the almanac D E C E M B E R 29, 2024
SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS
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SF STUDENT’S ARTWORK CHOSEN FOR STATE AG’S CALENDAR CONTEST PAGE A4
COURTESY OF SILENT BOOK CLUB, SOUTH HILLS CHAPTER
Members of the South Hills Chapter of the Silent Book Club read during a monthly meeting at The Porch at Siena in Upper St. Clair.
Bonding over books Silent book clubs offer low-key forums for meeting up with friends, reading
INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS SHAPED 2024 OUTCOMES FOR ATHLETES PAGE B1
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer
kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
The Silent Book Club at Aslin Beer Company wasn’t silent when the November meeting began. On a recent Tuesday, three dozen members of the Pittsburgh chapter gathered on the top floor of Aslin, a brewery in the Strip District, and chatted, laughed, and ordered burgers and drinks. Then, about a half-hour later, the floor fell quiet, as people opened their books – hardcovers, softcovers, and Kindles – or popped in earbuds to listen to audiobooks. Unlike traditional book clubs, Silent Book Club’s Pittsburgh chapter doesn’t require people to read the same title. They bring whatever they’re reading – fiction or non-fiction – and read independently for about an hour. Reading time is sandwiched between socializing at the beginning and end of the meeting. It’s a no-pressure way to get reading done, spend time with friends, meet new friends, and get out in the community, said Teresa Torlone of Charleroi, co-leader of the Pittsburgh chapter. “It’s really blown up,” said Torlone. “We have this little community that loves getting together for meetings, but outside of meetings, too,” said Torlone. Indeed, the Silent Book Club has become a global phenomenon. It was founded in San Francisco in 2012 by a toddler mom who wanted to finish a chapter of a book without distraction, so she met up with a friend at a neighborhood bar with the goal of reading in companionable silence. Today, Silent Book Club has more than 1,400 chapters in all SEE BOOKS PAGE A2
PHOTOS: KAREN MANSFIELD/OBSERVER-REPORTER
ABOVE LEFT: Lydia Liszewski of Hermitage attended the November meeting of the Silent Book Club at Aslin Beer Company in the Strip District. ABOVE RIGHT: Members of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Silent Book Club meet monthly to read silently and to socialize before and after the silent reading period starts. Leaders of the South Hills and Pittsburgh chapters of the Silent Book Club met up at a Pittsburgh chapter meeting at Aslin Beer Company. From left are Amanda Palombo, Stevie Hosler, Laura Cannella, and Teresa Torlone.
COURTESY OF SILENT BOOK CLUB, SOUTH HILLS CHAPTER
LITTLE LAKE THEATRE CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL YEAR PAGE B3 What’s happening, B3 Real estate transactions, A6 Classifieds, B4-6
Beat the holiday blues By Karen Mansfield Staff writer
kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
Holidays feel overwhelming? Support is available, said state officials. “The holiday season can bring about a range of feelings and experiences - some of which can be difficult or feel isolating. Please know that if you are going through hard times or find this time of year to be challenging, you are not alone,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie A. Arkoosh. “No matter what you are feeling or struggling with, you don’t have to go through this time on your own. Support is available, and we urge Pennsylvanians to use these resources for themselves or share them with loved ones or friends.”
Mental Health Resources
KAREN MANSFIELD/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Members read at the monthly meeting of the Pittsburgh chapter of Silent Book Club, held at Aslin Beer Company in the Strip District.
People struggling with their mental health or considering self-harm, have difficulty with other behavioral needs, or who are looking to help a loved one, can call or text 988 to reach the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 988 is a direct link for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. Anyone who calls, texts, or chats with 988 will be connected immediately to mental SEE BLUES PAGE A2