Nannen Arboretum Launches Silent Book Club in Ellicottville for Summer 2026
Readers are invited to unplug, bring their favorite book, and enjoy peaceful evenings surrounded by nature at Ellicottville's beloved Nannen Arboretum.
ELLICOTTVILLE - The Nannen Arboretum is inviting readers of all kinds to unplug, relax, and enjoy nature this summer through its new Silent Book Club series.
Unlike a traditional book club where everyone reads the same title, a Silent Book Club encourages participants to bring and read whatever book they choose. The evenings also provide an opportunity for optional socializing and discussion about books, reading, or simply enjoying quiet time outdoors.
The Silent Book Club will meet every Wednesday evening from June 3 through September 16, 2026 at the Nannen Arboretum in Ellicottville. The schedule for each evening includes:
6:00pm - Reception and social time
6:30pm - Quiet reading time
7:30pm - Optional social time or continued reading
Participants will gather at the entrance to the arboretum near the parking lot before spreading out across the grounds. The arboretum’s benches and picnic tables offer plenty of peaceful spaces for reading and relaxation.
Organizers say the program is designed to encourage people to step away from technology and reconnect with nature. While e-books and Kindles are welcome, the atmosphere will remain quiet and unplugged.
Beyond the new book club series, the Nannen Arboretum itself has long served as one of Ellicottville’s quiet hidden gems. Often referred to as “The Jewel in the Crown of Ellicottville,” the arboretum offers visitors a peaceful setting filled with diverse trees, gardens, and natural spaces designed to inspire both relaxation and environmental appreciation.
Located on an eight-acre parcel surrounding Lake Nipponica, the arboretum features walking areas, picnic tables, benches, and educational plantings throughout the grounds. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions including the Dwarf Conifer Garden, Japanese Stone Garden, Lowe Herb Garden, and the Al Cox Memorial Garden. A solar fountain added to the pond has also helped improve the health and beauty of Lake Nipponica while supporting wildlife habitat and stormwater management.
The arboretum is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers and operates as a not-for-profit organization supported through donations. Education also remains a major part of its mission, with volunteers regularly working with local students to promote environmental awareness and the importance of trees and native plant life.
Many of the trees throughout the arboretum include QR codes that visitors can scan with their smartphones to learn more about specific species, seasonal changes, and interesting tree facts. Organizers hope the combination of nature, education, and quiet reflection makes the Silent Book Club a natural fit for the space.
The Silent Book Club is open to anyone looking for a calm and welcoming environment to read, reflect, and connect with fellow book lovers this summer. The Nannen Arboretum is located at 28 Parkside Drive in Ellicottville. For more information or to support the arboretum, visit NannenArboretum.com.