| Perhaps you are one of the many people in the | | | | titles; and if you like the audio in their |
| world who love listening to audio books. They | | | | collection, then feel free to burn them onto |
| can be found just about anywhere-the World | | | | CD for your own personal use (meaning do not |
| Wide Web, book stores, rental services and | | | | get caught selling multiple copies of |
| department stores, among other places; and | | | | Brokeback Mountain from your car's trunk). |
| now nearly any book imaginable is available | | | | Copyright laws don't take kindly to being |
| on both compact disc and audio cassette. | | | | broken; the consequences of doing so can be |
| Perhaps, also, you are flat broke. Maybe the | | | | heinous.Also worthy of mention is Project |
| holiday season has left you banknote | | | | Gutenberg ( ), a website consisting of free |
| impaired-yet you just cannot manage to free | | | | computer generated audio that are available |
| yourself from a desire to finally relax and | | | | for download. Although their selection does |
| enjoy listening to a favorite book. | | | | not include many contemporary reads, it is a |
| Fortunately, that is not an impossible dream, | | | | good source for classic literature if you |
| regardless of the circumstances. And it is a | | | | don't mind listening to a computerized |
| dream that can be realized without spending a | | | | voice.And finally, there's always the |
| single penny!There are many ways to get your | | | | do-it-yourself method: record your own audio |
| hands on free audio books. An obvious example | | | | books! This is especially a great idea for |
| would be your local library. While this bit | | | | parents of young children. With free |
| of advice may not be true of all libraries, | | | | software Microsoft Speech SDK and Text Aloud |
| it can be said that many branches are now | | | | MP3, you have only to decide on a book that |
| catching on to the trend. Of course, there | | | | you believe your child or children will most |
| are always those whose local libraries are a | | | | enjoy. Also, you shouldn't worry if you don't |
| bit too "old-fashioned" but on the other end | | | | have the voice of James Earl Jones-the kids |
| of the spectrum, many libraries are now | | | | don't care. It wouldn't be a bad thing, |
| offering free audio book downloads.If, | | | | though, would it?While these suggestions may |
| however your local library seems to be of the | | | | be considered obvious to some, it is often |
| antique brand, then there are many options | | | | the obvious things that are overlooked. |
| for those with internet access. A Los Angeles | | | | Regardless of your methods, though, it's hard |
| based service, Jiggerbug, offers free trials | | | | to go wrong when you're getting stuff for |
| of their audio book rental service. They | | | | free! |
| provide an extensive catalogue of audio book | | | | |