Readers across the district are invited to take part in "Together We Read", Australia's biggest online book club, through their local library this September.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
From September 1-15, public library members across the country will have free access to Chris Hammer's bestselling crime novel Scrublands as an ebook or audiobook.
The Together We Read digital book club is a community program facilitated by public libraries all over Australia, with the intent to support community members through lockdown by providing digital items online.
Bega Valley Shire library services coordinator Megan Jordan-Jones said with people across NSW being in lockdown, taking part in a book club and connecting with others over a book was a great way to connect.
"How great is it that while we're in lockdowns there's a digital version of book clubs, so people who are feeling isolated at home can read the book, go online and discuss it with other people," Ms Jordan-Jones said.
"I generally think book clubs are fantastic because it really is a solitary activity - when you join a book club it becomes a social activity, and you can share your thoughts and your feelings."
Public library members will be able to enjoy Chris Hammer's bestselling crime novel Scrublands as an ebook or audiobook for free between September 1 and 15.
For those in the Bega Valley who aren't public library members already, people can make an account via the Bega Valley Shire's Library page online.
"With COVID, there's a lot of financial pressure for people, so the fact that it's free is very nice," Ms Jordan-Jones said.
Anyone interested is encouraged to take part and download the ebook Scrublands, offered by Overdrive, as ebooks are not usually offered on such a large scale.
Ms Jordan-Jones said the library will usually purchase an ebook that can be downloaded only a limited number of times by members and they can't have multiple downloads of the particular ebook at the same time.
"So yeah, this is unusual that they're making it so free, some publishers will allow simultaneous uses, but very few.
"So this is really quite a unique opportunity."
Amandine Ahrens
I've grown up in the Bega Valley and I'm a regional daily news reporter on the Far South Coast of NSW. Got a story? Get in touch: 0436 426 843 or email amandine.ahrens@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I've grown up in the Bega Valley and I'm a regional daily news reporter on the Far South Coast of NSW. Got a story? Get in touch: 0436 426 843 or email amandine.ahrens@austcommunitymedia.com.au
