Silent Reading Night
Silent Reading Nights at Hugo House
Date:Â Wednesday, January 14
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM
Theme:Â Short but Mighty: A Silent Reading Night Celebrating Novellas + Microfiction Challenge
Community Partner:Â Page 2 Books
Each month, we host a Silent Reading Night with a rotating theme and a featured community partner. This month, we’re thrilled to highlight our friends at Page 2 Books! Bring your favorite novella and read with us!
Event Schedule
- 6:00 PM – Mix & Mingle (enjoy tea, meet fellow readers, and purchase a book from Page 2 Books!)
- 6:30 PM – Silent Reading Begins
- 7:30 PM – Reading break! Chat with a neighbor or get a snack from our Book Bar! Also, micro fiction readings will be reading in the Salon!
- 7:45 PM – Silent Reading Resumes in Lapis Theater
- 8:30 PM – Social Time & Book Chats
- 9:00 PM – Event Ends
Additional Details
- BYOM – Bring Your Own Mug!
- We’ll have hot water available and encourage guests to bring their favorite teas to share.
- This event is part of our ongoing Silent Reading Night series, each featuring a new theme to spark joyful, communal reading.
Just for this event! Microfiction Challenge
To pair with our Novella Silent Reading Night, we’re inviting you to take on an optional (but thrilling!) creative challenge. Check in at the front desk upon arrival and bring some paper and a writing instrument to participate!
The Challenge:
You’ll have 90 minutes to write a complete fiction story in 300 words or fewer from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM. During the silent reading break in our Salon (15 minutes), participants will read their microfiction aloud while listeners cast their votes by placing the reader’s name into a jar. Votes will be tallied by Nat, and winners will be announced at 8:30 pm.
What’s at stake:
- Top 3 winners selected by audience vote
- Winning stories featured on Hugo House’s Instagram
- All winners receive a Hugo House tote bag
Participation Note:
This challenge will run with a minimum of 5 participants, with no more than 10 participants.
What is Microfiction?
Microfiction is an ultra-short form of storytelling. Part of the flash fiction family, and typically under 300 words. Each piece delivers a full narrative arc (beginning, middle, and end).
Bring a pen, bring your imagination, and take the leap. Join the Microfiction Challenge and see if you can tell a complete story in under 300 words, then read it aloud, cast your vote, and help crown the winners. Spots are limited to 10, so jump in and write with us!
Free admission to this event is made possible with support from 4Culture.
The House bar will be open to serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.