And don't forget Cracker Barrel! They have a "lending library" of audio books. I don't know the particulars, because I don't use it, but for a small fee, you check out a book from any Cracker Barrel and return it to any other, as I understand it. It's a great idea for travelers, which I'm sure was the idea, but if you have a Cracker Barrel nearby, you could try it out.
Brita

There are eBooks that one loads onto a device and reads rather than listens to. It is called the Sony Reader.

What's an ebook? One you actually read on the screen with your eyes?

Duh!

Well, in today's world with new technology and new words, it doesn't hurt to ask the simplest questions, does it? ha ha

QuilterLynn wrote:
So does mine -- it's called Netlibrary (netlibrary.com). Ask at your library whether they subscribe to this service. If so, request a user ID and password. Netlibrary has ebooks as well as audio books. They don't have every book under the sun, but I've found many by favorite authors.

'thann

My library has books on-line that I can "check-out" and download, put on my MP3 player and listen to while quilting OR at the gym!

They are good for 2 weeks, and then they automatically go back to the library!

Oh, just remembered this as well. My local library has also just started carrying digital audio books - they come preloaded in a special player, which you can borrow just like any book - the players are about the size of a small mp3 player. Not a big selection yet, but it is intriguing to not have to do the download bit.

I also borrow books on CD from our local library, then I use Windows Media Player to "rip" the discs to my hard drive in a format that I can then sync to my mp3 player. This allows me to immediately return the discs, preventing late fees or any unintended damage to the discs (scratches). It is totally free, although I have been told that technically it is illegal. The way I see it though I am just putting it in a format I more readily use than a cd, no different than if I made photocopys of pages for use in a project. Once I am done with a book I delete the whole thing from my hard drive, so I am not keeping a copy perminantly.

I download my books from audible.com. You buy a membership at different levels and get credits to trade in for books. Of course, the higher the level of membership, the cheaper each book averages. Audible also has several sales to get bargains. There's a "paperback" one on now. Unlike some music downloads, the books are YOURS and can be downloaded on different devices. Audible supports many different brands of player.

And libraries do have audio books to lend. Also try used book shops and get some bargains that way too.

another place to look is used book stores. Here in TX we have Half Priced Books, they have a large selection of books on CD or tape.
Frances

It's not even necessary to buy any books on tape. The library has tons of them on CD or cassette tapes. I just listen to them on a regular player while sewing or working at home.

Karen

I love my Ipod. It is so easy to use. And check out audible.com You buy a subscription for about $15 a month and with that you get a free book every month and discounted prices on the rest. They have 50,000 books to choose from. Something for everyone.
Colleen

I've been reading about folks who multi-task by sewing and listening to books on tape. I've been a die-hard visual book reader and have fought listening to books but am finding less time to do all of the wonderful things I enjoy doing. So, now I am reconsidering my stand on audio books.

Now that I'm coming out of the dark ages, I need advice. I've been online searching for audio books and have become totally confused. Can you play all audio books on any device you want or is there one that I should buy over the others to use and why? I'm ready to go buy a player but don't know which one to buy.

Also, where is a good place to buy audio books that don't cost so much. The prices I found this morning was $25 to $30 per book and that's more than I pay for a hardback.

Thanks for any assistance. I want to listen to a book and sew instead of listening to talk radio or the endless chatter of DJs.

P.S. Would appreciate recommended titles for first time too.
JoJo