Kelsey Bettis finds her people

Kelsey Bettis discovered the Fleuria Audiobook Walking Club through Instagram. She was looking for ways to be more social but struggled with anxiety. A walking club seemed manageable because she could talk or retreat into her book.

“The audiobook walks allowed me to be social in a way that didn't require talking to other people if I didn't want to.”

Bettis joins a growing movement

Bettis became part of a small army of women wearing headphones gathering at least once a month on beaches and trails across Southern California. She went for coffee with women from her first walk and kept coming back.

“The best part is the connection with other people.”

Stephanie Pao starts it all

Stephanie Pao owns The Fleuria, a mobile bookstore in a book truck. In July twenty twenty-five, she invited social media followers to join her for a walk. She expected five people. Fifty showed up. At a later Long Beach event, nearly two hundred joined.

“Reading is often such a solitary hobby. But readers want to meet other readers.”

The format spreads nationwide

Audiobook walking clubs are now emerging around the country. For about an hour, everyone listens to a book of their choosing while walking, then gathers to compare notes and trade recommendations. It is a book club without assigned reading.

How the walks actually work

At Pao's events, people spend about thirty minutes mingling before the walk. Then they put on headphones and separate into faster and slower groups, each absorbed in a different story. When the walk ends, many linger to discuss books or make plans.

“Everyone can participate, no matter your book taste.”

Morgan Menzies runs Pages on the Path

In the Washington D.C. area, Morgan Menzies runs a similar group called Pages on the Path. Menzies moved to D.C. from New Jersey wanting to make friends. Now around thirty readers typically attend its monthly outings, ranging in age from thirteen to around eighty.

Audiobooks are booming

U.S. audiobook sales reached two point four three billion dollars in twenty twenty-five, up nine percent from the previous year, according to the Audio Publishers Association. Jim Dinegar, the association's executive director, calls it pretty nice growth.

“It's not quite a rocket ship, but it's pretty nice growth.”

People are more open about audiobooks

Audiobooks appeal because people can listen while driving, exercising, cooking or cleaning. Jim Dinegar has noticed that listeners are becoming more open about their enthusiasm. People once admitted they loved audiobooks almost sheepishly. Now they are finding one another.

Low-pressure socializing works

At Pages on the Path, participants can talk or simply press play and be in their own world. There are no forced introductions or icebreakers. Morgan Menzies has watched groups of women who met on walks form text chains and get together outside the club.

“I think the meaning of life is to form human connections. Whatever that looks like.”

Librarians see the appeal

At Hedberg Public Library in Janesville, Wisconsin, young adult librarian Gabrielle Draxler and programming librarian Amy Christian organize These Books Are Made for Walkin'. At first it felt awkward with no one talking. Once the walk ended, everyone talked so fast it was difficult to keep up.

“It's very low-stakes social engagement.”

Health benefits add up

Dr. Mariah Stump, a primary care physician at Brown University Health, sees audiobook walks as social prescribing. They combine physical movement, time outdoors and contact with other people. Walking at a conversational pace still counts as physical activity.

“Five minutes a day can go a long way. Any movement for your body is helpful.”

Safety matters with headphones

Headphones come with a risk: it is easy to tune out more than intended. Listeners need to remain alert to traffic, other people and changes in terrain. Being part of a crowd helps people feel more comfortable and safer while wearing headphones.

How to start your own club

If an audiobook walking club does not exist nearby, just start it, Morgan Menzies says. Choose a flat or paved route, clearly identify the meeting place and give participants a chance to chat before or after. Partnering with a library helps people access audiobooks for free.

“There's been a lot online about wanting a village, but not being a villager. It takes effort to build a village.”

Find your people through books

Gabrielle Draxler encourages people to start their own audiobook walking club. You will enjoy nature, listen to a book and find your people. The format works especially well for those who want community but find large social gatherings overwhelming.

“You're going to go out, you're going to enjoy nature, and you're going to listen to a book. Just do it. I think you're going to find your people.”