When Is National Audiobook Month? Explore facts about the event's origin, what books should be on your list, and why audio is such a powerful form of storytelling.

When is National Audiobook Month?

From the invention of the phonograph by Thomas Edison to cassette tapes and vinyl records over the decades, people have enjoyed listening to recordings of the human voice for entertainment. This has naturally progressed to the popularity of audiobooks today, which have become a favorite among book lovers. This surge in interest is no surprise, considering the convenience and flexibility that comes with listening to, instead of reading, a book.

Whether on a road trip or doing chores at home, you can enjoy a good audiobook from anywhere. It's no surprise, then, that audiobooks now have their own special month of appreciation—National Audiobook Month.

Let’s look at the rich history of National Audiobook Month and what you can do to make the most of it.

Audiobook Appreciation Month—When is it, and what's its history?

Audiobook Appreciation Month is an annual celebration of the audiobook format and takes place during the month of June. It’s a time to recognize the value and potential of audiobooks and podcasts—not only as legitimate forms of reading, but also as accessible and enjoyable formats.

The National Audiobook Appreciation Month was created by the Audio Publishers Association (APA) to increase awareness and engagement with audiobooks. It follows the trend of designating special days to celebrate literary achievements, such as the Audie Award, an annual event that recognizes achievement in audiobooks.

Since the introduction of digital audiobooks, people have become more aware of this form of media that makes it easier for them to enjoy a good book anytime, anywhere. Audiobooks are particularly useful for those with poor vision or auditory learners whose attention span may be limited when reading text.

Of course, an overview of the history of National Audiobook Appreciation Month is not complete without looking at how audiobooks came to be.

It all began with Thomas Edison's phonograph, which created the possibility of providing literary enjoyment to the visually impaired by recording speech. Despite the phonograph's limited capacity, it demonstrated great potential for audio recordings of books and other long works.

As technology advanced, so did the possibilities for audiobooks. In the 1970s, 60-minute cassettes were developed, enabling longer recordings of files in audio format. CDs expanded memory space even further, culminating in the creation of streaming platforms easily accessible to everyone. These include tools like Speechify, Overdrive, Hoopla, Libby, and Amazon Audible.

Today, 40% of all audiobooks are consumed through public libraries, and many more are available online or through retail stores. Library download programs provide a wealth of free digital versions as well, covering everything from fiction to historical works, such as the last book written by Civil Rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The accessibility of this format has been credited with fostering an increase in literacy worldwide. During Audiobook Appreciation Month, we take a moment to celebrate how far audiobooks have come and their impact on our culture.

What to do for National Audiobook Month

Here are a few ideas of how you can celebrate National Audiobook Month:

Organize summer reading sessions

Audiobooks are a great way to keep everyone entertained during summer break. Look for age-appropriate titles that are sure to resonate with readers.

Get your favorite book in audio format

Don't miss out on your favorite summer reads just because you're too busy to sit down and read. Look for the audio version of your top picks and listen on the go.

Start an audio book club

Gather some friends together and start listening to audiobooks as a group. You can discuss what you're reading, share recommendations, and make new friends who love books as much as you do.

Gift an audiobook

Know someone who loves reading but doesn't have much time? Give the gift of audiobooks. They can listen while commuting, working out, or doing chores around the house.

Plan a road trip with family listening

Road trips can be long and tedious, but they don't have to be. Make the most of your time by listening to audiobooks as a family. You can bond over the story, and it'll make the miles fly by.

Audiobooks to listen to in June

Enjoying some good reads in June is one of the best ways to celebrate National Audiobook Appreciation Month. With titles from classic literature, popular fiction, and nonfiction alike, the following reading list will provide page-to-page excitement and transport you to faraway places:

Historical fiction

• Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
• The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Biography

• The Queens of Animation by Nathalia Holt
• The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King
• The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

Memoir

• The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
• Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

• Becoming by Michelle Obama

Fantasy Fiction

• Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
• The Olivia Audio Collection by Ian Falconer

Romance

• The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
• The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Domestic Fiction

• Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
• Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

Thriller Fiction

• Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
• The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Celebrate National Audiobook Month with Speechify

Speechify is the perfect audiobook service for the audiobook month, offering unbeatable offers and an ultimate listening experience.

With Speechify, your first premium audiobook is free, offering a great way to explore a wide selection of classic titles. The service provides many more premium audiobooks at pocket-friendly prices, making Speechify a fantastic alternative to Audible and other audiobook services.

The service also has tools to adjust your reading speed or change the narrator to suit your preferences. You can also use bookmarks to help you remember where you left off.

Unlike other audiobook retailers, Speechify is dedicated to giving authors fairer deals with each purchase. Every purchase comes with an automatic royalty payment that ensures authors get more out of each sale. This means more support for authors and creators on our platform.

In addition, the Speechify app makes listening as easy and enjoyable as possible. The intuitive design allows you to browse the catalog swiftly and find your favorite read. You can also access the app from multiple platforms, including Android and iOS devices.

So why not give it a try? Create an account or download the app for free and explore a vast catalog of amazing titles today.

FAQ

Is the audiobook industry growing?

Audiobook sales have been growing for years and show no sign of slowing down. The audiobook industry is worth more than $2 billion and is expected to hit $35 billion by 2030.

What are the benefits of audiobooks?

Audiobooks can help you multitask, learn a new language, and read faster—among other benefits.

What is the best audiobook app?

Speechify is a favorite among book lovers. It's simple to use and has a great selection of books. Plus, you can listen to books offline, which is quite handy if you're traveling or don't have a data connection.

What does the audiobook industry do for people who are blind?

Thanks to audiobooks, those who are blind can read books faster or learn a new language by allowing them to listen to the content.

How many audiobook apps are there?

There are many audiobook apps, but the most popular ones are Speechify, Audible, Audiobooks, and Kindle.