Shilhav Mayo
This independent bookstore opened in October 2023 with a strong community focus. Beyond book clubs, they host author signings, writing workshops, and maintain a curated selection emphasizing local authors and translated works.
Books & Booze: Mystery Edition
- Type: Mystery-focused book club
- Venue: The Royal Oak - Bank at Gloucester, 188 Bank St
- Organizers: Noah Graham and Greg Graham
- Founded: 2018
- Members: 137+ on Meetup
- Cost: $5-10
Recent selections include House of Correction (Nicci French), Memory Man (David Baldacci), and Fire in the Stars (Barbara Fradkin). Search “Books & Booze: Mystery Edition” on Meetup.
LGBTQ+ and Inclusive Book Clubs
Open Pages
Open Pages provides a welcoming space for queer readers of all ages and identities.
- Type: Queer-friendly silent reading club
- Founded: April 2024
- Creator: Matt Van Abbema (Carleton University human rights student)
- Location: Goodwin House (Amnesty International headquarters), 1104 Somerset St. West
- Schedule: Every 2nd and 3rd Saturday, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
- Format: ~1 hour silent reading, followed by discussion
- Cost: Free
- Philosophy: No pressure, non-judgmental space welcoming to any age and queer identity
- Contact: Search “Open Pages Book Club” on Facebook or Instagram
Ottawa Social Girl Club
- Type: Women-focused social group with book club component
- Frequency: 2 book club meetups per month
- Age Range: Primarily women in 20s-30s
- Additional Events: Brunches, painting events, wellness activities
- Contact: @ottawasocialgirlclub on Instagram
Other Inclusive Options
- Lit Club (Trans-Friendly): Saturday morning meetings at local restaurants
- Beer Drinkers with a Reading Problem: Meetup group for ages 29-45, fiction focus
Choosing the Right Book Club
Silent Book Club is ideal if you:
- Prefer reading flexibility without assigned books
- Identify as an introvert seeking community without pressure
- Have unpredictable schedules
- Enjoy fantasy or romance (the most popular genres at Ottawa meetings)
- Prefer minimal long-term commitment
Traditional discussion clubs work best if you:
- Enjoy deep literary analysis
- Want to expand beyond your usual reading preferences
- Are socially enthusiastic about discussion
- Seek structured engagement and regular commitment
Library clubs are perfect if you:
- Are budget-conscious (most programs are free)
- Want variety and flexibility to try different clubs
- Prefer neighbourhood-based participation
- Seek a relaxed, casual atmosphere
Best Cafés for Reading
Beyond organized clubs, Ottawa has excellent cafés where book lovers gather informally.
Drip House (Somerset, Glebe, Chinatown locations) - Large bright seating at Somerset, unique vibes at each location, some “laptop-free zones” ideal for reading.
Arlington 5 - House-like atmosphere with warm staff, space conducive to focused reading.
Ten Toes Somerset - Rustic charm with integrated laundromat and vintage shop. Great for creative work.
Wise Town Cafe (Elgin St) - Aesthetic cozy seating, pet-friendly, fair prices, artistic crowd.
Café Qui Pense - Quaint neighbourhood café next to an independent bookstore.
For more options, see our guide to coffee shops in Ottawa.
Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide
First-timers are welcome at every Ottawa book club—no previous experience required.
Step 1: Identify Your Preference
- Silent reading vs. discussion engagement
- Neighbourhood location
- Schedule availability (evenings vs. weekends)
Step 2: Join Social Platforms
- Search “Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter” on Facebook (1,200+ members)
- Follow @theglossottawa, @ottawasocialgirlclub, @westborobooks on Instagram
- Explore Meetup.com for 15+ options
- Visit booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca for library programs
Step 3: Attend Your First Meeting
- Most clubs welcome drop-ins
- No preparation needed for silent clubs
- Bring any book you’re currently reading
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early to introduce yourself
- Budget $0-20 for your first experience
Step 4: Connect and Build Community
- Exchange contact information with fellow members
- Join private Facebook groups or WhatsApp chats
- Attend regularly to build genuine relationships
Practical Information
Transportation
OC Transpo: Most book club venues are accessible by transit. Use the OC Transpo Travel Planner app. Para Transpo (613-560-5000) provides accessible transit with 24-48 hours advance booking.
Parking by Area:
- Downtown/Little Italy/ByWard Market: Paid street parking, garage options $10-15/evening
- Westboro: Generally free street parking
- Kanata: Ample free parking at venues
- Vanier: Good street parking with less congestion
Costs in 2026
| Club Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Silent Book Club | Free |
| Ottawa Public Library | Free |
| Most Meetup groups | Free |
| Open Pages LGBTQ+ | Free |
| Westboro Books | $20-35/month |
| The Gloss | $20-35/month |
Food and drink purchases at venue-based clubs are encouraged but not mandatory.
What to Bring
- For Silent Clubs: Any book (physical, e-reader, audiobook with headphones)
- For Discussion Clubs: The assigned book (check selection beforehand)
- General: Cash for food/drinks, comfortable clothing
FAQ
Q: Do I need to register in advance?
Most Ottawa Public Library clubs allow drop-in participation. Silent Book Club requires no registration—just show up. The Gloss and Westboro Books require registration to secure your spot.
Q: What if I don’t finish the book for a discussion club?
Most clubs welcome people who haven’t completed the reading. You can attend and listen without full participation. The Gloss expects meaningful contribution but is understanding about circumstances.
Q: Are there clubs for specific genres?
Yes! Ottawa offers mystery through Books & Booze: Mystery Edition, science fiction/fantasy through Ottawa Science Fiction and Fantasy Readers, horror through Ottawa Horror Club, non-fiction through Ottawa Nonfiction Book Club, and LGBTQ+ themes through Open Pages.
Q: Can I attend multiple book clubs?
Absolutely! Many Ottawans attend both a silent club monthly and a library club. No exclusivity exists—different clubs serve different moods.
Q: Are book clubs good for meeting new people?
Yes, many Ottawa residents report making genuine friendships through book clubs. Silent Book Club and Ottawa Social Girl Club are particularly conducive to connection.
Q: Can I bring children to book clubs?
Ottawa Public Library hosts children’s and teen book clubs specifically. Most adult clubs aren’t designed for children, though you could ask organizers. Silent Book Club is adults-focused but not explicitly child-free.
Q: What’s the best time to join?
Anytime! All clubs state “newcomers welcome” with no initiation process. January and September see higher new member interest, but drop-in clubs have no formal enrollment.
Q: Is there a Facebook group for Silent Book Club?
Yes, search “Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter” on Facebook. The group has 1,200+ members and posts monthly meeting schedules and location updates.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s book club scene offers something for everyone, from the quiet communion of Silent Book Club to the spirited debates of The Gloss. The key is finding the format that matches your reading style and social preferences.
For introverts or those with busy schedules, Silent Book Club at Beyond the Pale remains the obvious starting point—no reading assignments, no pressure, just fellow book lovers enjoying their own stories in companionable silence. For those seeking structure and literary analysis, the Ottawa Public Library’s 40+ clubs provide free, welcoming options in nearly every neighbourhood.
Whatever your preference, the Ottawa reading community is ready to welcome you. Grab your current read, pick a meeting that works with your schedule, and discover why so many locals have found their literary home in these gatherings.
Looking for more social activities in Ottawa? Check out our guides to trivia nights, comedy clubs, and free things to do.
