The Story Shop, located in the heart of Lahore, was filled with bookish decor. Girls were arriving with ‘bandages’ on their arms bearing the words ‘Let’s Be Social’. After a while, they sat traditionally on the carpeted floor with beautiful cushions and started commenting on the selected book. Such was the environment of the book club session at the Book Sanctuary.
Speaking with Jarida Today, Book Sanctuary founder Hajra Arshad said that it was a safe space and a community for booklovers and readers, aimed at bringing together likeminded people across various backgrounds. She said it adds an enriching experience to reading, besides encouraging and motivating more reading, which leads to building a community of intellectuals.
She said the people’s reading habits were fading consistently but gradually, but those who loved reading found the experience quite isolating. “There are other book clubs and reading circles, but the traditional book club practice has faded.” She said there was no exclusive and safe space for female readers around Lahore, which inspired the idea of the Book Sanctuary.
“Let’s Be Social” resonated with associating introverts and booktroverts with being social
“We have females who prefer the company of other females, so we can talk openly without feeling self-conscious or judged,” she said, adding that many of the members had never been part of any book club before because of the same reasons. She highlighted that the club had so far had three sessions with free conversations, which made the members realize how much they held back from their families and friends.
“But because this is a safe space, people don’t hesitate showing up and talking,” the Book Sanctuary founder said. She said that the most memorable moments were the same in which they openly resonate with the chosen books, a character, a storyline, or a place, and see how much they can relate them to their own experiences. “It feels very therapeutic,” she said while explaining the overall environment.
WRITE A LETTER TO YOURSELF
Hajra Arshad mentioned that there was an agenda for every meetup, a set time, and a different venue for each session to spice things up. “We also introduced fun activities like board games, bookmark making, and a therapeutic writing exercise called ‘write a letter to yourself’,” she said. Explaining the procedure, she said that members were first asked to suggest books.
“Most people join us because they are looking to explore new genres. This is why we try introducing a new theme every month. Our book theme for July was fantasy, while for August it was a self-help book. For September, it was a feminist utopian short story,” she explained, adding that some recommendations are then shortlisted and a poll arranged for members to vote for their preferred book. “We always go with the general consensus,” she said.
‘LET’S BE SOCIAL’
Speaking with Jarida Today, Socialites co-founder Mahroosh Fatima, who is also event partner of the Book Sanctuary, said that the activity was productive. “Being an all-girls group is empowering in itself.” She said that the girl’s community motivated them to be emotionally strong. “We are getting positive vibes, which helps us grow,” she said.
“It’s really hard for people to engage, so by telling everyone ‘let’s be social’, we are already giving them a comfort zone where they can talk their heart out. Being social means being confident in your skin while providing a safe space where there is no judgment. A social affair where you can be yourself,” she said.
Hajra Arshad said that “Let’s Be Social” resonated with associating introverts and booktroverts with being social. “Only after starting this community did we realize how much introverts had to say, and their ideas and perspectives bring such richness and wholesomeness to our community.”
Mahnoor Tariq, a participant, told Jarida Today that she wanted to read more and make friends. Even though she had attended only one meeting, she said that the experience was wonderful. “It was lovely being part of an amazing, inspiring group of women, having discussions and making new friends. Even that one experience was so nice that I want to continue. It motivated me to pick up reading again. I feel accomplished when I finish the book club book,” she said.
On the occasion, Shifah Fatima, another participant, told Jarida Today that she joined the book club to explore more book genres and be a part of an all-girls community where “we can openly have discussions and share our takes on life.”
Good work