For Fresno State students looking for some quiet reading time, a new club on campus is offering a space to unwind alongside others, book in hand.

The Bulldog Silent Book Club, founded by Andres Gomez, will hold its first meeting on Friday, Nov. 7, from 4:30-6 p.m. The meeting will be hosted in the Philip Levine Reading Room, located in the Library in room 2124.

Unlike traditional book clubs, where members read and discuss the same book, the Bulldog Silent Book Club invites readers to bring any literature they like. From novels to comics or poetry, everyone and their preferred reads are welcome.

“It’s a silent book club where you can bring whatever you want to read and you can do so at your own pace,” Gomez said. “I just want to bring readers together to create a sense of community amongst readers at Fresno State.”

Gomez said the idea came from his own search for a reading community on campus. He said he couldn’t find one.

“Reading is important,” Gomez said. “It’s special. It’s fun. I think every campus should have a reading community.”

Gomez says the club plans to meet twice a month, with hopes of eventually expanding gatherings beyond campus, to a Barnes and Noble or even a coffee shop. Meetings will include a silent reading period, with some time before and after to chat with others.

While the club does offer space for discussion, Andres said that the club is not meant to add more pressure to students’ schedules. In fact, the club is meant to be a place to relax and connect with other book lovers.

“I just want to chill in a cool environment where everyone can be friendly,” Gomez said. “Everyone is welcome to be themselves at this club. It’s nothing serious, nothing crazy.”

Students interested in joining the club can reach out through Instagram, email Gomez directly or simply show up to the first meeting for more details.