My daily commute to the Library is over an hour each way, and while I can (and do) read print books on the train, I find that I much prefer those of the audio variety. They whisk me away from the mundanity and repetition of this necessary trip. I allow myself to be caught up in another world as the narrator, sometimes even a full cast, transports me through the story.

Audiobooks are also great for long car trips, which often take place during the summer. Every year around this time, we add new titles to our selection in the Children’s Library, and we invite you to come by and see what’s new. Perhaps you are hungering for a new genre or author to test out. Or maybe you just want to ride in the comfort of an old classic that you can now revisit via this unique format.

If you’re already out of town, we also have a downloadable audio collection that can be accessed remotely. They offer many more titles than our physical shelves can hold.

Here’s a short list of some of the Library staff’s personal favorites:

Gannett, Ruth Stiles. Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon, narrated by Robert Sevra

Lewis, C.S. The Chronicles of Narnia, with the individual books in the series narrated by Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Alex Jennings, Jeremy Northam, Lynn Redgrave, Patrick Stewart, and Michael York

Lowry, Lois. Gooney Bird collection, narrated by Lee Adams

McCall Smith, Alexander. The Great Cake Mystery, narrated by Adjoa Andoh

Verne, Jules. Around the World in 80 Days, narrated by Jim Dale

White, E.B. Stuart Little, narrated by Julie Harris

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. Little House on the Prairie, narrated by Cherry Jones

These can get you started on your listening journey, but let us know in the Children’s Library if you discover any other favorites as you take a trip down this alternate path to reading.