Features we love on the new Kobo Libra 2 including access to audiobooks

Post & photos by Sonya Davidson

When we travelled (remember that?) I had always popped in my Kobo eReader into my carry on bag. It began as a way to lighten up my load in my travel bag. Made sense, it was a thin and more efficient way of taking my favourite beach reads without the bulk. It’s amazing how far the eReaders have come. Just when you think you’re good with what you have along comes the most recent version that offers even more flexibility and technology for your reading pleasure. Recently, the Kobo Libra 2 was introduced. What I really got excited about was the ability to also listen to audiobooks from this device!

Browsing the Kobo catalogue is done right on the eReader - purchasing can be done instantly or if you’re not sure, you can add it to your personal Wishlist to return to another time. Kobo Audiobooks can be found in the Kobo Store right on the eReader. To listen, connect via Bluetooth to external speakers, headphones, or car stereo.

Features I love...

Rotating screen! Not only is this 7-inch screen device ergonomically designed to be held comfortably, you also have the option to hold it in portrait or landscape mode. Depending on my mood (no, really) I've held the eReader in either direction. However, it can manually be locked into the preferred positioning. Other settings can also be adjusted to your reading preference. 

ComfortLight PRO: if you’re worried about your exposure to blue light because of consistent screen time, the Kobo Libra 2 automatically adjusts brightness and offers blue light reduction technology. I find this helpful while winding down the day - I love reading just before bedtime so the device adjust so it’s much better for our eyes. With the light adjustments it also means I can continue reading long after my partner has dozed off and he won’t be disturbed by glaring lights. The settings can also be manually changed to your preference as well. 

Audiobooks access: through Kobo Audiobooks catalogue discover many great stories. Many titles offer free extended audio previews as well before you commit. This is where I discovered the Kobo Original The Wake: The Deadly Legacy of a Newfoundland Tsunami by Linden MacIntyre. A good 10 minute preview gave me enough to continue through about this historical time in Canadian history.

Library access: while I may not necessarily want to purchase every book I’m curious about reading, I’ve found I could also borrow titles through Overdrive. Link your active library card (wifi connection required) to explore what’s at your local library - while you may not get access immediately (hey, there are a lot of people borrowing as well), you can place holds with the library and be notified to when your time to borrow comes up. Yes, just like a library!

Access to articles from news outlets and magazines as well. By signing up for a free Pocket account you can save articles to read on the eReader.

eBooks can be continuously enjoyed via Kobo App on other devices as well…just in case you forgot to bring your eReader with you, the app syncs to where you’ve left off regardless of if you use the Libra 2, your phone or laptop.

The home page on the Kobo Libra 2 gives a clean and easy to navigate page to books and audiobooks that you have on the go. Data also includes how much time you have left to go based on your reading speed (speed is adjustable to your preferences). Also on the homepage of what books are coming and recommendations for your next read based on your interests. 

My Books pages like your personal library and offers a summary of what you’ve purchased and your reading status. Great for those who can juggle more than one read at a time (not me lol ). The page also can categorize by authors, series and collections for those who are super organized (also, not me). 

If you inhale books for breakfast, you may want to commit to a Kobo Plus subscription. For only $9.99 per month, it’s a buffet of all-you-can read eBooks. Thousands of popular, Kobo originals and classics available and more titles are added each month. 

Curious about just how and how much reading you devour? The Kobo Libra 2 eReader offers “reading stats” providing insights from how many hours you read to the average pages you read per minute. 

And just for fun, you can earn virtual reading awards based on your reading habits. I use to think these kind of awards were for kids, but that competitive streak in me was activated.

The Kobo Libra 2 is waterproof! So, no worries if you bring it into your bubble bath, poolside, cottage or next beach vacay.

When not in use, it’s good to conserve battery by putting your eReader to ‘sleep’ mode. But after a while, if you forget, it will automatically do this. The battery life on this device is up to two weeks on a full charge. 

The Kobo Libra 2 with touch screen offers 32 GB of storage, that's up to 24,000 eBooks or 150 Audiobooks. 

Available through Rakuten Kobo for $219.99 (msrp). Available in Black or White.