Kimball Library Debuts Its New
Downloadable Audio-Book Service

Kimball Library has recently added a new service: downloadable audio-books. With a library card and an Internet connection, library patrons can now search for and listen to books at their convenience—and for free.

"I’m tickled beyond belief," enthused patron Kory Hirak. "This is so cool!"

The new service, available at www.listenupvermont.org, currently offers 280 titles. By the end of the year there should be 500 titles, with more added each year.

"The fact that we are one of eighty members of the Green Mountain Library Consortium means that we can offer downloadable audio-books to our community," said library director Amy Grasmick. "Our pooled money makes this expensive service affordable for even small Vermont libraries."

Library patrons simply download free software from the Listen Up! Vermont website, check out a maximum of two titles with their library card, and either listen to the book on their computer, or transfer the book to an MP3 listening device or, in many cases, burn the book to CDs.

Library users who do not have a computer or an Internet connection can come to Kimball Library to access the service.

"We are glad to walk people through the process. It’s really quick and easy – and what a great selection of books!" said Grasmick. The library also lends MP3 players to patrons who want to give the service a try.

For more information, visit www.listenupvermont.org, or contact library staff at 728-5073 or randolph@vals.state.vt.us.

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