Downloadable Audiobook Information    

What are downloadable audiobooks?

• They are digital versions of audiobooks available through the Internet. The Des Plaines Public Library offers free access to audiobooks from the NetLibrary service to its patrons.

• They can be played on your desktop or portable device supporting Windows Media Player version 9.0 and above.

• They can be transferred to your portable device. Check the list of supported devices. (Currently this service is not compatible with iPods or Macs.)

How does this work?

• Visit the library to sign up for your free NetLibrary account.

  • You must come to the Des Plaines Public Library to create your account. You may set up an account yourself on a public Internet computer or have someone at the Readers' Services Desk (3rd floor) create your account.

  • Access NetLibrary by clicking on the audiobook logo on the Des Plaines Public Library Web site. 

  • Click on "Create a Free Account" in the upper right hand corner.

  • Enter your identifying information (user name, password and email address).

  • Click "Create Account"

• To download an audiobook, access NetLibrary (www.netlibrary.org) from your home computer.

  • NetLibrary audiobooks work on any desktop computer and portable devices that support Windows Media Player, Music Match or Nullsoft Winamp5 software.

  • A high-speed connection is highly recommended.

  • Cookie options must be enabled.

• Search by author, title, subject, or narrator.

• Check out an audiobook.

  • Click "Download this Audiobook".

  • Select a download option.

    • Most portable listening devices require the use of CD Quality downloads.

    • Radio Quality is recommended for users with dial-up connections.

    • Download time with Broadband for a 9-hour book is approximately:

      • 10 minutes for CD quality

      • 4 minutes for Radio quality

    • Download time with dial-up for a 12-hour book is approximately:

      • 490 minutes for CD quality

      • 33 minutes for radio quality

  • Select "Save" and save the file to a directory of your choice on your computer.

  • When the download is complete, open the audiobook directly from the Windows media player menu. You may then listen to the audiobook or transfer it to your listening device.

What else do I need to know?

• Six titles may be downloaded at one time.

• Each title is available for a 3-week period. They may be renewed once.

• Library computers cannot be used to download and transfer audiobooks.

• For more detailed information, visit NetLibrary's Help page.

• To receive help by phone, call NetLibrary at 1-800-848-5800.