Reader Logs 663 Books – Thanks to the Libby App

Denise began using the Libby App during the COVID-19 lockdowns and found it particularly useful while the Feilding Library was undergoing its rebuild, with part of its collection in storage. Living rurally, she now finds reading digitally more convenient than ever.

“I used to love holding a real book, but now I prefer reading on my phone. It’s lighter, and I can read for longer,” she says. “It suits my lifestyle perfectly.”

Now retired after 19 years as an administrator at Ovation, Denise fills her days with gardening, quilting, and of course reading. She reads first thing in the morning, before bed, and anytime in between. TV hardly gets a look-in.

Fiction is her escape of choice. “I don’t like reading about real people, I want to get swept away in a story,” she says. Her favourite authors include Matthew Reilly and Keri Arthur, and she enjoys everything from sci-fi, romance to thrillers and fantasy. She also browses non-fiction titles on hobbies like gardening and scrapbooking and occasionally listens to audiobooks if a title isn’t available in digital format.

One of her favourite Libby features is the ability to place up to 10 holds and get notified as soon as her favourite authors release something new. “It’s like Libby just knows what I want to read next,” she smiles.

Denise often recommends the app to friends over coffee or at her garden group, encouraging others to give it a try. “People say they prefer holding a book, but I tell them just try it. You really do get used to it.”

The Libby App, part of the ePukapuka digital collection shared by 21 lower North Island libraries, offers thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. It’s free to use for all Manawatū Community Hub Libraries members.

To join or get help using Libby, visit Manawatū Community Hub Libraries or Book A One-On-One | Manawatū Community Hub Libraries or sign up online at eBooks & eAudiobooks | Manawatū Community Hub Libraries.

Denise Jamieson photographed at Manawatū Community Hub Libraries’ holding her phone where she enjoys reading hundreds of books.