June is Audio Book Month

The month of June is nationally recognized as Audio Book Month. Audio books are usually seen as ways for people with a lack of time or a disability to be able to read and enjoy the books they love. In reality they are extremely beneficial and convenient for everyone.

Audio books have been around in some form or another since the late 1800s when they were produced on round cylinders. They were rarely used until around the 1930s when it became possible to record them on records. During this time they were commonly referred to as “talking books”; the term audio book was not used until the rise of cassette tapes in the 1970s. However, it wasn’t until 1994 that the Audio Publishers Association made the term audio book the universal word used for recorded books. Audio book readers set aside their cassette tapes in favor of the CD format in 2002-2003. Now listeners have the option to use the CD format, or digital downloads. Surprisingly, even with the popularity and convenience of the digital download CD’s still account for almost half of all audio books listened to. Plus even smaller authors are able to turn their own books into an audio book thanks to youtube to mp3 converting software, where it is very easy to record their voice reading on Youtube and then moving it across to layer on top of their very own book.

Audio books present many benefits to their listeners, including the ability to multitask so even the busiest reader can keep up with their favorite authors. Listening to a book can also help improve a person’s reading skills, especially if they are following along in a printed version of the book as well. Audio books are also one of the greatest ways to learn a new language because it helps give the listener an accurate pronunciation.

Audio Book Fun Facts:

– Audio books increase reading accuracy by 52%
– They improve reading comprehension by 76%
– Students can listen and comprehend 2 grade levels higher than their reading level
– 85% of what we learn is learned through listening
– Audio books also increase reading speed, vocabulary, and fluency

Whether you prefer CDs or digital download on your phone or tablet, audio books are fun and beneficial for all ages. You can find both formats online, in book stores, or at your local library for free. Audio books are available in fiction genres from all your favorite authors for all ages, as well as non-fiction and biographies. Be sure to grab an audio book if you’re traveling this summer to help keep your drive or flight interesting!

The Pomeroy branch of the Meigs County District Public Library is hosting a class on how to download ebooks, including audio books, on June 30 at 6:00p.m. call 740-992-5813 to register or for more information. You can also visit any of their branches to browse their CD selection of audio books.