Lots of libraries now offer free audio books and eBooks that you can download to your computer or MP3 player. Many of these are compatible with iPods too! Some libraries allow you to download books directly to your MP3 player while in the library. In other cases, you download the audio books or eBooks directly to your computer or MP3 player at home.
The books generally have a checkout period, just like any other book you get from the library. After the checkout period is over, the book is no longer available for download on your computer. (But if you have burned it to a CD or MP3 player, it will still be available on the CD or MP3 player. According to my state library, it is still legal to listen to the books you have downloaded on CD/MP3 after the checkout period ends.)
Unlike the free Talking Books program with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), there are no eligibility requirements to check out the free audio books from your local library, other than the requirement that you must be a library patron.
How do I find out what audio books or eBooks are available in my
local area?
To find out what books are available to download from
libraries in your local area, first ask your local librarian. He or she can
explain what options are available to you. This information is often listed on
your local library’s Website.
Lots of libraries use a company called Overdrive to provide audio book and eBook download services. Overdrive’s Website allows you to quickly search to see if your local or state library offers free Overdrive audio book or eBook downloads. (But remember, this will only show you if your local library uses Overdrive for audio book and eBook downloads. If your local or state library does not appear, they may still offer free downloads, but through another company or resource.)
Finally, another good place to discover what free audio books and eBooks are available locally is to look for this information on your state library’s Website. To find your state library’s Website, go to your favorite search engine, and type “State Library of ______”, putting your state’s name in the blank. Then, once you’ve found the state library Website, search for any links about audio books or eBooks.
What if I need help downloading the books?
Many libraries
also offer free online or telephone technical support if you have any problems
downloading the audio books and eBooks. This is a great way to troubleshoot any
specific difficulties you might have getting the audio books or eBooks to work
with a screen reader, screen magnifier, or other specialized software you may
have on your computer.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get reading!!!
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