Many public libraries partner with online services and allow their members to rent audiobooks without leaving their homes. Read on to learn more.

Audiobooks from the public library

Public libraries play a vital role in supporting literacy and education. They are places where everyone can enjoy literature and numerous learning resources, and many public libraries actively support the community by organizing different events and clubs. Imagine how useful it would be if you could combine public library catalogs with the convenience of audiobooks. Fortunately, this is possible thanks to numerous specialized services that provide access to public library audiobooks. In this article, we’ll first discuss the benefits of listening to audiobooks and then explain where you can get them with your library card.

Benefits of listening to audiobooks

Listening to audiobooks has numerous benefits.

Portability

While many love holding a book in their hands, hard copy books can be a hassle to carry around. This is especially true if you like to read more than one book at a time. One of the most significant benefits of audiobooks is their portability. People can listen to them anywhere since they don’t take up a lot of space by being stored on an audiobook CD or as digital audiobooks on a device like a phone, tablet, or computer.

Better time management

Many people enjoy reading books but don’t have enough time for it. When reading a paper book, you can’t do chores around your home, go to the gym, or get groceries. Multitasking becomes possible with audiobooks. You can listen to your favorite book while doing something else.

Improved language skills

Another important benefit of listening to audiobooks is the development of language skills. Audiobooks expand our vocabulary and improve our fluency. Moreover, they teach us the proper pronunciation of certain words. They also improve listening skills, increase focus, and help improve reading comprehension. Since audiobooks are available in numerous languages, they can be excellent tools for foreign language learning.

Accessibility

It goes without saying that both reading books and listening to audiobooks expand our knowledge. However, one of the biggest disadvantages of paper books is accessibility. People with learning difficulties or visual impairments can’t read traditional books. Audiobooks ensure reading isn’t an obstacle to acquiring knowledge and that anyone can enjoy literature.

Improved memory

When listening to an audiobook, we have to focus on remembering the characters, conversations, and plots. We also have to think about the previous events and connect them to current events. This helps our brain function and improves our focus and memory.

Where to get audiobooks with your library card

Thanks to numerous online services, there’s no need to go to a public library to get an audiobook. Instead, everything can be done online. Here are a few services that allow you to access your library’s collection from the comfort of your home.

Hoopla

Hoopla is a media streaming platform that offers thousands of downloadable audiobooks, comics, movies, podcasts, and e-books in cooperation with public libraries in the U.S. and Canada. Most available titles can be downloaded to your computer or mobile device. If you don’t have a library card from a participating library, you can browse the network of nearby libraries and get a card from the nearest one.

OverDrive

OverDrive is a digital distributor of videos, e-books, magazines, and audiobooks. With OverDrive, users can access a wide range of digital content and download free e-books and audiobooks. This award-winning platform has a classic interface many users love. Plus, it has automatic returns, so you never have to worry about late fees. OverDrive offers a vast collection of titles, from New York Times bestsellers to lesser-known works.

Kindle

Kindle is Amazon’s e-book and audiobook store and a series of e-readers. If your library is connected to Kindle, you’ll be able to borrow selected titles for free through the OverDrive app and website. Besides having a card from a participating library, you’ll need a PIN code. Also keep in mind that the availability of certain titles depends on your library’s digital collection. Plus, Kindle Books are currently available only for users in the U.S.

Libby

The Libby app is the library reading app by OverDrive. Within the app, users can borrow e-books, audiobooks, and magazines from their local library. All you need for this is a valid library card. When you install the app, search for your library and explore its collection. You can choose to borrow a title or place it on hold. The app’s simple interface and numerous convenient options like offline use and automatic return on due dates make Libby excellent, even for beginners. Libby also sells high-quality, glare-free e-readers.

Speechify—Turn any text into speech

If you love audiobooks, then you’ll love being able to turn any text into speech with Speechify. This text to speech software allows users to choose their preferred language, playback speed, voice, and accent. Its natural-sounding voices sound like professional narrators, as well. Speechify is available on Mac and Windows computers and Android and iOS (iPhone and iPad) devices, and it can also be installed as a web browser extension for Chrome and Safari. iOS users can download the app from the App Store, while Android users can get it from the Play Store. Try Speechify for free to turn any text into speech.

FAQ

Is there a free audiobook library?

Yes, there are numerous free audiobook libraries like OverDrive, Project Gutenberg, Internet Archive, etc.

Do libraries offer audiobooks?

Yes, libraries offer audiobooks.

What is the best place to find free audiobooks?

Answering this question is impossible because every person is different and has their own preferences. Since the market is filled with numerous high-quality audiobook platforms, everyone can find something they like.