Happy Disability Pride Month!
Reading should be accessible to everyone! Libraries provide various ways for patrons to read for free, providing books, ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, and more.
Audiobooks are a great way for kids to read by listening to a story or informational text. Audiobooks provide a wonderful reading experience for readers with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, hearing issues, low vison, mobility issues, and other disabilities.
For kids on the autism spectrum or with sensory needs, audiobooks can help with focus, concentration, and allow for hands-free reading so they can play, fidget, or do other tasks.
For kids with vision, hearing, and locomotor needs, audiobooks can provide a more comfortable and practical way to read.
Audiobooks are also great for when you're busy, or multitasking, or have a long commute. They're a nice way to relax or even mediate. Audiobooks make reading accessible to people of all needs and desires!
Here is a quick introduction to some of the formats available free through Harris County Public Library
Read-Alongs: Wonderbooks & Vox books)
Read-Alongs are hardcover books with a pernmanently attached audioplayer that allows young readers to listen and read-along. Wonderbooks and Vox books read-alongs are also available online and using the Tumblebooks app so that readers can listen and read along on a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.
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More about Wonderbooks and Vox Books
- physical picture book or novel with an MP3 player imbedded in the cover
- can be used in reading mode or learning mode
- on-off button, volume control, fast forward/rewind
- all-in-one unit; no other device or access points required
- can be charged with universal charging cable
- can be used with headphones or earbuds
- increases comprehension and overall reading experience
How to access Wonderbooks and Vox Books
There are several ways to find read-alongs:
- Download the Tumblebooks App, login using your library card number, and read-along online
- Visit the Tumblebooks website. Click the Read-Alongs button at the top of the page and read along online
- Place holds and check out physical copies at your library. Wonderbooks | Vox Books
Digital Video Books: Tumblebooks
More about Tumblebooks
- picture books come alive on the screen through moving illustrations
- ebooks are offered in a kid friendly style
- requires computer access or device to download the app
- includes picture books, graphic novels, ebooks, and Read-Alongs
- library card account required if outside the library or on the app
How to access Tumblebooks
- Download the Tumblebooks App, login using your library card number, and read-along online
- Visit the Tumblebooks website. Click the Story Books button at the top of the page, Enjoy!
Books on CD
HCPL has thousands of Books on CD just for kids.
- book recordings on compact discs
- separate playing device required
Browse Books on CD for Kids
eAudiobooks: Libby & Sora
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- digital audiobooks
- read on computer or the app
- Internet/WIFI access required for initial download
- place holds within the app
- 2 week check out
- library card account required if outside the library or on the app
Get the free Libby App
Playaways: Pre-loaded MP3 players
- all-in-one unit; no other device or access points required
- one book per self-contained device
- on-off button, play/pause, change reading speed, skip to next chapter, fast forward/rewind
- viewing screen shows reading time countdown, battery level, chapter number, play status, reading speed
- requires batteries (provided) and earbuds or headphones (not provided)
Playaways @ HCPL
Audio books can be a great option for any reader, but especially for those who are hard of hearing, blind, dyslexic, or find it difficult to hold a book. Here are some staff picks for kids (4-7) and tweens (8-12). Formats include: e-audio, Read Along, and audiobooks on CD, and Preloaded audiobooks (Playaway).
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