While Audible is a convenient app to listen to audiobooks, did you know the library offers multiple FREE apps to stream audiobooks, as well as other free formats like Playaways and Tonies? June is Audiobook Month, and in this post, we’re breaking down all the various audiobook formats offered by the library!
1. Libby
Libby is a free app where you can borrow e-books, digital audiobooks, and magazines from your library. Simply download the app, search for your library, and sign in with your library card! The items on Libby function just like regular library items – hold lists and checkout periods apply. Learn more about Libby here.
2. Hoopla
Hoopla Digital is another free app where you can borrow e-books, audiobooks, movies, music, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! Once you download the Hoopla app, you’ll search for your library, enter your library card number, and then create a Hoopla account with your own email address and password. Hoopla items have specific checkout periods, but there are NO holds, so anything you see on the app is available for immediate checkout! Learn more about Hoopla here.
3. LibriVox
While not a library-sponsored app, LibriVox is an amazing free resource we would be remiss to not include! LibriVox is an app full of free public domain audiobooks read by volunteers from around the world! Since these books are in the public domain, you can also legally download and keep these files! Learn more about LibriVox here.
4. Tonies
A Toniebox is a screen-free audio player for kids. Each story is contained in a figurine, called a Tonie. When a Tonie is placed on the Toniebox, it will play the audio! For example, the Cinderella figure will play a Cinderella story, and a Daniel Tiger figure will play a Daniel Tiger story. This is a wonderful, kid-friendly listening device that is simple to navigate. The library has several Tonie figures available for checkout, as well as a Toniebox!
5. Playaways
Playaways are small (the size of a tic-tac box), self-contained audiobook players. Each Playaway contains one audiobook that you can listen to with a pair of headphones, or by plugging in an aux cable to your car! The navigation buttons on the Playaway allow you to play, pause, adjust the reading speed, fast forward, or rewind. These are a great option for road trips or working out! When searching for a Playaway in the catalog, add “playaway” to the end of your keyword search to pull up all Playaway results.
Looking for help with an audiobook app?
We’re here to help! Join us on Wednesday, June 5, at 2 PM for Curious About Audiobooks, where you’ll learn about the various ways you can listen to audiobooks and how access them for free through the library! There will be plenty of time for Q&A and troubleshooting in this librarian-led program.
Missed the event? You are also welcome to schedule a one-on-one session with one of our librarians. Head to our Book a Librarian page to request an appointment!