[whstl]

Other people have shown pictures of people reading in the bus, but here's the other thing: it was (and still is!) common to read a magazine or newspaper when you're out in a group for casual outings like a casual coffee, breakfast or even dinner with the family, lunch or coffee break with co-workers in a restaurant. It was often the only time you had to read the newspaper (unless you're were commuting by bus, hah!).

Kids would have coloring books or comics. Disinterested teens would have a book. I remember my grandmother carrying a crosswords puzzle, Stanley-style.

Sure it's not something you would do in an occasion where you're expected to keep conversation, like a social living room visit, a fancier diner, a sales call, a date or a birthday party. But even in special occasions with the extended family would be totally normal to excuse yourself to go read a newspaper or something if the rest of the people were engaged in conversation you're not interested in.