Australia Reads – Listening Is Reading Too!
Audiobooks are becoming an increasingly important part of how Australians enjoy books – and young people are leading the way.
New research highlighted by Australia Reads found that 69% of Australians aged 15–24 listen to audiobooks, with one-third listening at least once a week. Fiction is especially popular, including fantasy, mystery, science fiction and adventure.
MWSC students are also embracing this trend. In a recent snapshot of ePlatform loans, approximately 87% of borrowed digital titles were audiobooks and 89% were fiction. Students were listening across a broad range of genres, including fantasy, mystery, contemporary fiction, science fiction, dystopian fiction and adventure. Together, these choices highlight a varied and engaging reading culture among MWSC students.
Supporting literacy and a love of reading
Audiobooks do not replace printed books – they provide another valuable pathway into reading. Audiobooks bring stories to life through expressive voices, engaging storytelling and memorable characterisation, while helping students encounter rich vocabulary and complex ideas.
They can support comprehension, concentration and listening skills. Audiobooks may be particularly helpful for students who find sustained print reading challenging, students learning English and students who respond well to audio. The Australia Reads research also suggests that frequent audiobook listeners often read printed books regularly, showing that listening can complement other forms of reading.
A compelling audiobook can also provide enjoyment, relaxation and a welcome break from everyday pressures. Stories help young people experience different perspectives and explore themes such as friendship, identity, courage, resilience and belonging.
Reading at school, at home and on weekends
Students can log in to MWSC ePlatform using their school credentials to browse and borrow eBooks and audiobooks at school, at home, while travelling or during the holidays.
Families can also explore the Monash Public Library Service eLibrary, which gives library members free access to eBooks and eAudiobooks. This makes it easy for students to continue reading and listening after school, on weekends and during the holidays.
Parents and carers can encourage audiobook reading by asking simple questions such as:
- What are you listening to?
- Which character interests you most?
- What do you think will happen next?
- Would you recommend this book?
Whether a story is read on paper, viewed on a screen or heard through headphones, the important thing is that students continue discovering books and experience reading as something they genuinely enjoy.
Mrs Tanya Alderton
Teacher Librarian, Senior Campus