Public Places to Read (Other than a Cafe)

Reading in cafes has become a habit for most. Why not change it? Next time you’re heading out for an afternoon of reading take a look at this list of recommended public places to read that are a little more unexpected and a lot more fun.

It’s difficult to find places to read in public. My usual destination is a cafe, but this can become tedious after a while (not to mention expensive).

I wanted to make some more specific recommendations for people who are looking to broaden their reading horizons. So here is my list of public reading locations (other than a café).

1. The Library!

It appears obvious, after all, it is the first reading away from home. As adults, we sometimes forget that libraries are also public spaces for us.

That they aren’t just for students and children, but that there is also room for us to read. Plus, they’re usually stunning structures, making them a great place to take photos.

2. University Campus Buildings

University campuses are designed for reading for both students and instructors.

There are always great benches and seating areas to be found throughout these buildings, and students don’t always take full advantage of them (I certainly didn’t when I was a student), so it’s fairly easy to find a great spot to read for an hour or two.

3. A Brewery

Why limit yourself to coffee or tea when craft breweries are doing such amazing things these days? Enjoy a refreshing pint, a tasty snack, and a relaxing afternoon of reading.

Fair warning: it isn’t the quietest option on the list, but having some background noise is often ideal for my reading time. It also helps to be able to enjoy a great beverage while doing it.

4. An Art Museum

This is one of my new favorite reading excursions. On a rainy afternoon, going to an art museum is a great way to bring color back into your life.

The atmosphere is solemn and reverent without being overbearing. There are also plenty of benches and seating throughout. As a result, this is an excellent location for some reading time.

5. Conservatory or Botanical Garden

I have to admit that this one was recommended to me by a good friend, and she was dead on. I was able to enjoy time with my book while also getting some relief from the dreary weather outside, as I sat surrounded by greenery and the sounds of birds.

The seating is more limited than other options, but even standing for 15 minutes and reading was extremely restorative.

6. The Beach

The beach is one of our favorite places to spread out on a towel, shield our eyes from the sun, and read a good book.

It also doesn’t hurt that this sunny, sandy, reading spot has the background hum of crashing waves. Absolute bliss!

7. Park

I enjoy being bookish in a park. You can sit on a bench or in the grass, read a book, listen to the wind in the trees, and look up to see the world go by.

8. Bookstore

Some bookstores have strict no-sitting-while-reading policies. Our favorite bookstores have even stricter beanbags-or-other-comfortable-seats-for-reading policies.

Those are very popular with us. Because, just like in a clothing store, sometimes you need to try a book on before deciding whether or not to buy it, and what better way to do so than in comfort?

9. Public Transport

There is only one concern about reading on public transportation, whether you’re on a bus, a train, a subway, an el, a monorail, a streetcar, or an airplane: motion sickness.

And if you don’t, then go ahead and read, read, read!

Which of the aforementioned public reading spots do you prefer? Kindly indicate your choice in the section below.