We all know reading books is an inexpensive entertainment, an educational tool, and a time-traveling machine. Grabbing a book and diving into its pages is a pleasurable experience regardless of the day or time. September 6 is National Read a Book Day, a special occasion to read that new bestseller or book you keep putting aside.
Virtual audiobook club starts.
Reading a good book is enjoyable and helps reduce stress and enhance mental concentration. Having someone to share it with is even more fun. When the pandemic struck last year, Outlook Enrichment developed a virtual audiobook club. Everyone was sheltering in place and practicing social distancing. Yet, people who were blind and visually impaired still needed community and socialization. This monthly club allows one to share a good read and connect with others. It also helps members to read consistently, read books out of their comfort zone, and see different perspectives.
“I value this club because it brings folks together amid the virus and specifically hardships of blind folks. We pick audiobooks from many types like mysteries, thrillers, and suspense while having fun discussing them,” said Kathy Beers, an audiobook club member. “Audiobooks open a whole new world to the reader. You read at your own pace and on your own time. They are inexpensive to buy, and they belong to you after purchase. Many audiobooks and podcasts are free. Many different devices can be used to read audiobooks. This book club is also a great support for visually impaired folks. I truly enjoy this club.”
Although the club focuses on audiobooks, people with vision loss can read in various formats. Braille, large print, digital text-to-speech, and even accessible apps are available for reading multiple books. Members can choose the format based on their comfort. Computer-savvy members can help those who aren’t with downloading books. Or they can also call the technology helpline at 531.365.5334 for assistance.
“I enjoy listening to works where the narrator knows the perfect accent or multiple voices read the story. It brings various characters to life. When they are monotone, especially in the non-fiction genre, I’d rather just read the books in braille,” said Rachna Keshwani, another audiobook club member. I look forward to each meeting, discussing all our viewpoints about every novel, which sometimes changes my perspective. Without this group, I wouldn’t even consider psychological thrillers.”
Connect with more people.
Once members start attending the virtual audiobook club, they will interact and connect with more people. This boosts camaraderie and decreases isolation. Transportation and location are not obstacles, meaning more people can join the discussion.
“I think reading books lets you travel to other places even when physical limitations would otherwise prevent you from doing so. Every time I read a book, I learn something about life and love, and the writer throws whatever else it is,” Heather Pfeifer, an audiobook club member, explains. “I love the opportunity to get together with other intelligent minds and discuss our take on what we read; each perspective is unique. Such a blessing to have meetings that don’t require Uber.”
Connect with different people.
Traditional physical book clubs have the same faithful members who come regularly. But the virtual audiobook club welcomes new members. New members bring different opinions and perspectives, making for lively discussions.
“Before book club started, I had never listened to a book and had not physically read one since high school. I love how I can listen to audiobooks while cleaning or doing other things around the house,” said Megan Mackie, a club member. The best part about the book club meetings is that often, the books inspire the members to share personal stories and memories. We get to share opinions about the books, but more importantly, we share our lives and experiences.”
The audiobook club is an excellent resource for visually impaired readers. It offers a place to discuss interesting books, share perspectives, build connections, and make friends. Sign up for Outlook Enrichment’s Art and Culture program to join the discussion. Avid visually impaired readers who want to enhance their technology skills can also contact the adaptive technology department for help.
