And why I’m switching from my phone to a dedicated eReader
I just discovered the wonderful world of eReaders (Kindle, Kobo, etc.) and Singapore’s AMAZING National Library Board (NLB).
I was never interested in Kindle or eReaders. I spend enough hours on my phone and desktop—the last thing I need is another device, plus I don’t want more blue light shining in my eyes. What I just learned is that models like the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Libra Colour use front-lit E-ink displays, which project light from the bezel across the screen rather than directly into the reader’s eyes, resulting in minimal blue light exposure.
Okay, that’s just the technology bit.
For Singaporeans and PRs, the real deal here are the over 900,000 eBooks, eMagazines, eNewspapers, and audiobooks available on loan completely for free.
- You browse the digital library on the NLB Mobile app.
- You use the dedicated Libby app to read or listen to the books.
- Your Singpass ID (Singapore Personal Access) is the key that unlocks these treasures.
Why this sudden interest in eReaders
I have to admit I lost my ability to sustain focus when I read a book ever since I began playing around with media some 30 years ago.
Studies show that regular reading and high lifelong mental activity can lower the risk of developing dementia by nearly 40% and delay the onset of symptoms by up to 6 to 7 years. People who cannot read or write face up to three times the risk of dementia compared to those who are literate. – The Guardian
Reading has been something I’ve wanted to revive for a long time. I found out that when you read, your mind performs an amazing complex teamwork:
- Your eyes recognises shapes of letters and numbers, your brain decodes them and translates them into meaning.
- The left brain and the right brain work together. It trains deep concentration and counters the short attention spans caused by fast-paced digital media.
- Reading simulates reality. It activates sensory and motor areas as if you are physically experiencing what you read.
- It protects mental health, lowers heart rate, reduces muscle tension and builds cognitive reserve to help prevent memory decline as you age.
Yesterday, I borrowed my first eBook and audiobook
An eBook to read and an audiobook to listen to.
Singaporeans can borrow up to 16 physical books and 16 digital books for 21 days. PAssion card holders can borrow 24 physical books + 16 digital books making it 40 in total! Don’t worry—digital books are automatically removed from your device when your loan period expires. For those with limited phone storage, you can choose to remove the download and read or listen online instead.
Borrowing is free for Singaporeans. Permanent Residents and those with work passes can enjoy membership privileges by paying a one-time registration fee (no yearly renewals). 😮
Last night, I turned off my Wi-Fi and listened to my audiobook offline. I put my phone on airplane ✈ mode and enabled sleep mode. The screen went dark, but the audio kept playing.
You can enjoy all these on your phone.
Why I want to switch to a dedicated eReader
However, I have decided to buy a dedicated eReader: one device, one function. There are simply too many apps and distractions on my phone—messages, calls, YouTube, and social media. I haven’t settled on which one to get yet. I am still comparing features, listening to reviews, and, of course, considering my budget.
For now, I am most likely leaning toward the Kobo Libra Colour.
Credit: Thank you Len Carigma for reviving reading in me and introducing me to the world of eReaders and audiobooks. You inspire me!