Greenburgh Public Library Blog

Think You Don't Have Time to Read? Try Audiobooks.

Reading has always been an escape for me, but as I've grown older it serves me in many other ways-- expanding my perspectives on self development, learning how history informs the present, and just feeling more human, to name a few. When I became a librarian reading also became an important professional practice that not only helps keep me current on what kinds of books people want to engage with (so we can make sure we have them on our shelves!). It also keeps me connected to our patrons through an ability to have a dialog about how literature speaks to them and enhances their lives.

As life has progressed I have been left with less and less time to read. In the last decade i've added a full time job, a lengthy commute, lots of new volunteer work, and a beautiful, energetic child to my life. Pair all of those commitments with my inability to stay awake on a comfortable surface past 9:00 pm and as a result it became an Olympic challenge for me to keep up with my reading.....

Until I tried audiobooks.

I had always been skeptical about my ability to be as captivated by an audiobook as I was with a print book, but with the rise of podcasts (and my interest in them) along with my long commute, I gave them a try. Bingo! Audiobooks are now my primary method of engaging with stories. In addition to listening on the road I also tend to listen while doing household tasks like cleaning and folding laundry. I still read a print book during my lunch break and on the evenings that I haven't collapsed on my couch into an exhausted sleep, but I have been truly delighted by what an enhanced experience audiobooks can provide.

I personally gravitate towards memoirs and books of personal essays narrated by the authors themselves-- memorable favorites include Lab Girl by Hope Jahren (lyrical and poetic) and Dear Girls by Ali Wong (hilarious and zany). I also enjoy listening to books on popular science, management, as well as self-help and discovery, recent favorites include Daring Greatly by Brene Brown (learn to lean into discomfort and develop courage) and The Road to Character by David Brooks (inspiring and motivating). 

While my journey into audiobooks initially started off as an almost exclusive way to listen to non-fiction, contemporary fiction now wins out for the most titles on my listening queue. My favorites last year included Ohio by Stephen Markley (real and increasingly sinister), The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal (inviting with spot on Midwestern accents), and Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (dark, wry and enchanting). Talented narrators can make an already engaging story come to life on a new level. In fact, big name performers like Merrill Streep, Claire Danes, and Lin Manuel-Miranda are all diving into this performance medium and delighting audiences along the way. As audiobooks increase in popularity, I only expect the quality of these performances, and subsequently your reading experience to improve. 

Over the last couple of years the audiobook format has made reading much more accessible to me, and has also truly enriched my reading experience. Out of time and ready to give audiobooks a shot? There are several ways that you can get started listening:

Audiobooks on CD (available at your local library!): If you've got an older vehicle you may be lucky enough to still have a CD player in your car. Search the catalog and limit by audiobooks to find what you are looking for. Then just check these items out with your library card the way you would a regular print book, and start listening. If you're like me and the idea of fumbling with audiobooks while you drive scares you, try.....

eAudiobooks (all the rage, available online from your local library!): The library has several different ways for you to listen to digital audiobooks-- no CDs required! First make sure you have an up to date library card and PIN (usually the last four digits of your phone number). Then visit our eLibrary page to check out all of the great apps we have that provide you access to eAudiobooks. Libby, Hoopla Digital, and Cloud Library, are great for getting you started. Download the app, enter your library card information and start downloading to your desired internet connected device. I often just plug my phone right into my car so I can hear it through the speakers, but if both your device and car are Bluetooth enabled then it's even easier (no cords required!). These apps also have great curated collections and reading lists to help you discover new titles.

If you are stumped for a great audiobook to listen to, visit our Adult Information desk on the library's second floor, and a staff member will be happy to help you find something that suits your interests! Having trouble downloading or navigating one of our apps? Try these simple video tutorials available from Niche Academy, or contact the information desk at 914-721-8225 to set up a one-on-one appointment where we can assist you and answer all of your questions. 

Happy listening!