Leeds Libraries have launched the ‘Walking Books’ initiative, offering free eAudiobooks via the BorrowBox app, transforming local parks into vibrant literary venues for all residents. This innovative project blends the serenity of a walk with the joy of a story, promoting literacy, mindfulness, and community wellbeing across Leeds.
How are free audiobooks from Leeds Libraries making reading more accessible and beneficial?
Leeds Libraries offer free eAudiobooks through the BorrowBox app, enabling all residents to download and enjoy thousands of titles. Specially curated lists, like the ‘Walking Books’ initiative, make reading accessible during walks, supporting literacy, mindfulness, and community wellbeing.
Libraries Paving the Way for Accessible Reading
Public libraries have long played a crucial role in fostering literacy and a love of reading among all age groups. Now, they are bringing innovative solutions to make books more accessible than ever. One such example is the introduction of free eAudiobooks, which extend the library’s reach far beyond its walls. In Leeds, the library service has leveraged technology to ensure everyone, regardless of their reading ability or preference, can enjoy stories on their own terms. The BorrowBox app, available to all library card holders, provides access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks for free. With the ability to download up to six titles on personal devices, the service is designed to cater to varied interests and reading levels.
Librarians in Leeds have thoughtfully curated special reading lists to fit different occasions and activities, such as the newly launched ‘Walking Books’ initiative. This project offers books and stories with lengths designed to match a stroll in the park, making reading a seamless part of a daily walk. The lists also feature titles themed around mindfulness, supporting both literary and emotional wellbeing. The effort is underpinned by the belief that “being in nature is good for mental health and so is reading, even for just a few minutes,” as explained by a lead librarian involved in the project.
Removing barriers to reading is a key ambition. eAudiobooks have proven especially effective at reaching reluctant readers and individuals with reading difficulties. By providing content in audio form, libraries enable children and adults to access more complex and engaging stories, without the pressure or difficulty of traditional reading. This approach not only broadens the audience but also helps foster a lifelong connection to literature.
Parks and Countryside: A New Venue for Stories
The city of Leeds is home to a wealth of green spaces, and these parks are now doubling as venues for literary enrichment. Through the ‘Walking Books’ project, visitors are encouraged to combine their love of nature with the joys of storytelling. Special banners throughout Leeds’ parks promote the availability of free audiobooks, inviting park-goers to download a story and enjoy it amid tranquil greenery. This initiative is aimed at introducing reading to new audiences, particularly those who may not frequent libraries but regularly enjoy the outdoors.
A £5,000 project grant from the National Acquisitions Group has enabled Leeds Libraries to expand their eAudiobook offerings and marketing efforts. By integrating literature into the park experience, the project aspires to boost both literacy rates and community wellbeing. As visitors enjoy the physical benefits of a walk, they can simultaneously nurture their minds with a story, creating a holistic approach to health.
To make the experience even more accessible, some libraries are strategically located near parks, making it easy for visitors to sign up for a library card and begin their literary journey. The service is entirely free to Leeds residents, reinforcing the city’s commitment to inclusivity and public engagement. The goal is clear: “We hope that this project will bring more people into our parks and our libraries,” state local councillors responsible for green spaces and community services.
The Role of Audiobooks in Promoting Wellbeing
The positive effects of combining reading and walking have been widely recognized by health and education professionals. Listening to audiobooks while walking in natural surroundings can help relieve stress, improve focus, and foster a sense of mindfulness. The curated selection of mindfulness-themed titles available on the BorrowBox app underscores this connection, offering stories and poems that encourage listeners to slow down and immerse themselves in the present moment.
For those who find traditional reading challenging, audiobooks present a liberating alternative. Children with dyslexia or other reading difficulties can access advanced stories without being held back by their reading level. Adults juggling busy schedules can fit a chapter into a morning walk or an afternoon in the park. The flexibility of audiobooks makes reading possible in moments that might otherwise go unutilized.
Moreover, participation in shared literary experiences, such as community audiobook events in public parks, can strengthen social ties and foster a sense of belonging. This has broader implications for individual and community wellbeing, as reading and social engagement both contribute to improved mental health outcomes. The ‘Walking Books’ initiative exemplifies how libraries can extend their impact beyond traditional spaces, supporting not just literacy, but also holistic health.
How to Get Started: Accessing eAudiobooks in Leeds
Getting started with the ‘Walking Books’ project is straightforward. Residents simply need a library card, which can be obtained for free from any local Leeds library. With a card, users can download the BorrowBox app, a user-friendly platform offering thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks suitable for all ages and interests. The app allows users to borrow up to six books at a time, with no cost or hidden fees involved.
The specially curated walking and mindfulness reading lists are highlighted within the app, making it easy to find a title that suits the mood or duration of a park visit. Whether looking for short stories, poetry, or longer novels, the collection is designed to complement the rhythm of a leisurely walk. The ability to download titles directly to a personal device means that stories are accessible anywhere, at any time.
To raise awareness, the project is being promoted at various events throughout the summer. Park visitors will notice banners and signage, as well as occasional library pop-ups offering help with downloading the app and choosing books. Further information about the initiative and library membership is available on the official Leeds Libraries Walking Books page.
- Leeds Libraries have launched the ‘Walking Books’ initiative, offering free eAudiobooks through the BorrowBox app to transform local parks into literary venues.
- This project aims to promote literacy, mindfulness, and community wellbeing by blending walking with storytelling.
- The BorrowBox app allows Leeds residents to download up to six eAudiobook titles at a time for free.
- Special curated lists, like ‘Walking Books’, offer titles designed to match the length of a stroll or focus on mindfulness.
- The initiative works to remove barriers to reading, making books accessible to reluctant readers and those with reading difficulties, while encouraging outdoor activity.