Fellowship of silence

A Baton Rouge bar is giving people a reason to put the phone down and pick up a book.

Why it matters: Pelican to Mars, the bar on Government Street, hosts a silent book club on the third Wednesday of each month, with time built in before and after for people to talk with fellow readers. 

How it works: People gather, socialize a bit, then read quietly together. Afterward, they can talk more. No assigned book. Just reading, and then being around others who also chose a book over doomscrolling.

The bigger picture: Baton Rouge is not alone in wanting a break from the screen. Phone-free bars and restaurants are emerging, allowing patrons to pay attention to the people in front of them.

By the numbers: At least 11 states now have individual bars or restaurants with some phone restriction or digital-detox incentive, per Axios. One example is Antagonist, a cocktail bar in Charlotte, N.C., where co-owner Mike Salzarulo said the policy of locking away customers’ phones for two hours is meant to “build a place that kind of forces you to connect.”

Bottom line: A silent book club at a bar sounds slightly improbable, which is part of the charm. This form of shared activity, often called "parallel play," allows individuals to maintain their own identity and personal space while still benefiting from the supportive energy of a group, according to Psychology Today.