Books on tape are exactly what they sound like – a reading of a book recorded on tape or CD. Consider them the predecessors of modern-day audiobooks.
If you’re old-school, you can still go the traditional route and get books on tape in the mail or at your local library. However, audiobooks have become the go-to way of consuming recorded books due to the flexibility and convenience of their digital format.
As a result, many websites offer online books on tape or simply audiobooks. Keep reading to find out where to download audiobooks, both free and paid.
The 10 best places to get books on tape online
Given how popular audiobooks have become, the number of online audiobook platforms isn’t surprising. Basically, you can find virtually any desired book on tape online, from gems of classic literature to current bestsellers worldwide.
LibriVox
LibriVox is a vibrant online community where volunteers from around the world record free audiobooks of classic literature, making them accessible to everyone. With over 10,000 books to choose from, including titles like War and Peace, this platform features something for every listener. Of course, since the books are read by volunteers rather than professionals, the audio quality can vary.
Lit2Go
Lit2Go is a valuable audiobook resource geared primarily toward students. It offers a vast collection of classic literature, including beloved titles like Moby Dick, Great Expectations, and Little Women. Some of the titles can be downloaded as PDFs for a fun read-along.
Open Culture
Open Culture functions slightly differently than other audiobook platforms. Namely, it doesn’t offer audiobooks directly. Instead, it compiles lists of all the free audiobooks for download from other sites like iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube. The collection includes non-fiction and fiction books and a plethora of poetry.
OverDrive
OverDrive and its app, Libby, offer a unique path to online books on tape. By partnering with local libraries, OverDrive allows listeners to use their library card to access thousands of online audiobooks, from must-read classics to current releases.
Hoopla Digital
Hoopla Digital offers an extensive collection of audiobooks you can access with your library card. It also features movies, music, TV shows, and free e-books to stream online or download to your Kindle or another preferred device. With many sorting and filtering options, Hoopla Digital is exceptionally user-friendly, allowing you to quickly find a title to your liking.
Storynory
Storynory is an excellent resource for children and families looking for books on tape online. This platform provides a child-friendly format for educational content and entertaining books to make your child fall in love with learning and reading. On Storynory, you’ll find numerous fairy tales, Aesop’s fables, adaptations of classic literature, and even some compelling mythology.
Sync
Sync offers a twist on traditional audiobook platforms. Namely, this is an annual summer reading program for teens that offers access to two audiobooks every week throughout the season. Since Sync is a collaboration between AudioFile Magazine and OverDrive, young book lovers will have access to high-quality books on tape of various genres and themes.
Spotify
You’ve probably used Spotify for listening to music, but did you know that the tech giant also offers audiobooks? On Spotify, you can find a diverse range of professionally-produced audiobooks suitable for everyone’s taste. Best of all, Spotify’s Audiobooks playlist lets you sample the first chapters of all titles before committing to a purchase. In addition, you can find some unique forms of audio content on the platform, such as short-story podcasts.
Audible
Amazon’s Audible is a popular audiobook subscription service that offers one of the largest and most up-to-date collections of professionally narrated audiobooks, including new releases and contemporary picks. The service offers a 30-day trial that comes with a free premium audiobook and access to Audible original stories and fiction podcasts.
Speechify
Speechify is a fantastic audiobook service that boasts an impressive collection of over 50,000 titles, ranging from bestsellers to academic texts. Once you sign up for the service, you’ll receive a complimentary audiobook of your choosing. Thanks to a user-friendly design and numerous sorting options, you’ll have no issues finding your next title, making listening to books on tape a pleasurable experience from beginning to end.
Speechify – Your one-stop shop for books on tape online
Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a science fiction enthusiast, Speechify has got you covered. Besides offering an ever-growing library of compelling titles, Speechify makes it easy to listen to them on the go.
Speechify is available across all major platforms, from iOS and Android apps for mobile devices to browser extensions. With Speechify, you can listen to whatever you want, wherever you want to.
Get started with Speechify today and experience the joys of listening to books on tape online.
FAQ
How do I order books on tape?
You can order books on tape from the manufacturer of the same name via phone or their website. Alternatively, you can order books on tape from one of the major online shopping retailers like eBay and Amazon.
Is there an app for books on tape?
Yes, there are numerous apps for books on tape, including the Libby app, Google Play Books, and Speechify.
Are books on tape still available?
Yes, books on tape are still available. You can order them online from multiple sources, such as Learn Out Loud.
How do seniors get books on tape?
Seniors can get books on tape from their public library. Alternatively, they can download digital books on tape on websites like Scribl and Speechify.
How to get books on tape for free?
Multiple online platforms offer free access to books on tape, including Loyal Books, Internet Archive, and Project Gutenberg. These platforms mostly feature public-domain audiobooks.
Can I get books on tape from the library?
Yes, you can get books on tape from the library. All you need is a physical or a digital library card.
What are some books on tape that are good for children?
Some of the best books on tape for children include Matilda by Roald Dahl, the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, and Coraline by Neil Gaiman.
