Public library lends out book-filled iPod Shuffles

We know that small-town libraries have shed their image as fusty repositories of moldering encyclopedias and are now high-tech temples of e-learning, but we were still impressed to find out that at least one library has come up with a novel way to get teens into libraries: put audiobooks onto iPod Shuffles. We have it on good word that the South Huntington Public Library in Suffolk County, New York, is doing just that. They apparently have a handful of Shuffles, pre-loaded with books, and are planning to add more. Given the ongoing Shuffle shortage (even Apple's online store has a two-week delay on shipping them), we're surprised that the library has any at all to share; let's hope for their sake that borrowers don't "forget" to return them.

[Via WWWAC]

[staffzor @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

meh this is dumb

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Apple Store sold out of the iPod Shuffle? No matter. How to get it (and for free) in 10 easy steps:
1. Visit public library.
2. Check out iPod.
3. Go home, download audio books to computer. (Filesharing copyrighted works with your friends optional)
4. Load your music.
5. Enjoy life in all its randomness for 2-3 weeks.
6. Go to Apple Store, laugh at poor sods putting name on "waiting list".
7. Erase iPod, reload audiobooks. (Optional)
8. Return iPod to library.
9. Repeat.
10. Thank library for saving you $150.

[Sebhelyesfarku @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Too bad that the iPoo doesn't have even bookmark function.

[pete @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

People, I highly doubt that they let you take them home with you.
Some LIslander prove me wrong?

[Mh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

"People, I highly doubt that they let you take them home with you."

Why not? Half the books they lend you are more expensive than a shuffle.

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Actually, 'iPoo's, as you so eloquently termed them, automagically remember where you got to in an audiobook, and when you return they continue playing from that same spot - even if you listen to something else in between.

[Mr ds hater @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

the ipod shuffle sucks weather it's free or you pay $150 for it.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I live in Huntington, unfortunately I'm not there now, away at school and all. I'll have to talk to someonw back home to see what the deal is.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

What a waste of tax dollars. If kids are not willing to read to gain knowledge, then they are probably to lazy to do anything with the knowledge imparted on them.

[tex210 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

#7 Well I guess that all those blind folk should just be eviscerated then, huh? How about people with really bad eyesight? Should they be forced to squint or just shot? Perhaps you're not so mean, thinking they all should just be turned away from the public library.
Or maybe you don't think about people that aren't like yourself.

[tex210 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I meant #8.

[Don't Be A Prick @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Hey Tex, what's your deal? Chris is 100% right. Did he mention anything about blind people or whatever? That would be a LEGITIMATE reason. Lazy kids who don't really feel like reading a plain old boring book, are the issue. With these "great" books on Shuffles, now they can play video games or do whatever and not actually pay attention to what their listening to.

This is no issue of not thinking about people that aren't like him. Many kids don't like to read anymore. Maybe giving them more gadgets, to make reading as "non-reading" as possible, isn't the best idea.

[JPS @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I am a youth services librarian and I think this is a a great idea! I'm in favor of many measures libraries use to encourage young people to read (whether they're reading or listening to a book). It's not easy for old-fashioned books to compete with all the gadgets out there, so libraries need to adapt to the changing needs of their audiences.

And for those who disparage listening to audiobooks when one is fully capable of reading a "real book," audiobooks add a lot of nuance that you may not get from just reading. Remember that actors usually read the books, and they often bring out facets that you'd miss from reading alone. I love to read books but I also love to listen to audiobooks. I wouldn't say that one is better than the other, and I wouldn't say that a kid gets less from an audiobook than from a "real" book. If it weren't for audiobooks, a lot of kids wouldn't read at all.

[jethro @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Here, hear...Then we agree: audiobooks are good not just for the blind or lazy but for the adolescently impared.


whatever gets people interested in Mellvile, Tolstoy, Steinbeck again...whatever the means

[jethro @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Here, hear...Then we agree: audiobooks are good not just for the blind or lazy but for the adolescently impared.


whatever gets people interested in Mellvile, Tolstoy, Steinbeck again...whatever the means

[Stu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Been there, done that, checked out and returned the iPod. Hey, the place lends out laptops, so why not?
Besides, it's actually cheaper for the library to purchase the download of the book than to purchase it on CD.

[RJFoto @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

My wife has been helping a friend who is blind for the past year or so go to the library and pick out Audio Books. When the Shuffle hit the streets I presented her with this idea. With a little help from some friends I am going to try to get her one of the 4gig iPod Minis since the price jsut came down. Beats carrying around a stack of CD's and a CD player when she is traveling.

[Bryan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

JPS is right on. Our family poo pooed the Harry Potter series, all the hype, etc. until a cousin lent us the first book on tape. It blew us away. The time flew by and nobody wanted to get out of the car. And it was all the "reader". He brought the story alive in ways you wouldn't imagine just reading the book. Personally, I still prefer to read a book (I'm am old guy) and I think it's important for children to read books as well. You need to see the words to really learn the vocabulary and be able to use it later. But bring on the iPods if it exposes more people to books.

[Janet Martin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Kids need help with listening skills, too, and audiobooks can help lengthen attention span. As an elementary school librarian, I found that audiobooks were a great way to help children with reading difficulties manage books at their age and interest levels. Most chose to read along with the narration, and some were able to make significant improvement in reading skills.

The blind can participate in a national program that sends them tapes and a special player free, but mp3 players offer much greater convenience. In the public library setting, elders are the greatest consumers of audiobooks. While many cannot afford new technologies or are slow adopters, those with funds usually jump right in. Nearly all of the audible.com subscribers I personally know are 60+. As for high cost of equipment, some of those unabridged tape and cd sets cost as much as an iPod shuffle.