KL Reads: The Community Initiative Encouraging M'sians to Join Silent Group Readings in Parks

Every Saturday morning, the group, known as Kuala Lumpur Reads or KL Reads, will gather at Perdana Botanical Park for two hours and read any books that they brought together.

The best part is, this movement can be joined by anyone as they are an open community. They aim to promote reading, recreation, social cohesion, and the active use of green public spaces.

KL Reads took inspiration from a similar movement in India

Founded in May 2023, the KL Reads community was established by a public health professional who only wanted to be known as Navina.

According to an interview by Malay Mail, Navina was inspired by a similar silent reading movement in Bangalore, India, called Cubbon Reads.

As of February this year, the group has reached 90 consecutive sessions.

Originally, the group would gather at Bukit Kiara Federal Park in TTDI. However, due to upgrading works at Bukit Kiara Park, they relocated to Perdana Botanical Garden.

The relocation couldn't come sooner as Navina revealed that since they moved, the movement had been garnering a steady stream of followers.

Explaining the group activity, Navina believes it gained popularity because reading as a collective transforms what is usually a solitary activity into something more meaningful and memorable.

“People need some form of social interaction, so this is especially helpful for introverts who would be more comfortable with low-stakes social interaction. Aside from that, many readers said with KL Reads, they can concentrate better.”

For those who are interested in joining KL Reads, all you have to do is just head to Perdana Botanical Garden, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturdays at 8:30 am.

Do note that aside from bringing your own reading materials, you are encouraged to bring a mat, a fan, and an umbrella for your own comfort.