The Warsaw Community Public Library has a large selection of audio books that might make holiday traveling easier. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Public Library.

By Amy Mann
Children’s Services
Professional Assistant
Warsaw Community Public Library

WARSAW — “Are we there yet?” “How much longer?” “I’m bored.” If these are familiar quotes on family trips (from kiddos or adults), we at Warsaw Community Public Library have solutions.

Have a hard time reading in a vehicle? Will you be traveling at night? Are you the driver? No problem. Do you have a vehicle that has a CD player? Come in and borrow a few audio books, or purchase some at our Friends of the Library book sales. No CD player? We have Playaways, little battery-operated players with a story loaded onto each. All you need is a triple-A battery and headphones or earbuds, and everyone in the car can be listening to a different book. Can you imagine how quiet that would be?

We also offer Wonderbooks for children, which are basically a Playaway attached to a print book. These are great for beginning readers, and those who need to hear and see words at the same time. We have Wonderbooks and Vox books (another brand, but similar) that are picture books and easy readers, as well as some chapter books. We order often, so keep checking for new titles.

Another option we offer is “bagged books,” which are bags with a book and a corresponding CD inside.

For those of you who are trendy enough to have a way to listen to electronic books in your vehicle, try borrowing e-audios from Hoopla or Libby. These make your trip seem so much shorter. You might even find yourself wishing the trip was longer, so you can finish a story. These resources come with your library account, so be sure to sign up for a free card if you’re in the taxing district. Even if you’re out of the area, the cost of a card saves an amazing amount of money if you’re a reader or a listener, or have children who are. Your child may be eligible for a free card; you can ask about that at the circulation desk.

Winter Reading Challenge

It’s almost here. Our annual winter reading challenge for readers of all ages will take place Jan. 3 through Feb. 29. It will be supported by Beanstack once again, so if you’ve already done a reading challenge with us, you’re almost set to go. If you haven’t, ask us how to sign up, starting Jan. 3.