I try to multi-task whenever possible. Sometimes it doesn’t work, like when I watch TV and look at my social media at the same time. But I have found a way that I truly can multi-task and I love it. So I thought I would share this with you.
I use this multi-tasking wonder for taking walks. I’ve realized it can be used while cleaning my house, working in my yard, laying out and getting a tan, and other ways, too. I haven’t yet used it in my car while driving, but I plan to, especially on a long drive, but without my headphones, through my radio, if I can figure out how. I’m not very tech-savvy,
Hoopla, Overdrive, and Libby to the Rescue
I have been trying to walk for my health. But walking felt like I was not accomplishing anything until I started using Hoopla to “read” a book while I walked. I was multi-tasking and loving it. I even walk longer now.
Hoopla may or may not be familiar to you. The same with Libby and Overdrive. They are digital media services that are available for free from your public library. Different libraries have different services. I started using Hoopla a month ago. And then I went into my library last week and discovered that they also had Libby. Check with your library to see what they have available.
Reading is one of my favorites
If I dared, I could read all day. But I have so much more to do. In the past, I have averaged 3 to 5 books a month. Now I’ve increased that amount. Last month I read 7 books, 5 of them were digital books I checked out of my library. That’s a lot of walking. So far in June, I have finished two books, one regular book and a digital one. For the first time, I also checked out a digital book to read on my phone or computer. I didn’t think I’d ever do that but, it wasn’t available on audio. So I read that one at night and another one in the morning when I walk.
I’ve realized that I no longer need to take books on vacation. I log into Hoopla or Libby and, like several books, then I can quickly find them, borrow, and return them as needed. Typically, you can check out a book for three weeks. Plenty of time.
It’s easy
If you have a library card, you can log onto your library’s website and determine which apps they use. From there, you will log into the app and use your 4-digit password, which you should have already signed up for at the library. I have noticed that Hoopla’s books are older. They have little from some of my favorite authors. Libby has more current books, including a bunch from James Patterson, my favorite author. If you have questions, check with your library. They can help you borrow audiobooks or readable ones, without going inside the library.
Does this mean I’ll never step into a library again? Nope. I still love books, the feel of them in my hands, the joy of turning a page, etc. And not all books are available on the apps that are available to me from my library. I currently have a book on order from my library. It’s very new, and not yet available in audio, but I’m excited to read it.
In the meantime, I keep listening to my books as I walk. I realize I don’t have enough shelf space in my home, so now I’ve started reading the ones I can on my phone and I’m clearing out some shelf space for other books I have. The neighborhood “Little Library” will get the books I no longer need to store in my house once I’ve read them on Libby.
Start your new reading adventure today. It’s fast and easy, and so very convenient. Please comment below with your thoughts on this. Do you already borrow books through one of these apps? If not, do you think you will start? Thanks for commenting.
