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Digital library resources have provided ‘lifeline’ to Aura library member Gwyneth Goodwin

Aura Libraries would like to share some very special feedback we received from a local Flintshire resident, Gwyneth Goodwin.

 We were so delighted to hear from Gwyneth and hope that her story will inspire others to enjoy the free online library services available to them as an Aura library member. Here is what she had to say:

Dear Aura Team, my name is Gwyneth Goodwin and I am 76 years of age and suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Over the years, I have had periods of time when pain and mobility problems prevented me from getting to the library – usually Buckley or Mold Library. I mentioned to one of the librarians at Buckley branch that health issues were sometimes affecting my ability to physically visit the library, she then offered to help me download the online library service. I have to say that this was one of the best things I have ever done in my life because in an instant I had a whole library in my own home and, in particular, access to hundreds of audio books. I do a lot of craftwork which I sell or donate to charity and therefore always use audiobooks: however clever you are, no-one can knit, crochet or sew and hold a book at the same time!

Whilst I did regularly use the online services, I still enjoyed my visits to Buckley and Mold libraries. Then came COVID-19 and life in lockdown where I spent almost six months in isolation as a ‘shielded’ person. I am widowed and my close family members live many hours away, so I spent much of that time on my own. I love my books – mostly crime/detective/thriller novels – and cannot possibly imagine just how I would have managed to get through the sometimes negative effects of isolation without the totally wonderful library service Aura provides: without any doubt, it has truly become a lifeline.

I have lost count of how many books have been beamed down onto my beloved iPad and I have found added pleasure in discovering many new authors such as: C J Box, R J Ellory, Jorn Lier Horst, Alex Howard and Val McDermid. At the moment I am making my way through the ‘Prey’ series of books by John Sandford with the main character being Lucas Davenport an American police detective.

 Whilst I mainly only use the audio book facility, there are other choices on the system such as e-books, popular magazines and even comics! I would definitely recommend and encourage anyone who has access to the internet to download this marvellous system. It is simplicity itself to use and an absolute must for older people like me who might sometimes find they cannot get out and about, or who may do craftwork, or indeed those who may have eyesight impairment.

Living on my own, I can get through at least five audio books a month: I cannot imagine how I would have managed without the wonderful free access to the Welsh Library Service during this very difficult and scary time. Thank you so much.

The whole Aura team would like to thank Gwyneth for taking the time to send us such lovely feedback. We were touched by her love of reading and hope that many more people can benefit from their local library service.

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