Easy way to read

I never thought I would like audiobooks because I really hate having anything read to me, but after getting a job some 10 years ago that involved an hour's commute I knew I had to at least try one. Well, in a few short months I found myself frequently sitting at my destination getting in a few more pages. Being stuck in traffic was now a welcome occasion rather than a stressful one. I found it hard to actually read a book now that I was used to listening. Even now when my commute is 5 minutes, I listen my way through many a book.

And just like every audiobook fan, I found that I had favorite readers who made even the most mundane book fascinating. I also found readers that I couldn't stand listening to, some being the stars of the audiobook world. Just today I settled in to enjoy the most recent Elizabeth Berg audio and discovered too late that it had those dreaded words: read by the author. There are probably good readers that are authors, but I have yet to find one (feel free to recommend one). In the case of this book, I am going to have to actually pull out the paper version of the book since I could only tolerate about 2 minutes of it in audio.

Why did I title this post Easy Way To Read? I used to work on a bookmobile, and that kind of tight quarters made overhearing people talking unavoidable. On this particular evening, a regular patron came on with his wife. He was a delightful retired school teacher/principal who was losing his vision. She was, well, kind of mean to him. He was looking at the audiobooks, a format I had recommended since he was beginning to find large print tough to see. She stood there fuming, and said the most stunning thing: "Well, if you want to be lazy about it" . . .

Is listening lazy? I don't know. I find it a way to read when otherwise it would be impossible: commuting, while doing the dishes, while exercising, while vacuuming or other chores, while knitting or other crafts. Audio is invaluable for people with low vision, with limited ability to use their hands, for people who are ill or recovering from surgery. It is really a way to extend the reach of a book.

Speaking of extending the reach, being part of the state's downloadable audio program, we now provide access to downloadable e-books for anyone with a PC, a Sony or Barnes and Noble e-reader device. Be sure to check out this new service here.

Let me know who your favorites (or least favorite) audiobook readers are. I have to say the best I have heard was PD James' The Lighthouse read by Charles Keating. Great voices. But then I like John Rubenstein, Joe Mantegna, and Dennis Boutsikaris - I tend to like actors as readers. I even like Scott Brick. I will be interested to hear what you like.

A selection of audio by Dennis Boutsikaris
A selection of audio by Charles Keating
A selection of audio by Scott Brick

New Website

If you are reading this, you have no doubt noticed that we made some changes to our website. We have been working on this new website for quite a while now - sometimes I thought it would never be ready! But I think it is a great site, reserving the best of our old site while creating a clean, easy to use site featuring some new additions.

Everything you were familiar with and relied on is still on the site. It might be arranged a bit differently, but it is there and organized with similar topics. The new website also reflects some of the change in focus at the library. Information and books are still our primary mission, but we are expanding our programming - as you can see right away on the website. We are also recognizing service to adults with the creation of the Adult Department that deals with the specific needs and interests of our adult users.

The website also has many of our policies, forms, and handouts for ready access from anywhere. All part of our aim to make everything we offer easy to access, readily found and available when you want it. Keep an eye on the site and watch for some further developments and features. We are sure you will like it. Let me know what you think.