Perelandra Bookshop, in Fort Collins, Colorado, has a “reader-in-residence” program. A member of the public is selected to come and quietly read whatever book they like for at least a couple of hours a week over three months. They even get a stipend - $50 per month for books, $50 for coffee.

Like other artist residencies, it affords individuals the resources to practice their craft; unlike other artists-in-residence, the Reader is not expected to produce anything but their own attentive presence. By foregrounding the simple act of reading rather than what a given individual “gets out of it,” the Reader in Residence manifests literary engagement instead of value judgment. This is a revolutionary democratic posture in increasingly undemocratic times.

Honestly sounds like a dream gig.