EXHIBITIONS
Amidst the countless libraries worldwide, where the written word has long held sway, a subtle revolution is under way.
The once-hallowed act of reading is finding a companion in the world of audio, where audiobooks, podcasts, and voice notes are becoming more than just a passing trend. It’s a shift from eyes to ears, and perhaps, in how we perceive and understand the world.
Traditionally, reading has been perceived as the higher art, invoking images of cosy bedtime stories and the ancient practice of oral storytelling.
However, as we witness a gradual fading away of the effort involved in decoding written words, a question arises: What exactly would we lose if the tether to physical books were to loosen in the years to come?
Reading is far from dead, especially with the recent surge in reading habits after lockdowns. Nevertheless, the audiobook market has seen consistent double-digit growth, and podcasting is burgeoning faster than any other media.
Millennials, in particular, are embracing this auditory shift. The notion that listening is flighty or unserious, is slowly dissipating. Listening is not cheating; it’s a nuanced, immersive experience that caters to the demands of our multitasking, informationsaturated lives.
Yet, the intimacy of listening brings its challenges, notably the difficulty in sharing the experience. Unlike passing on a cherished book, recommending a podcast lacks the tangible connection that a well-worn paperback provides. There’s a unique joy in stumbling upon someone else’s notes in the margin or a forgotten postcard used as a bookmark.
Despite the rise of listening, the written word is likely to endure, akin to vinyl records and handwritten letters. It holds a timeless charm and offers an unmatched experience that cannot be replicated by the transient nature of audio.
However, as we traverse this evolving literary landscape, let’s not dismiss the art of listening — for sometimes, the spoken word may be the melody that harmonises with the rustle of turning pages.
If you’re a registered member or eMember of Libraries Horowhenua, explore our vast collection of free audiobooks available through our eLibrary platforms: Libby, CloudLibrary, and Hoopla.
Te Takeretanga o Kura-haupō Gallery Presents Artistry in Nature and Quirky Old Buildings by Charles Bagnall — until February 26.
Te Awahou Nuiewe Stroom Gallery: To Catch a Falling Star, Hopukia te whetū rere — March 22.
This brilliant and thought-provoking show by Te Awahou Collective is an interpretation of the work by the late Dr Cliff Whiting, an internationally renowned artist, esteemed teacher and practitioner of Mā ori arts.