Turn Your Personal Devices Into A New Reading Vice
They’re in our pockets, our hands, our bags. And while they connect us to almost everything in the world, our smart phones and tablets can also connect us to the world of reading. When I was younger, I loved nothing more than walking down the street with a book in my hand…until I walked into one too many tree branches or street poles and was tired of grazes appearing on my forehead. And once you apologise to an inanimate object for crashing into it, you know it’s likely time to pay more attention to the footpath and (maybe) less attention to the riveting conclusion of The Babysitter’s Club’s The Ghost at Dawn's House.
Further the act of reading, regardless of the format, is the important part. Don’t worry about what other’s might think of you reading off a screen or shoving a pair of earbuds in your ears.
- Sarah Schmidt, Reading & Literacy Coordinator
But then I met an audiobook. Actually, I met several. Many dozens of several audiobooks. eAudiobooks have changed my reading life for the better and so much of my reading at the moment happens when I’m walking down the street (making eye contact with people no less!), in the car, or my current situation: in the dark in bed after an unsuccessful attempt at willing myself to find sleep in another bout of insomnia.
Since lockdowns have ended, I’ve noticed I go through periods when I have trouble concentrating on reading for long periods of time. Audiobooks have really helped me focus and slowly come back to reading written words for longer periods of time.
Similarly eBooks are a fantastic way to take stacks of books with you without weighing you down. While it’s great to hold (and smell) a physical book and have some off screen time, sometimes the mood to read visits us when we least expect it and if we have nothing but a device, we can easily and quickly borrow an eBook or eAudiobook and read to our heart’s content.
Further the act of reading, regardless of the format, is the important part. Don’t worry about what other’s might think of you reading off a screen or shoving a pair of earbuds in your ears. You may very well be someone prefers to listen to a good story OR finds holding a device more comforting than a book.
My philosophy? Read the way you want, when you want and above all else, read what feels good to you in the moment.
And if you’re new to reading books or want to try one again after a very long time away from them, eAudiobooks in particular are a great way to start reading, especially as we approach the Australian Reading Hour on Thursday 9 March.
Australian Reading Hour is a national day dedicated to sharing the joys of books, reading and stories. Readers in Australia are asked to spend one hour on the day reading, sharing and enjoying the stories they love with others. Yarra Plenty Regional Library will be taking part by not only offering you many great reads but hosting a wide range of events at our libraries so you can connect with others, discover something new and give yourself permission to enjoy dedicated reading time.
Australian Reading Hour events happening at YPRL include:
Diamond Valley Library: My Favourite Book Chat and Swap, 11am - 12pm.
Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub: Book Lover’s Reading Hour, 2pm - 3pm.
Lalor Library: Fantasy Genre Quick Read and Cuppa, 6pm - 8pm.
Mill Park Library: Books That Changed Your Life, 7pm - 8pm.
Watsonia Library: “Incarceration” Author Talk, 7pm - 8pm.
Thomastown Library: Creative Writing Workshop, 7pm - 8.30pm.
To help make your reading choices easier, why not try one of the eBooks and eAudiobooks mentioned below from BorrowBox’s current 'Don’t Wait, Listen Now' and 'Don’t Wait, Read Now' series. These titles are ready to read and download NOW without any delay. Best of all, you and a friend can read together without having to place a reservation and joining a long queue!
There’s never been a better time to turn your device into a new reading vice.
Available Now!
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Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
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The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
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Love and Other Puzzles by Kimberly Allsopp
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Lily Harford’s Last Request by Joanna Buckley
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Robin Hood Book 1: Hacking, Heists, and Flaming Arrows by Robert Muchamore
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The Torrent by Dinuka McKenzie
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Treasury of Bedtime Stories by Enid Blyton
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The Innocent by Harlan Coben
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When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle
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The Outrage by William Hussey
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The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson
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Gay Bar: Why We Went Out by Jeremy Atherton Lin
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Cocaine Blues: a Phryne Fisher Mystery by Kerry Greenwood
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Bear, Lion, or Wolf by Olivia Arezzolo
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Hard Knocks by Fiona Scott-Norman
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Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
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The Cane by Maryrose Cuskelly