Can I Download Audio Books From Public Library To My Phone?

You can download audiobooks from your public library to your phone. I’ve confirmed that the big public library systems are all listed in the apps for ‘Libby’ and ‘OverDrive’. You can download their apps, make an account with your library card, search for audiobooks, and download them for your phone. That audiobook is then yours to listen to on your phone or Tablet, or even on your MP3 player, whenever you like. And the best part is that these apps are free to use, and your library will automatically return the audiobook you’re listening to when the lending period expires for that audiobook, so you never have to worry about late fees.

Keep in mind that availability can vary from library to library. Some books are more popular than others, so they may have a waitlist. However, you can place holds on titles that are checked out and receive an email when the book becomes available. Most apps also have a host of features to customize your listening experience including the ability to change the speed of the narration, to set a sleep timer, and to bookmark a spot in the book where you left off. I suggest you check to see what platforms your library offers and go with your preference for Libby or OverDrive. Some libraries even offer Hoopla, which is great because you can instantly borrow titles with no waiting period. However, the selection is not as large as it is with Libby and OverDrive.

It is worth noting that both Libby and OverDrive have a host of devices that they support, including iPhones and Androids, so patrons can listen wherever they choose. They also allow users to sync up their bibliographic information across all of their devices, so users can start listening on their phone and continue on their tablet. Many libraries even hold classes or workshops to teach patrons how to use these programs, so it is definitely worth asking your local library if they offer any. Audiobooks through public libraries offer just as rich of an experience as physical books and cover a vast range of titles from classic literature to current bestsellers.

Simple technology. Thought: The way that we currently license things (one copy/one user at a time) is rather outdated but that is the way that the publishers have it set up for libraries. The download and the app are modern and work well. Hopefully the way that things are published will change soon to allow for more than one copy to be downloaded at a time but even within the current structure of things the library apps work wonderfully. The ability to download for offline listening is a non-negotiable for me, and they do it well.

My #1 source for audiobooks. Inexpensive. I refer many people to this site. One-click download. Only a tiny amount of extra effort required, for example if you have multiple devices (e.g. phone, tablet), each book needs to be downloaded on each device. However, your progress, etc., will synchronize between devices in apps like Libby if you have signed in to your account. Thus, it’s possible to start listening to a book on your phone on the way to work, and then pick up where you got to on your tablet at home. It’s been well-thought-out.

Our libraries have audiobooks. They are on tape – perhaps you’ve heard of them? In all seriousness, my kids are listening to books on their phones. Maybe I should look into this instead of searching for CD copies of books at our branches.