I don’t know about you, but when I was working I rarely read for pleasure.
This became the case particularly after I began working for myself, in my own business. For me, then, reading was mostly work oriented. I was required to keep up continuing professional education points, to remain accredited in my profession. I also had to keep up to date with what was going on in my industry. This, on top of a full time client load, and running my business, meant I did not have free time available to read for pleasure.
With my retirement, I no longer have to study and keep up to date with matters related to my profession or work. It’s a freedom I haven’t had for years.
Generally, I would read a novel when I was on holidays. Otherwise, I enjoyed a magazine at the hairdressers or a quick look a Facebook. Well, sometimes I wasted more time on Facebook than I’d like to admit. Anyway, I really got out of the way of regularly reading books.
It’s not as though I didn’t like reading books. I did. But, when I was working I didn’t devote time to reading a book. Work, family and other things took priority.
If I start a book I like to read each day until I finish it. Back then, I couldn’t devote that amount of time to simply reading for pleasure.
But with retirement, that has all changed. I no longer have work or study commitments. I have free time. I have lots of time. It’s been such a massive change.
One of the first things I did following my retirement was begin reading for pleasure. And it is a pleasure to be able to read and not worry about the time spent reading.
As we are retirees enjoying travel around Australia I decided to join the library and set my iPad up to read eBooks through the digital library. Lack of space in our caravan was the initial motivator to join an online library.
This has been a great decision, particularly given our nomad lifestyle.
I love reading books on my iPad for the following reasons:
- I can access library books where ever I am. All I need is internet access when I am downloading a book. Once the book is downloaded I can read it without the internet.
- The books are free
- There is a broad range of books
- With the light in the iPad I have found reading easier.
- I love being able to read on the iPad at night, without a light on. This way I do not disturb Greg if I read in the middle of the night.
- I find the iPad lightweight and easy to hold
- I can download a couple of books at once and they take up no space in our caravan
- The books can be borrowed for up to three weeks. Following the expiry date you can no longer read the book.
- I can charge my iPad in the car, as we drive along. Or, if we are free camping, I can charge it with the 12 volt battery in the caravan.
I have been so impressed with using the digital library I have convinced Greg to download the app and get set up through the Library. Greg is now also enjoying reading this way. He has an eReader, but he had to buy all the books. Reading on an iPad, via the library, is basically the same. The major difference is the digital library is free.
Some of our friends just love the touch and smell of a book and they are not at all interested in reading online. But we have taken to reading on our iPads like ducks to water.
I am so pleased to rejuvenate my love of reading novels and autobiographies. For me, its a win win all around. I have easy access to books. I can read the digital books more easily than I can paperback books – due to the light and font on the iPad. And retirement has provided the freedom to take time to simply read for pleasure.
If you haven’t tried using a digital library I encourage you to give it a go. You will only know if you like reading on an iPad by trying it.
I encourage you to persist if you have any difficulties at your Library getting set up for borrowing the eBooks. Initially I found staff who were not familiar with the digital library and they were discouraging. Fortunately, I asked to speak to the Librarian, who was so helpful and encouraging. The Librarian said, once I became used to eBooks, I would love reading books on my iPad. She was absolutely right.
Now, I am no longer interested in reading a paperback book. I am totally converted to eBooks. And, I love that I have rejuvenated my love of reading, simply for the pleasure. Reading for pleasure is now a real pleasure.
Happy reading Estelle
You have won me over Estelle,l do have a kindle and read that all the time however ,I do like the idea of not having to buy books. thank you.
Give it a try Vicky. Given you have already been reading a kindle you will have no trouble with a digital library. Good luck.
Hi Estelle, this is the first I’ve heard of a digital library. Is this through the National Library? Just discovered your blog. Enjoying reading it. Hopefully my wife and I will follow you on the road at some stage in the not too distant future. Cheers, Stephen.
Hi Stephen, So pleased you found the blog and are enjoying reading it. It would be great to bump into each other on the road one day. In regard to the digital library, apply through your local city library. I ask the staff to help me set it up. If necessary ask for the help of the Librarian. Good luck. Cheers from Estelle
i am wheelchair bound if you were able to comment on wheelchair access and facilitities it would be most helpful
Thank you Sophie for your comment. Thank you for your suggestion that I write a post about wheelchair access and facilities. I am happy to give this a go. Have you any locations that are particularly of interest to you? I am currently in Milton Ulladulla, on the South Coast of NSW. Would info in this location be helpful?