Instead of Reading, Try Listening

By Thais Rousseau,
Head Librarian at CADL Dansville

 

Everyone knows libraries have lots of great books to read. For more and more people, “reading” actually means “listening.” As part of our collection, Capital Area District Libraries lends audiobooks on CD and downloadable formats for all ages and tastes.

 

I like to listen to books during my commute to work. Others enjoy them while they knit, sew or do housework. My children often listen to a book (as long as it isn’t too exciting!) while going to sleep.

 

Audiobooks are also great for reluctant readers. Listening helps them enjoy stories and gets them interested in books. Struggling readers can improve their skills by listening to an audiobook and following the print version at the same time.

 

Plus, a great narrator can bring a whole new level to a great story. Many people know Jim Dale as a fabulous narrator of the Harry Potter books, but I love his narration of the “Peter and the Starcatchers” books by Dave Barry. I also love Nathaniel Parker’s narration of “Artemis Fowl”. Kate Rudd’s narration of  John Green’s “A Fault in Our Stars” is fantastic.

 

Books told in the first person often work well as audiobooks because it is easy to believe the character is actually telling you the story. Peter Altschuler’s droll narration of Major Pettigrew’s “Last Stand” is an example. He strikes the perfect balance of very traditional yet heartwarmingly humble that makes this book even more enjoyable in the audio version.

 

Some audiobooks even have a number of narrators to represent a whole cast of characters, evoking the days of radio drama. So next time you are in the library, or are browsing the catalog at cadl.org, check out an audiobook. You’ll discover a new way to enjoy stories.

 

Capital Area District Libraries’ Dansville branch is located at 1379 E. Mason Street in Dansville. For information about our hours, services or events, call 517-628-3743 or visit cadl.org for one of our other branches.

 

This was printed in the December 2, 2012 – December 15, 2012 Edition