Reading by listening

There is more than one hundred and thirty public (government) libraries in the State of Australia in which I live...that's a lot of books right? The thing is, it's not just books; they have other services like computer (and other) classes and actual computer access, book clubs and readings, DVD's, digital content, laminating and photocopying services and so much more. I'm not interested in much of that and, to be honest, didn't even think about using the library until recently when a friend mentioned it to me. Now...I have a library card.

I prefer to buy the books I read and have a personal library of many, many books which I've collected since about the age of fifteen or so. I like going back to them now and then and as required so having them here with me makes sense. Of course, I've got to store them all so have a room in my house that acts as my library, a room lined with bookshelves. It's very cool.

Anyway, I was chatting to a mate who was talking about audio books and I was like, "nah, they're fucken shit." I think that because I like physical books rather than listening to books. Sure, I listen to podcasts, but listening to audio books isn't my thing. The mate said, "you're a wanker, get with the program you bloody dinosaur."

Ok, fair call.

He told me that the government have a single library card that covers every public library in the State and that there's an almost endless array of books available, for free, as audio books. Of course, there's all the physical books as well. We kept talking and I began to think that I might be able to take advantage.

A few days later I went to my local library and joined up, it took five minutes, downloaded the State Government Library App and another associated App and just like that I had an almost endless list of audio books available to me for free plus the ability to use all the library services for free as well. I have to admit, it's pretty cool and about a half hour later I was already listening to a book and had several others on hold.

Because I travel a lot for work it makes sense that I have things to read but it's sometimes easier to listen, usually podcasts, and that's worked well. However with this audio book thing, and my acceptance of it (finally), it'll open up some new opportunities.

Audio books will never replace physical books for me, I love the feel of a book in my hands, but it's convenient and with access to over one hundred and thirty libraries and the vast quantity of audio books they have I think I'll cover ore ground with what I read - I mean, listen to.