Silent Reading

Silent Reading brings people together to read—in silence, yet not alone. Everyone brings a book, a magazine, or a text—and immerses themselves in an hour of undisturbed reading. An audible signal marks the beginning. After that, silence falls. People read side by side—without conversation, but with the knowledge that there are many of us doing the same thing right now. Anyone who wants to can change seats from time to time or simply sit there quietly. After about an hour, another signal breaks the shared silence. Then there’s room for connection: Anyone who’d like to can strike up a conversation—about what they’ve read, their experiences, or just to chat. Or you can simply keep reading, quietly to yourself.

Silent Reading is open to everyone. No preparation is needed—just a desire for a break with a book and the company of others in silence.

Participation is free and requires no registration.

Meeting place: “Platz für Begegnung”

Am Küchengarten 11, 30449 Hannover 

The venue is accessible and has seating, but it is not sheltered from the weather. In case of heavy rain, the event will be canceled. 

Temporary Sociocultural Space

In the summer of 2026, the Cameo Kollektiv e.V.—which has been creating new spaces for quiet encounters since 2023—will collaborate with the Kulturzentrum Faust e.V., a key player in the Linden-Nord neighborhood. In the bustling Küchengarten, the “Platz für Begegnung” (Space for Encounter) is taking shape—a place dedicated to bringing people together and where accessible cultural programs and workshops can also be held. The goal is not only to invite the neighborhood’s residents to engage with one another on-site, but also to ask them about their wishes for public spaces and local culture, and to empower them to actively participate in shaping these spaces.

Funded by the Socio-Cultural Fund with resources from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.