Verbatim Books recently held a Read Out, a day of silent reading on the streets of North Park in San Diego, Calif. The bookstore posted on Instagram: "The first ever Read Out was so fun! Incredible to see the community come together and reclaim the streets of North Park for reading. We had a huge dollar book sale, a book swap, and joined with our friends @shabby.books @heybooksorelse and @streetsmartbookstore to find thousands of books a good home." (Photos by @davidsnide @snider.photo)
The Read Out was the second North Park Community Fair, a monthly event every first Saturday hosted by Verbatim Books. In its announcement of the event, the bookstore described Read Out as "a full-day street closure dedicated to slowing down, opening books, and reading together in community. We're inviting neighbors of all ages to bring a chair or blanket, grab a spot in the street, and spend the day reading, relaxing, and connecting.... This event is designed to be casual, welcoming, and open to everyone. Bring the family, meet up with friends, or come solo with a stack of books and make a day of it. Read Out is about reclaiming public space for quiet joy, shared stories, and the simple pleasure of reading together. Come spend the day with us."