Colgate University Chapel House hosted its weekly reading party on Wednesday, Feb. 7, inviting students to read and enjoy tea in their charming library. Located by the cross-country trails and tucked away from the fast-paced campus life, Chapel House serves as a space for rest, meditation and retreat for students.
Angie Hollar, resident program coordinator of Chapel House, was inspired by the concept of recently trending “reading parties” seen sprouting in New York City. Reading parties are a relaxed alternative to book clubs, providing strangers with the opportunity to read together, discuss or enjoy silence through a shared appreciation for books. After noticing that many college students had lost their childhood passion for reading, Hollar looked to reading parties as a novel solution.
“I thought about the reality that on college campuses so many students love books but have stopped reading for pleasure — either because it is difficult to find the time or perhaps because the required reading workload has diminished some of the joy of reading,” Hollar said. “Hosting reading parties at Chapel House is my attempt to help students reconnect with and prioritize an activity that they enjoy.”
Upon entering the reading party, students are guided to take off their shoes. This simple act already sets the space apart from more formal reading spots, like the Case-Geyer Library. Here, students can feel grounded, fully comfortable and at home.
Junior Alisa Kukharkin noted that she felt a unique sense of calmness in Chapel House.
“It was actually very quiet and peaceful compared to other places on campus,” Kukharkin said. “I can feel negative energy elsewhere and stress from the other students doing work, whereas here [at Chapel House] it was so calm.”
Many on-campus study spots, such as the library or O’Connor Campus Center (the Coop), are multi-purpose in nature and often associated with academic stress, deadlines and commotion. By creating a place solely dedicated to leisurely reading, students are freed from those distractions and feel rejuvenated.
As an avid reader, Kukharkin was looking forward to the party and noted the importance of being able to read alongside peers.
“I decided to go with my friend because we usually bond over reading,” Kukharkin said. “This helped us set aside time in our chaotic schedules to read together as an outlet — which is harder to do in college — and motivate each other to get back into reading.”
Other students appreciated the inclusivity and mindfulness objectives of Chapel House that make reading in this place truly special. Chapel House is an interfaith space at Colgate, open to religious, spiritual or mindfulness pursuits of any kind. Senior Marissa Realmuto believes that attending reading parties regularly will help her practice mindfulness and recognizing the impact of reading on her mental well-being.
“I love being able to relax and get absorbed into a book,” Realmuto said. “The reading party is a way where I can take a break and let my mind decompress on a regular basis. I want to keep infusing mindfulness in my daily routine and this is a really easy way to do that.”
The goals of Chapel House as a meditative and inclusive space for students will make for a one-of-a-kind reading experience. Hollar welcomes students to join upcoming reading parties on Wednesdays from 8 to 9 p.m.
“Some students come alone, while others come with friends, and many have reported that it is one of their favorite parts of the week,” Hollar said. “While the formal event is one hour per week, everyone is welcome to come to Chapel House to read whenever we’re open. We always have cozy vibes, comfortable furniture and warm tea waiting for you!”
