Vince and I watch a good many movies. We had Netflix but have cancelled that because (1) price increases made it no longer worth it to us and (2) Vince has found other places where we can get movies . . I don’t even know where he finds them all. We have Amazon Prime and Hulu and maybe something else. He likes totally different movies from what I like and though he finds movies we both like, I know there are others he likes that he doesn’t watch when I’m around . . which is pretty much always.
I’ve started listening to audio books through the Houston Public Library or our local library. I love being able to download those books, listen to them, return them . . without ever getting out of my chair. I’ve finished four books since the first of the year. I put my noise cancelling headphones on and knit, Vince watches his movie and we’re both happy.
This morning Vince said “Did you know we can get magazines and many newspapers through the Houston Public Library? Nope . . didn’t know that. Briefly I scanned through the magazines and added a few to my reading list.
We also have Kindle Unlimited but with the magazines and audio books, I haven’t been reading much but I am saving a lot by not buying Kindle books.
The Houston Public Library lets you put a hold on 15 audiobooks but since they cover all of Texas, there’s sometimes a long wait for some of the more popular books. The Brownwood Library lets you put a hold on 5 and then you can wish list additional books. From the looks of the wait times, there must be a whole lot of folks listening to audio books these days.
Ila Migut says
Ask if your library has Hoopla. You can download audio books to your Kindle ?
Judy Laquidara says
We can download to our Kindle directly from Overdrive.
The Blonde Lady Harry says
I listen to audio books when I sew & always use the library. When I retired in in 1997 I worked part time in our little satellite library location for 2 1/2 years in rural Nevads. Best job I’ve ever had. My local library here in Texas doesn’t even charge fines anymore.
Linda in NE says
Our local library has Overdrive that covers the entire state except Omaha & Lincoln and the wait times on popular books can be forever. We can have six checked out at one time and three on hold….not always convenient for reading.
Joyce says
I’ve never seen knitting magazines available through our library. I need to go check the list again…
Kim Webb says
I use HOOPLA in addition to Overdrive. Both are through the library but Hoopla has no wait times. It’s instantly downloaded instead of wait lists. There are also movies, tv, and music on Hoopla.
Edi says
I discovered what a gold mine the library was when i quit working over 10 years ago. I could nt be happier.
Amy in PA says
I’m a huge fan of Podcasts, I listen to several every day. I started listening when I was running (-5 here right now so I’m not running outdoors, lol) but I also listen when I’m cleaning house or cooking dinner, whatever, I feel like I know all my favorite hosts! I’m sure there are some keto & knitting people out there if you’re interested.
Judy Laquidara says
Yes, I love podcasts too. I mostly keep those in my ipods and listen to them when I’m cooking or cleaning.
w jordan says
We get movies via You Tube too. Also get DVDs via library and they can get ones from other libraries too. I like BBC stuff myself. Not nearly and vulgar and gross.Look for them
montanaclarks says
I read somewhere that audiobook listening had increased a huge amount in the past couple years. I have listened to audiobooks for years while using the longarm. If I’m taking a long car trip by myself I listen to books. I get the books through our local Montana library and through the Pima County (Tucson) library.
Judy Laquidara says
Vince had called the Houston library with a question and he was asking about a particular book. The library had 8 or 10 hard copies and no digital or audio copies. The guy laughed and said not many years ago, people would request digital copies, or audio copies but now, most of their requests are for hard copies because they get so many more digital and audio than hard copies. How times change.
It’s funny because I cannot listen to audio books while driving. That’s more distracting to me than talking on the phone. I can listen to music all day but audio books or podcasts and I totally forget about my driving.
Kathleen says
I am a huge supporter of libraries. We have a drop off/pick up spot a little over a mile from home. Get on the computer, request a book, walk and get it. Not just regular reading. They have lots of quilting and art books (and tons of other topics). I just got an iPad and am now exploring ebooks. I recently discovered I can send files to be printed – for free. 100 pages a week!
Dar in MO says
I am a big fan and user of audiobooks too. Have been for years. Right now there are 3 apps on my cell phone that keep me supplied with as many books as I want – Overdrive, Hoopla and Recorded Books (RB Digital) which is audio books and magazines only. Missouri has a great statewide system for interlibrary loans, so I don’t find it hard to get the books quickly. Last year I listened to over 100 books while I quilted, knitted, cleaned house or waited in any appointments from doctors, car repairs, etc. Even in the grocery store while shopping. lol