Audiobooks: Get An Earful On the Go
By: KATHY STUTZMAN
WCPL PR Manager
Too busy or overscheduled to read? Or are you constantly on the road for your job? Audiobooks are perfect for on-the-go people.
Audiobooks, or “talking books,” help drivers to stay alert as well as helping pass the time. I have people tell me that they love to check out audiobooks for trips.One lady shared how she always picks up a bunch of them to listen to when she is driving. She stressed how difficult it was to find the time to read and how the audiobooks kept her company on the roads.
Another person related how convenient they were when flying on an airplane. She could close her eyes and avoid distractions in addition to the time seeming to pass quickly.
For auditory learners, it’s a wonderful way to absorb information. If traveling with children, audiobooks are something you can enjoy with them. When the stories are finished, they are great for starting conversations with the children.
Forget in-seat DVD players on your next road trip and enjoy this as a family together instead. Don’t forget your audio book when you go to the beach. It will make the time go faster and be more enjoyable than just idly laying on a towel.
How do you choose which audiobook to check out? You need to consider the narrator. A good choice is a narrator who reads the book in an engaging manner. A poor narrator with a monotone voice can take an exciting and well-written book and make it boring. Our Overdrive program provides samples of audiobooks to get an idea of the narrator’s skill and style of reading.
Which format should you choose? Many audio book formats are available through the Warsaw Library. You can borrow CD’s and Playaways, download books to your computer, an e-reader, or to an MP3 device. With Playaways, there’s no need for any special equipment or juggling CDs. The entire book is already loaded on the unit that is about the size of a deck of cards. Simply plug in the earphones and enjoy. You can access them through our online catalog. Audiobooks on CDs can be accessed the same way.
Another option is through our website using Overdrive. Simply go to Warsaw Library’s home page and click “Overdrive” which will take you to the Indiana Digital Download site. Go to the menu on the left and scroll down to “view all MP3 audiobooks” or WAV audiobooks.” You can now browse through the audiobooks selection. You will need to sign in to check out any resources.
When you are selecting a title, just think about how you plan to listen, and get that version! Romance? Murder? Travel? Inspirational? Mystery? Adventure? New or Classic? Fiction or Non Fiction? Whatever you like, you will find it. If it’s already checked out, just place a hold on it. We have children’s, young adult, and adult titles.
You can check out audiobooks by popular authors such as Janet Daley, James Patterson, Robin Cook, Janet Evanovich, Norah Roberts, Ted Dekker, Tom Clancy, Debbie Macomber, and more. The youth selection includes the Mandie collection, Magic Treehouse Series, and the Humphrey Series and such classics as The Secret Garden and the Wizard of Oz. These are just a few of what WCPL has to offer through Overdrive.
Rediscover your library! I encourage you to try out one of our audiobooks. The sound effects can be quite awesome!