Unbound in nature: How KL Reads is reviving the joy of reading books in parks

Reading has always been an integral part of Navina’s life. She cites Pride and Prejudice as her favourite at age twelve. Later, as a university student in Russia, she sought solace in translated Russian literature and art history,  frequenting Moskovskiy Dom Knigi (Moscow House of Books). 

“I’d go to Patriarch Ponds not just to read but to look at the street sign that said “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” echoing Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita. Literature references are everywhere, and I love that the most,” Navina says. However, like many adults, she succumbed to working life, setting books aside for years. KL Reads rekindled her love for reading and, in doing so, ignited a larger movement.

The impact of KL Reads is profound yet understated. “We are transforming a solitary activity into something more meaningful and memorable,” Navina says, pleased to hear her efforts have inspired more people to break away from the distraction of screens to read again. “There is a sense of community, routine and accountability,” she adds, appreciative of the positive feedback the initiative has received.

“Many readers have told us they concentrate better at Kuala Lumpur Reads. They finish chapters and even entire books in the park with us,” Navina shares. One participant finally read a book they had owned for twelve years. Others have embraced the idea so fully that they now read independently in parks, beyond KL Reads sessions.

At its core, KL Reads is about more than just literature—it is about reclaiming public spaces as a “third place,” a neutral ground outside of home and work. “Call it a reading movement or a public health initiative. By reclaiming green public spaces as a no-cost third place, we’re fostering social cohesion, community well-being and a culture of placemaking through reading,” Navina explains. In a world dictated by capitalism, KL Reads remains radically non-commercial.

See also: 19 must-read non-fiction books of 2024 so far selected by Front & Female

That is not to say the journey has been without challenges. The early days saw fluctuating attendance, often with only one or two participants. “It can get quite demotivating when you’re the only one there, constantly looking up to see if anyone is coming,” Navina says. She remained steadfast and consistent while sharing weekly reflections on social media. 

The weather was also unpredictable, and finding the right time and location required trial and error. Some questioned its viability in Malaysia, dismissing it as impractical or foreign. Even now, despite its success, the initiative faces subtle biases.

As a female founder, Navina notes how people instinctively direct questions and recognition toward her male counterpart. The experience is not unique to KL Reads but is emblematic of a broader gender dynamic issue in leadership spaces.

Yet, KL Reads endures. Now, beyond 90 consecutive sessions, the community has found stability in Perdana Botanical Garden, attracting a diverse readership—including tourists who make KL Reads a stop on their itinerary. Despite external pressures to expand into a book club or commercialised venture, the curators remain steadfast in their mission to protect the purity of the silent reading experience.

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To those seeking to start similar initiatives, Navina feels a curator’s belief in the mission matters most. “Patience and consistency are key. Be open to experimenting with time and location and learn what works best for the local community. Most importantly, take it easy, have fun and keep showing up.” KL Reads is also interested in connecting with readers looking to initiate Reads chapters. 

As for the future? Ideally, KL Reads will one day become obsolete. “Someday, reading in parks will be the most natural thing to do,” Navina says. Until then, KL Reads will continue to hold space for those seeking a respite from the world’s noise—one quiet, transformative Saturday at a time.

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