Libraries are beginning to offer downloadable audio books that can be played on PCs, MP3 Players and iPods.


Downloadable audio books are available now for library subscribers. Using valid library cards, subscribers can borrow audio books for specific periods. At the end of a fixed period the book is returned virtually unless it is renewed by the user. The encrypted file automatically expires.

According to Barbara Nichols Randall, Director of the Guilderland Public Library in Albany, libraries are considering the needs of younger readers and those who are too busy to visit the library in offering services like audio books.

Libraries offering audiobook downloads range from large institutions in New York and Los Angeles to smaller ones for Cleveland, Ohio, Maricopa County, Arizona, North Little Rock, Arkansas and Omaha, Nebraska. The Hawaii State Public Library System signed up earlier this month.

OverDrive Inc. and NetLibrary have licensing deals with publishers and provide digital books using Microsoft Windows Media Audio format.

To check out some audio books click here.

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