Downloadable Audio Books Are Back ~ Just Download And Go!

This holiday season audio book lovers will want to explore the Library’s digital audio books service which allows subscribers to download audio files to their computer from the convenience of their home. Holiday travelers and commuters will appreciate the ability to easily and conveniently transfer the files to their portable MP3 devices and with the proper adapter – available for loan at the library- play them through the car’s FM receiver. Digital audio books can be checked-out for three weeks and automatically expire when the item is due, so there are never any late charges. The collection currently offers access to over 1000 titles, including current, popular fiction and non-fiction, the bible, the Pimsleur foreign language instruction series, as well as over 350 children and young adult titles. All titles are searchable through the Library’s online catalog.

Advances in library technology make it possible to offer services which are instantly available at all times, providing a rich array of content delivered electronically whenever and wherever a user needs it. And digital content offers distinct advantages over traditional CDs and Books-on-tape. For one thing, it’s no longer necessary to fumble with multiple discs or tapes. Now the entire book can be transferred to a device no bigger than a deck of cards. With downloadable audio books every title is always available – no holds or reserves, and you can’t lose or damage a digital file.

To get started using the collection and create an account click here. After you setup your account with Netlibrary you will see the New Canaan Library’s collection. At this point you may begin searching the collection and downloading your audio book titles.

You can checkout up to six titles at a time. The loan period is 21 days after which time the license will expire and the file will become inactive. At this point you can simply drag the file to the recycle bin on your computer to discard. Titles may be renewed once for an additional 21 days. Audio books which are checked out cannot be checked back in.

Once the titles are downloaded, they can then be played on your computer or transferred to a total of two compatible MP3 devices, with the exception of the Apple IPOD which currently is not supported by this service. The Library also loans compatible MP3 devices and wireless adapters for the car.

You can stay abreast of these developments and other trends by subscribing to the library’s e-newsletter – visit http://www.newcanaanlibrary.org/ to subscribe or call the Library at 203-594-5003 for more information.

Playaway Audio Books

Have you tried the newest electronic gadget at the Library? It is an audio book in one little box. You do not have to wrestle with 6 - 24 cassettes, or try to read the numbers on the different discs that come in Books on Tape or Books on CD. You can not misplace a tape or disc. It is all contained in one little box measuring 2" by 3 1/2 ". We have provided lanyards so they can be worn around your neck. Add your headphones (or buy earbuds from us for $1) and off you go on your errands or for a walk or just around the house. We even provide a spare battery. There are classic titles from Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Edgar Allen Poe as well as current best sellers like Marley & Me, Patterson's Beach Road, and Tyler's Digging to America. There are also Playaways to help you learn French, Spanish, German or Italian. Currently there are 56 titles with more arriving each month. These definitely rank high on the "cool" factor scale! Click here for a complete list: Playaway.