literary comeback — Cyprus is experiencing a literary comeback as the age-old habit of reading finds new life in a rapidly digital world. With the rise of BookTok, book cafés, and community reading rituals, the act of reading is transforming into a shared experience rather than a solitary one.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Recent data highlights a global revival in reading, with European publishing statistics revealing that print books still dominate the market, making up 80 per cent of turnover. This trend is particularly noticeable among Gen Z and millennials, who are increasingly turning to books for self-care and respite from digital life. Social media platforms like BookTok have propelled a variety of titles back onto bestseller lists, signalling a widespread renaissance in literary enthusiasm.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
In Cyprus, the momentum is palpable. The Cyprus Bookworms Club, founded in early 2023 by Marianna Charalampous, exemplifies this resurgence. What began as a simple monthly meet-up has blossomed into a vibrant community featuring silent reading sessions, workshops, and annual retreats. “As a community builder, I’ve always believed in the power of books to bring people together,” Marianna shares. “After the pandemic, I sensed a deep need for real connection.”
With diverse membership spanning various ages and backgrounds, the club welcomes everyone from young parents to seniors. Marianna highlights the openness and curiosity shared among participants. “There’s been a clear rise in people returning to reading as a form of self-care, grounding, and mindful escape,” she adds. For many, these book clubs offer an antidote to the isolation of modern life—a space to connect, converse, and disconnect from screens.
Every Tuesday, members gather at By the Bridge in Nicosia for silent reading hours, bringing their current books to enjoy in peaceful company. “Silent Readings are just another excuse for reading,” Marianna notes. “Even if nobody goes and you choose to go, it’s a means to invest in some quality time with yourself.” Participants also benefit from a discount pass for the café, fostering a welcoming environment.
The sense of community is what makes the Bookworms special. “Books are the starting point, but the real magic happens in the conversations, the vulnerability people bring, the support they offer one another,” Marianna explains. “It’s not just a club anymore… it’s more like a family.”
Social media significantly contributes to the club’s growth, with platforms like Instagram helping potential members discover gatherings and feel connected before attending. “People are more excited to share what they read and look for bookish communities to belong to,” Marianna observes.
The Cyprus Bookworms also boasts a strong online presence with over 300 members on Viber, where book discussions and event updates flourish. Marianna sees this interest as part of a larger cultural shift, noting the success of their second annual book retreat in Paphos. Looking ahead, the club plans to launch a new vodcast, Books of Wheels, filmed in a vintage campervan, featuring interviews with authors and literary figures. Additionally, an exciting literary trip to Amsterdam and Edinburgh is scheduled for early 2026.
Cyprus’s literary revival isn’t confined to the Bookworms. At The Home Café in Nicosia’s Home for Cooperation, another book club has emerged. Facilitator Umran Avni noticed a growing need for a dedicated space where colleagues could discuss their reading. “Even if English isn’t their first language or they haven’t finished the book, everyone feels relaxed enough to share,” Umran remarks.
This small, inclusive group attracts a diverse mix of locals and internationals, reflecting a wider trend of people seeking offline spaces to slow down and engage in meaningful discussions. The Home Café book club plans to continue into the new year, alternating genres and themes to keep conversations vibrant and fresh. The goal is simple: to provide a warm, welcoming environment for anyone who enjoys reading and meaningful conversation.
