June is Audiobook Appreciation Month, an industry-wide celebration for increasing awareness about this growing, and more accessible reading format.
Early this month, I’ve shared the 6 reasons why you need to be using audiobooks, and if you have tried audiobooks and they haven’t worked for you, I’ve also written about the 3 reasons why many fail with audiobooks.
Like eBooks, audiobooks are portable entertainment, yet come with many benefits, even for adults. For many, it is an option for those with poor vision, or attention span issues. According to a study by Western Downs Libraries, some of the literacy benefits include:
- Improving reading accuracy by 52%
- Increasing reading speed, expanding vocabulary, and improving fluency
- Teaching pronunciation
- Boosting comprehension by 76%
- Increasing test scores by 21%
How to get started with free audiobooks
To start with audiobooks, the best place is OverDrive, an online public library with thousands of books accessible with your local library card. The Libby app from Overdrive allows you to read on your portable devices. You can find thousands of audiobooks in all genres, with more being added all the time. If you see an audiobook that is checked out, waiting lists are available just like the brick-and-mortar library. Reserve a title, and when available, you will be notified. This service is free, simple to use, easy to browse, and provides an introductory tour. For more information, or if you need a library card, contact your local public library.
Another place to look for free audiobooks is Open Culture. They not only have free eBooks, but also 1,000 free audiobooks. You’ll find great works of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Some authors include Twain, Tolstoy, Hemingway, Austin, HG Wells and more.
Ways to build audiobook library
Many people know about Audible, which offers two plans for audiobooks and a free 30-day trial. With the Audible Plus membership, you can listen to a selection of included originals, audiobooks, sleep tracks, meditation programs, and podcasts. With Audible Premium Plus, you enjoy everything in the Audible Plus package, in addition to one title per month from an extended selection of best sellers and new releases that you can keep forever.
If you like the memberships, another option is Scribd. Scribd gives you access to not just audiobooks, but millions of eBooks, magazines, podcasts and more – all in one place for one price.
Around since 2012, Audiobooks.com offers over 375,000 premium audiobooks. Start with a free trial and get 3 audiobooks free, plus 30 days of access to member-exclusive perks and deals. You can purchase titles without a subscription, and they offer monthly discounts on select titles and seasonal sales. What is great about Audiobooks.com is they offer a family plan, allowing you to add two family members to your account.
Chirp Books has impressive deals on audiobooks if you don’t want to deal with memberships. You purchase what you want when you want – no subscription fees! Just create an account, purchase your books from their huge library (including New York Times bestsellers), then stream or download using their free app. I have purchased several from my favorite authors. Be sure to sign up for their email list to be notified of limited-time deals.
How to save more on audiobooks
Don’t forget to check your browser shopping extensions such as Honey, Ibotta or in Microsoft Edge (look for the “tag” icon in the search bar) for offers or rebates.
Disclosure: For the readers’ benefit, this post has affiliate links. If you use a provided discount code, I receive compensation for providing that code. For any product links where you make a purchase, I also get a commission for that service. You are not obligated to use these links, but it does help support this blog. Thank you!
Photo courtesy of rupixen.com via unsplash.com
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