From Solitude to Community: The Growing Silent Reading Culture in Klang Valley Parks

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 — As social media dominates daily life, a growing number of Klang Valley residents are turning to silent reading in public parks for a mindful escape.

Every Saturday morning, nearly 100 people gather at Perdana Botanical Gardens for two hours of quiet reading as part of KL Reads, a movement that has expanded from Cheras to Cyberjaya.

Founded in May 2023 by Navina, inspired by Bangalore’s Cubbon Reads, KL Reads started with just a handful of readers and has now completed 90 consecutive sessions. The move from Bukit Kiara Federal Park to Perdana Gardens helped boost participation.

Navina believes group reading turns a solitary activity into a meaningful community experience, especially for introverts. Participants say it improves focus, builds accountability, and even rekindles long-lost reading habits.

The movement has inspired sister chapters, with Cheras and Cyberjaya hosting their own weekly sessions. Cyberjaya’s group started with 20 readers and quickly grew to over 60.

KL Reads continues rain or shine, offering a peaceful retreat for book lovers across the city. — Bernama