The Ambient Book Club — Wexford Town Library

Fifteen people came into the events room at Wexford Town Library at midday on Thursday 30 July 2026, most of them carrying whatever they were already reading. One picked a book called Moon off the shelves on the way in. Everyone put their phones away. They read for an hour, and Thunderclap Murphy played.

Windows run floor to ceiling down two sides, with the garden along one and the street and the library entrance along the other.

He played flute, saxophone and keyboard, live looping each line at a different length so the parts drifted out of step and the sound kept moving. He stopped once in the middle, for a minute.

What people wrote on the way out

They filled in a card as they left. It asked four questions.

How was the hour?

Relaxing, enjoyable, interesting mix. I was pleased that we couldn’t use our phones — are constantly distracted by it!

Tina, Wexford

It went by very quickly and felt very relaxed and peaceful.

Katie, Castlebridge

How did the music sit with the reading?

Perfectly — in the way that I like to read in silence but the music made me more immersed in my book, like in a bubble, like I was nowhere else, and fully present.

Sara, Wexford

Really well — I was surprised to be able to read and hear the music.

Helen, Rosslare

Very well — I had picked out a book called ‘Moon’ which was quite relevant!

Mark, Wexford

Was there a moment that stayed with you?

Yes, the minute break, I thought hurry up and start again please!

Karen, Wexford

The sound of water rushing.

Helen, Rosslare

Looking around the room and seeing everyone else in their own little world.

All of it will, from the first note until the last one.

Sara, Wexford

Anything you would want the library to know?

More than anything else, they asked for it to happen again.

This is a wonderful event idea! No commitment to a book club, easy to drop in.

Katie, Castlebridge

Excellent idea to do this. Again please.

Mark, Wexford

Would love this hosted again — in the evening so more accessible.

Paula, Wexford

Thanks

Thanks to Heather and all the staff at Wexford Town Library, who put the hour together and made everyone welcome.

That evening he played the community garden at Wexford Arts Centre for So Say So.

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Thunderclap Murphy’s Ambient Book Club
Live music for a silent reading hour. Bring a book, or unwrap one of ours.

It runs in libraries anywhere in Ireland. See what a library booking involves, or make a booking enquiry.