One of the great joys of the Big Lap is sitting in a campchair under the awning, a long lazy afternoon stretching ahead … and a good book in hand.
But the problem with living the bookworm dream is that you can go through reading material ludicrously quickly, and weight and space restrictions mean you can’t take many novels with you.
What travellers can do though is make use of the library system, which has evolved to cater to those who live on the road. Libby is an app that connects users to their public libraries, enabling people to borrow eBooks, magazines and audiobooks instantly and for free.
And, the good news for travellers is, they don’t have to physically visit their local library.
Keen reader, Patricia Langridge, borrows books and eBooks from the library.
Malcolm O’Brien, Regional Manager for Libby, said the convenience of digital borrowing can be life-changing.
“It’s funny when people realise just how much content there is for them to access using their local library card—and it’s all free,” says Malcolm O’Brien. “We hear stories all the time from libraries about seniors who thought they had to keep buying books to keep up with their reading, only to discover it was all available for free … they had no idea.”
Former librarian, 71-year-old Patricia Langridge reads two books a week on average.
“If I didn’t have access to my library, I simply wouldn’t be able to afford to read as much as I do,” she says. “Sometimes I found there would be a long waitlist for a particular book, but the e-Book version would be available straight away.”
According to a report by the Australian Library and Information Association, e-book and audiobook loans have doubled between 2018 and 2023, with seniors being a key part of this increase. And for travellers who prefer physical books, there are still options.
For example, grey nomads travelling through Outback Queensland can now become a Rural Libraries Queensland (RLQ) Tourist Member, enabling them to borrow from one library and return at another. There are 64 rural libraries participating in the scheme.
“The six-month membership allows you open access to all eResources including eBooks, eMagazines, online courses, digital audiobooks, and so much more for that long drive,” says Rural Libraries Queensland. “You may also borrow up to four physical items for up to four weeks.”
You can sign up for Tourist Membership here and learn more about the Libby app here.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
We take around 20 books with us & after we’ve read them we swap them at caravan park or community book swaps.
We also buy a few at community markets along our way.