Wanting to listen to audiobooks but can’t justify the cost? This is where the library apps come in. These are fabulous and free.
My husband stumbled across them one day. He was trying to find a savvy way of listening to audiobooks. He didn’t need to buy them, simply wanted to borrow.
He discovered two apps that he could download for free, to listen to audiobooks for free. It wasn’t just audiobooks. He could borrow eBooks and magazines too.
Why Audiobooks?
Although I love reading a paperback, I don’t do it as much as I used to. It felt impossible with young children. I felt frustrated that I could never seem to finish them. I have books on my bedside table and do try to read them but recognise that there will be more time to read in a different season. I do miss it and know that I’ll be able to read more again one day.
For some people, they are too busy to pick up a book. They might travel often and find it difficult to carry physical books. For others, they might have struggles with eyesight or health. Some people have long commutes. They can make the most of this time by listening to an audiobook.
Here are 4 reasons that I love audiobooks:
1. They are portable. I love that I can listen to books at anywhere, anytime. I enjoy listening to books in the shower, whilst getting ready and driving. I listen to books whilst doing the washing, cooking and dishes. I listen to books while gardening. I used to listen to them whilst hiking and running but am trying to be more careful lately. Leaving the headphones out helps me concentrate on my surroundings and be vigilant for potential dangers.
2. They are brilliant for children. Audiobooks are handy to listen to in the car, whilst playing outside or while relaxing. My boys listen while they are drawing at the table or playing with their toys. They especially enjoy listening to stories by Andy Griffiths, Paul Jennings, Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl at the moment. It’s a great alternative to screen time.
3. You can listen to them again and again. You can try before you buy. I have listened to ‘How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen‘ and ‘Mindful Money’ four times. I ended up buying a copy as I felt bad for the authors and wanted to show my support in a small way.
What are the Drawbacks of Library Audiobooks?
When accessing these library apps, it makes audiobooks free. It does come with a few minor drawbacks.
1. You don’t have access to every title. If you subscribe to sites like Audible, you can buy virtually any audiobook you want. When you use the library apps, the range is limited.
2. You don’t own the book. When you subscribe to a paid platform, you generally own the a copy of the books you download. You can listen to them again.
3. You often have to wait for the title that you want. This is especially true for popular titles or new releases. Sometimes there is a 6 month wait. This isn’t always practical, especially if you need to listen to it for work, study or bookclub.
You can download Libby and BorrowBox on your phone, iPad, tablet or Kindle.
What do you need?
Firstly, you need to make sure that you have a library card. You will need this upon signing up. If you don’t have a library card, find your nearest library and sign up for a membership.
You then need to search for your local library and select this. You can search for titles but can only place a reserve or borrow if you have a current library card.
Which apps should I download?
1. Libby
Libby by Overdrive is fantastic for audiobooks. You can download it from the App Store (#3 Books, 4.7 stars and 98.7K ratings) or Google Play (4.7 stars, 357K reviews and 10 million downloads). You can find out more about the Libby app here.
2. BorrowBox
BorrowBox by Bolinda Digital is the second library app that I would recommend. You can download it from the App Store (#5 Books, 4.7 stars and 82.9K ratings) or Google Play (4.7 stars, 22.9K reviews and 1 million downloads. You can find more about the BorrowBox app here.
How does it work?
You can borrow any titles that your local library has access to. This means that some items that you can borrow will not be available to your friends and family, and vice versa.
There is a huge range of audiobooks, eBooks and magazines to choose from. There are always new titles and new releases, so it pays to check in regularly.
You can search by:
- Subject (romance, mystery, fantasy, historical fiction etc)
- Format (books, audiobooks, magazines, read-alongs)
- Availability (now, place a hold)
- Sort by (popularity, release date, date added etc)
- Audience
- Language
I have a number of titles on hold at any one time. When they become available, you can borrow them straight away or suspend the hold until you have more time.
You can normally renew the loan for an extra few weeks, depending on how popular it is.
You can look back at your Reading Lists and see what you have read. It’s a handy record for both keeping track of your reading and searching for titles that you have read before. As a teacher, it is a useful way to log professional reading.
It’s easy to share the link of a title you’re enjoying with friends, family or social media. This helps to spread the word about Libby and BorrowBox and helps the author too.
Can’t find the title you want? You can often request it from your local library.
Is it worth signing up to Audible too?
It depends. I like to support authors when I can. Some titles are not available on Libby and BorrowBox.
Audible often have sign up offers. It might be worth looking into the free trial if there is a particular title you want to listen to or an author you want to support. You can sign up for a free 30 day trial here.
I’d recommend putting a reminder in your phone to unsubscribe a few days before the payment is due. It’s an awful feeling getting charged for a subscription that you didn’t want to continue.
Spread the word!
If you are already a user of Libby or BorrowBox or decide to download them now, tell a friend! It might be a handy way for them to listen to audiobooks too.
I’m so grateful that my husband discovered them and told me about them. It’s been a wonderful way to listen to books despite a busy season. It helps me feel connected with the world and my brain to stay active.
These library apps enable people to access audiobooks, eBooks and magazines even if they can’t physically come into the library. It creates accessibility to information and entertainment regardless of transport, location and finances. With the rising cost of living, this is one way to save money.
Perhaps there is an older person in your life who would benefit from listening to audiobooks. Why not show them how it works, answer questions that they might have and offer to download it on their device for them? If they don’t have a device that is compatible, this could be an idea for a present (if they are open to it). Technology can be new and scary but it can also enhance our lives.
Many libraries now offer free sessions to older people to help them with questions about technology. These come in the form of one-on-one, small group and tutorial sessions. It’s worth looking to see what your local library has available.
You can search for libraries in Australia here. You can find information on the National and State libraries here. If you have children or grandchildren, toy libraries are a wonderful resource too.
Are you a fan of audiobooks? Have you tried Libby or BorrowBox?
I’d love to hear more below or over on Instagram or Facebook.
Melanie Wegener
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