Molly George (right) enjoys some serious reading time in Carlton Gardens at the Silent Reading Party. Credit:Chris Hopkins

Eighteen people sprawl on the lawn of the Carlton Gardens on a lazy Sunday morning, as the sun filters through elegant poplar trees.

But this isn't a picnic with wine and fried chicken. There’s no loud conversation or frisbee throwing.

The 17 women and one bloke travelled from across Melbourne purely to read.

At the STFU Reading Society’s monthly Silent Reading Party, you can read what you like. But one thing is strictly enforced: silence.