Before the rise of audiobooks, people would listen to books on physical tape cassettes or CDs. Books on tape were the precursor to today’s digital audiobooks, e-readers, and podcast platforms. But where can you still rent books on tape today, and what are the alternatives?
This article will explore several options for renting books on tape and how they work.
Places to get books on tape
If you’re looking to get books on tape, you could try your local library, rental services like AudiobookLender and Hoopla, and digital library platforms such as Overdrive Libby, SimplyE, and CloudLibrary.
Let’s check them out.
The local library
If you have a library card, your local library is an excellent place to potentially rent books on tape. Some public libraries still carry physical books on tape that you can discover for free.
Visit your library, browse their collection, and then select the tapes you want to listen to. You may also reserve tapes online and pick them up at the library later.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
If you or someone you know is blind or has another disability, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped offers a free library program that provides books on tape. You can browse their collection online, then order the tapes you want to listen to.
AudiobookLender
AudiobookLender is a rental service offering books on tape as digital audiobooks. They offer unlimited monthly access to their entire catalog with no late fees and a 30-day trial. You can listen to their books on your mobile device or any other player.
Overdrive Libby
The Overdrive Libby app is a free app that connects you to your local library’s digital collection, which includes books on tape. You can borrow tapes for a certain period, usually 14 or 21 days, and listen to them using the app on your mobile device or computer. Download the app, log in with your library card, and browse.
Hoopla
Hoopla is another digital rental service that offers books on tape, eBooks, comics, and movies. They offer free access to their entire catalog with a library card.
You can listen to their books on tape using the Hoopla app on your iOS or Android device or computer. The app synchronizes across all your devices.
SimplyE
SimplyE by the New York Public Library is a free app that connects you to multiple libraries’ digital collections, including books on tape.
You can borrow books for a period and listen to them using the app on your iPhone, Android, or computer. The app is free with your library card.
CloudLibrary
CloudLibrary is a popular digital rental service that offers books on tape, eBooks, and e-audiobooks. This is another open and accessible service. Download the app, log in with your library card, and browse your favorite book genres.
Places to buy books on tape and audiobooks
From bestsellers to cult classics, here are some places where you can buy books on tape and paid or free audiobooks:
- Audible
- Amazon Kindle
- Barnes & Noble
- Audiobooks.com
- Google Play
- Apple Books
- Kobo
- Downpour
- Libro.fm
- Tantor Audio
- LibriVox
- Naxos Audiobooks
- Blackstone Audio
- Penguin Random House Audio
- Simon & Schuster Audio
- Speechify Audiobooks
Find thousands of former books on tape at Speechify Audiobooks
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to get unlimited access to thousands of former books on tape, consider Speechify Audiobooks. This innovative audiobook platform offers a vast library of titles across many genres that you can listen to on your mobile device, iPad, or computer.
With customizable reading speeds and natural voices, Speechify Audiobooks is a great way to maximize reading time. Better still, you can try Speechify Audiobooks for free and get one free book as a welcome gift. Sign up for an account and start listening today.
FAQ
Can you still get books on tape?
Yes, you can still get physical books on tape. However, they’re becoming rarer as more people shift to digital audiobooks.
Is there an app where you can rent audiobooks?
Yes, there are several apps where you can sign up for subscription services and rent audiobooks, including Overdrive Libby, Hoopla, and AudiobookLender.
How do seniors get books on tape?
Seniors can get books on tape from various sources, including their local library, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and online audiobook retailers such as BooksOnTape.com.
What are books on tape called now?
Books on tape are now typically called audiobooks, although some still refer to them as books on tape.
How much is a book on tape?
The price of a book on tape (or an audiobook) can vary widely depending on the retailer, the format, and whether you purchase or rent the title. Some audiobooks are free through public libraries, while others may cost around $50.
Why are audiobooks better than regular books?
Audiobooks offer several advantages over regular books, including the ability to multitask while listening, improved comprehension for some listeners, and the convenience of listening on the go.
What is the difference between a book on tape and an audiobook?
The main difference between a book on tape and an audiobook is the medium used to store the audio. Books on tape were typically stored on physical cassette tapes. In contrast, audiobooks are typically available as digital downloads or streaming files. However, books on tape are also a form of audiobook.
What are the advantages of books on tapes?
Some advantages of books on tape include the ability to listen while doing other activities, the ease of use for people with visual impairments or other disabilities, and the ability to enjoy a story without needing to sit down and read.
What are some popular books on tape?
Some popular books on tape or audiobooks include the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, and The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.
