Audiobooks are a whole new world of reading – and with our Library apps you can download your favourite reads for free.
If you’re completely new to audiobooks, here are our top 7 reasons to give them a go.
Not sure how to access audiobooks with your Library card? Scroll to the end!
1. Make your commute fly by
As anyone who’s ever sat in traffic along the seafront knows only too well, commuting can feel like a waste of time. Listening to an audiobook is a great way to make the most of the journey. Claw back precious time, and arrive at work fizzing with adrenaline, by finishing that psychological thriller you’re enjoying while you travel.
2. Give your eyes a rest
One of the great things about audiobooks is that you can read without actually reading. Someone else does the hard work for you! If you spend a lot of time on digital devices, or you’re just too tired to focus on text, an audiobook gives your eyes a well-deserved break.
3. Read more, faster
If you’re a slow reader, audiobooks can speed things up for you. On most audiobook apps you can control the speed of delivery, which, as well as being hilarious, can be an effective way to absorb nonfiction or texts you’re reading specifically for study. Or if you need to speed read that book for reading group…
On most audiobook apps you can control the speed of delivery, which, as well as being hilarious, can be an effective way to absorb nonfiction or texts you’re reading specifically for study.
4. Get other things done while you read
Doing the washing up, cooking dinner, running on the treadmill, bathing the dog, asking your partner how their day was – there’s no end to the list of things you can do while listening to an audiobook. Audio is the only medium you can consume while doing something else! And if you’ve ever tried reading on the treadmill, you’ll know we’re right about that.
5. Hear the story
Audiobooks are helpful for those who struggle reading text from a page. If someone has eyesight loss, dyslexia, or a low attention span, an audiobook lets them engage with literature in a different way. Listeners can gain insight and information from the narrator’s tone and intonations, while research suggests that complex texts, like Shakespeare plays, are often easier to understand when read aloud.
Research suggests that complex texts, like Shakespeare plays, are often easier to understand when read aloud.
6. Listen for company
Listening to an audiobook can be uplifting – hearing a different voice and immersing yourself in a story is a surefire mood booster. For those who might be spending time alone, audiobooks can also provide welcome company.
7. Carry all your books around at once
Our audiobook apps are super convenient – you can listen anywhere you like. It’s like having a whole library in your pocket: you can save searches, reserve items and even tag favourites for your ‘to read’ list. And of course, it’s all completely free – what’s not to like about that!
How do I access audiobooks with my Library card?
Your Library card gives you 24/7 access to thousands of eBook and audiobook titles through BorrowBox, ULibrary, and Libby.
You can download the apps for free onto your smartphone or tablet, using your Library card number and PIN to log in. Browse and borrow hundreds of audiobooks and eBooks through the apps as well as brand new editions of digital magazines and newspapers.
Find out more and start your audiobook journey here on our website.