A local walking group is giving book lovers a new way to turn pages while getting steps in.
The Audiobook Walking Club 661 meets weekly at The Bluffs in Bakersfield, gathering at the corner of Panorama Drive and River Boulevard. Co-founder Angelica Sabiano said the group meets every Wednesday morning, where participants grab a name tag, introduce themselves and talk about what they’re reading before heading out on a loop that’s about 2.3 miles.
KBFX DVR_WINDOW
Sabiano said she and her co-founder and sister Joanna, started the club after seeing a video online about a similar group in another city and realizing Bakersfield didn’t have anything like it.
“A lot of people have been joining on the Wednesday walks and also on the weekend walks,” Sabiano said, adding that the club has also been collaborating with other local clubs.
KBFX
On Wednesdays, the group meets at 9 a.m. and starts walking at 9:15. On weekends, meetups are around 10am depending on which park they choose.
The walking club doesn’t require everyone to read the same book, however when I asked Sabiano what she is currently ready she said “Cash” by Jessica Pearson and is also trying to finish “Before the Coffee Gets Cold.”
She also said the combination of walking and reading can be good for mental health, citing the benefits of being outside for vitamin D and mood, along with connecting with others who enjoy books.
People who want to join can find the group on Instagram or TikTok or Instagram at @audiobookwalk661.