Simply Worth Sharing

If you’re anything like me, you love stories — but you don’t always have the time to sit down with a book. That’s where audiobooks come in. I’ve found that whether I’m folding laundry, driving, cooking dinner, or walking the dogs, a great story keeps me engaged and learning. In this post I want to share my two favorite audiobook sources: Spotify Premium and Libby — one paid, one free — and why I think audiobooks are a priceless tool for families of all ages.

Audiobooks are more than convenient. Research shows that listening to well-narrated books helps with comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and engagement — even for kids.

Studies also show that listening to books trains children’s listening skills, builds fluency, and better prepares them for comprehension — even at advanced levels — and may help them with language acquisition and pronunciation.

Spotify Premium: A Hidden Audiobook Gem

While Spotify is best known for music and podcasts, its premium subscription also includes a surprisingly robust audiobook selection.

What I Love About It

• No ads — uninterrupted listening
• Many titles included with your subscription
• Easy, familiar interface

You can find popular novels, classics, and even modern fiction — all within the same platform you already use for music and podcasts.

Best For:

• Everyday listening
• Multi-tasking (laundry, cooking)
• Mixed audio libraries

Spotify can become a one-stop audio destination where music, podcasts, and audiobooks live together neatly.

Libby: The Free Library Audiobook Treasure Chest

If you haven’t discovered Libby, you’re in for a treat. Libby is a free app that connects with your local library card to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free — no subscription required.

Libraries across the U.S. participate, and Libby makes borrowing easy with a clean app and automatic returns.

Here’s why I love it:

• Free audiobooks with your library card
• You can download titles to listen offline
• Works on phones or tablets
• Great for kids and adults alike

While availability depends on your library’s catalog, I’ve found plenty of great titles and always something new to explore.

Audiobooks for Families: The Hidden Benefits

Listening together as a family isn’t just practical — it’s educational.

Supports Language Development

Research shows audiobooks can improve vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills — not just for kids learning to read, but for all learners.

Engages Reluctant Readers

Many children who find reading text challenging or less engaging love audiobooks because they can follow along with expressive narration.

Encourages Shared Experiences

Audiobooks make for great family routines — car rides, bedtime, chores, and lazy afternoons — and spark conversations that deepen understanding and connection.

Spotify vs. Libby: Which Is Right for You?

Feature	Spotify Premium	Libby (Free)
Cost	Paid subscription	Free with library card
Ease of Access	Very easy, all under one app	Simple, but catalog varies by library
Offline Listening	Yes	Yes
Best Use	Everyday listening	Family/listening with kids

Both are worth exploring — and using together can maximize your listening life.

Tips for Using Audiobooks as a Habit Builder

• Curate playlists for road trips
• Listen during chores, errands, or cooking
• Play at bedtime for kids
• Pair audiobooks with physical books (read along together)

Audiobooks have become a reliable companion in my daily life — and a gateway for my family into stories that entertain, educate, and connect us. Whether it’s the ease of Spotify Premium or the free treasures from Libby, there’s no wrong way to build more stories into your days.