The Joplin Public Library recently announced that it will begin offering Playaway® – the first self-playing digital audio book – in their library, adding the innovative digital format to their existing audio book collection. Not an MP3 or CD player, and not software, Playaway® is the self-contained audio equivalent of a book. About the size of a credit card, Playaway® is the simplest way to listen to audio books on the go.

“They come with a standard AAA battery, so all you have to do is plug in a set of universal headphones, press the start button, and you’re ready to go,” said Jeana Gockley, Children’s Librarian. “With Playaway®, our patrons can enjoy their favorite books practically anywhere, the gym, the grocery store, or even jogging because they don’t skip.“

“A limited number of the new format has been purchased on a trial basis,” explained Collection Development Librarian Linda Cannon, who is in charge of buying books and other items for the library. You can find out what is in the collection by typing “Playaway” in the keyword or subject box in the library’s computerized catalog at joplinpubliclibrary.org.

Some titles offered in the Playaway® format include:

• Eragon by Christopher Paolini

• Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand

• Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

• 1776 by David McCullough

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

• School’s Out—Forever by James Patterson

For more information the Joplin Public Library visit here.

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