Downloadable Audiobooks?

**McD** · 05-22-2010, 10:45 PM

I love my library! Awesome feature number 1--I can do a search request online for my books, add them to my hold list, then get an email notification of when they are available. Makes a quick in and out SO much easier.

Awesome feature number 2--they participate in WILBOR. It's a program that some libraries here in Iowa help fund. They provide FREE AUDIOBOOK DOWNLOADS!!!! Some titles have some restrictions, others have no restrictions and even allow you to burn them to c.d.

WILBOR

I haven't actually used the service yet--downloading the software right now, but I think it's cool.

Does your library participate in anything like WILBOR?

**dcompton** · 05-22-2010, 11:10 PM

Actually when I was dashing through a couple of weeks ago, I think I saw a sign that they did. I haven't followed up on it yet, but it's worth looking into. Thanks for the reminder.

I also love the ability to search online and put things on hold. Also their interlibrary loan. I try to use it moderately, but I requested a book just today. They have it only as a reference book in the main library, and the cheapest Amazon would be a $35 Kindle download. Yikes! No way. So I'll let them hunt this one for me.

**McD** · 05-22-2010, 11:41 PM

I've downloaded two books and am transferring them to my ipod as we speak. There is a huge selection---new books, non-fiction, classics, etc.

I've downloaded a few classics for the 4 hour car trip we have coming up tonight.

**Twinkle** · 05-23-2010, 05:52 AM

I love this feature of our library system too! We can take up to 10 audio books out for a period of three weeks. I bought an I-pod case with a clip so I can clip it to my shorts when working out at the gym - sure beats using the CD player when you have to change the disc mid-work out!

**dcompton** · 05-23-2010, 02:28 PM

I went online last night and explored a bit. They do offer the service and it looked like a good selection. Today my project is to see if any of the formats will play on my Kindle. One of them (for some of the books) may, for the others I'm doubtful. I was thinking it would be worthwhile to buy a cheap MP3 player of some sort for them.

I don't mind buying the classics for the Kindle when I can get them cheaply enough, but would like to use the free non-fiction and some of the fiction, since I would probably never listen to them again. Some way or other, I will make this work.

**beks37** · 05-23-2010, 07:41 PM

We have the same thing except it's for Kansas libraries. Darn the luck that the book I wanted was not available. I put a hold on it, so we'll see how long it takes.

**mauimagic** · 05-24-2010, 01:47 AM

I'm going to check out our libraries - what a great deal!!

**dcompton** · 05-29-2010, 05:41 PM

Good news and bad news. There are a very substantial number of titles in the library's list that I would like to listen to. That's beyond good. The bad news is that Kindle is not a supported device, and though I think some of the formats might technically work, I have to designate the device it will played on, and the Kindle is not in the dropdown lists. Oh well.

I've searched Amazon and found an inexpensive MP3 player that got good reviews, some of them from people who use it primarily for audiobooks, five stars from one who uses it for Overdrive, the system the library uses. I'll order it next week. I'll get one the super-computer-smart student worker to help granny figure it all out when it gets here. He also gave his stamp of approval to the one I singled out - a SanDisk.

So thanks again for the info, MrsMcDowell. This will be a great addition to playtime.