Library Hours
Monday: 9:00 - 5:00
Tuesday: 9:00 - 8:30
Wednesday: 9:00 - 5:00
Thursday: 9:00 - 8:30
Friday: 9:00 - 5:00
Saturday: 9:00 - 5:00
(Saturday in summer:
9:00 - 1:00)
Playaway
The library is circulating a new collection of Playaways--pre-loaded MP-3 players, designed to carry just one complete book in a portable, small, high-tech package. Playaway is the newest format of audio, combining a wide variety of content with an easy-to-use player all in one small unit. When you borrow a Playaway, all you have to do is press play to start listening immediately – there are no CDs or cassettes, and there is no need for a separate player. Just attach ear buds or headphones, put the Playaway in your pocket or a cell-phone holster, and go!
- What makes Playaway unique?
- How do they work?
- What titles are available?
- How do I search for Playaways?
What makes Playaway unique?
- • Playaway is the easiest way to listen to a book – the only thing you need to do is press play!
• Each Playaway contains an entire book or music compilation, regardless of length (up to 80 hours!)
• A Playaway weighs only 2 ounces and can easily fit in a pocket for ultimate portability and multitasking.
• Playaways come with an automatic bookmark function that remembers where you left off.
- • Playaways have a universal headphone jack that can be used with a number of mobility accessories including portable speakers, FM transmitters, and audio cables to listen in virtually any environment.
These little audiobook players are ideal for taking to exercise classes, walking, working in the yard, or in your truck or tractor, when it is hard to listen to other kinds of stereo systems.
How do they work?
Playaways have a simple set of controls that are easy to use. Click here for a diagram and complete instructions.
What titles are available?
For our initial collection, the library staff decided to purchase titles that would appeal to a broad range of audiences. Classic children's titles, and those with some appeal for teens and adults, were selected, as were Young Adult titles with adult appeal. Titles for adults were selected to appeal to high school students as well as adults.
- Playaways at the Thomas Memorial Library: Browse the Playaways in our collection only.
Playaways in the Minerva consortium: Browse the Playaways at all the the libraries in the system. Playaways may be requested just like any other item.
Children's Playaways: Browse only Playaways for children in the entire Minerva system.
The library will circulate the Playaways with batteries, and users can either supply their own earbuds or headphones, or purchase a pair at cost from the library. Because Playaways will work with any device designed to be used with a headphone jack, they may be used with portable speakers, cassette adapters or FM transmitters for car use. The library has purchased sets of these devices which users may borrow.
How do I search for Playaways?
After you search for a specific title, subject, or author in the catalog:
- Click on the Limit/Sort Search button at the top of screen
- Drop down the menu next to Material Type
- Choose PLAYAWAY
- Click on Submit
Your search results will now be limited to titles available on Playaway!
Let Us Know!
If you like the new Playaway audio books, be sure to tell a librarian! Playaways are a surprisingly affordable and durable way to listen to a book--comparable to the price of a book on CD--and they cannot be scratched!
The library's initial Playaway collection is made possible through the Barbara & Marion Chase Funds with additional support from the Friends of the Thomas Memorial Library.