Make audiobooks part of your 'reading'

As published in the Red Rock News ​ 

Good day, Red Rock News readers! Despite the price of gas, many of us will no doubt hit the open road this summer. And whether your adventure takes you to another state or just a few towns over to a farmers’ market, why not take a good book along to listen to while you drive? 

​Obviously, I don’t recommend reading in the car if you’re the one driving-- that’s really not safe. But audiobooks are still all the rage. Listen, I’m old school. I spent my twenties on long road trips from New Jersey to North Carolina to see my brother with nothing but Dan Brown’s “The DaVinci Code” to keep me company as I cruised down I-95.  
I had it down to a sweet science: keep my eyes on the road and my left hand at 9 o’clock and my right hand masterfully queueing up the next audiobook CD just as the story was getting good and Brown’s hero of the story, Dr. Robert Langdon, was up to his neck in biblical intrigue. 

I have a rule: an author has three chapters to hook me; a movie has 30 minutes to keep me watching; and a television series has three episodes to keep me wanting to tune in for more. I love audiobooks. A good narrator can help draw in the listener and keep them engaged even when the storyline isn’t quite doing it. That’s right, I’m looking at you, Jimmy Patterson. 

Listening to an audiobook is, for me, my happy time. In a recent column, I made it quite clear that sometimes technology and I don’t see eye to eye. But we all can adapt to technology and the wonders it can show us! 

For those patrons who like to try new technology and love to listen to books, we also have free audio books available with the Libby app. Libby is a free app you can download to your Apple or Android device. But don’t take my word for it. Our reference librarian, Andrea, is a firm supporter and fan of Libby, and she is our resident expert on all things audiobook. 

​“Libby is great for reading free downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines,” she explains. “And with Arizona Digital Book Sharing, I can supplement my local library selection with titles from 10 libraries across Arizona! If the Yavapai Network is short on the book I want, I just hunt it down at libraries in Yuma or Flagstaff.” 
 
She raves about how this was perfect during times in the pandemic when coming into the Library was not always an option for everyone. “Occasionally,” she says, “We end up waiting our turn, but it's a small price to pay for good free stuff.” 
 
Andrea is also the lead behind but another exceptional library book display: “Are We There Yet?” Great summer listens line the shelves in front of our Reference Desk. There you’ll find titles like “Unfinished Business” by J.A. Jance; “The Storied Life of A.J. Filkrey” by Gabrielle Zevin; “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead, and many more! You’re sure to find a favorite or two for listening while you’re on the road.  
 
If you’re on the fence about how, or if, to use the free Libby app, you can always ask Andrea, she’s happy to find time to give you a tour of this wonderful tool. And you’re welcome to set up a tech appointment with Marcy, our Technology Librarian. Or you can attend one of the Library’s Fourth Friday Tech Times that Marcy facilitates. There are plenty of options to help you get to listening while you travel near and far.  
 
So, there you have it! Join the thousands of other patrons, including yours truly, who enjoy the free Libby app! It’s a great way to discover new books and authors, and a great way to save money! Happy listening! 
 
Sedona Public Library, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is able to offer these free tools and resources because of support from people like you! Please consider making a gift. Visit sedonalibrary.org/donate to learn more. Thanks! 
 
Sedona Public Library  
News Column for May 20, 2022  
Written by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Program & Marketing Coordinator