Library
Playaway is the simplest way to listen to audiobooks on the go. Each of our Playaways comes with the digital content already pre-loaded on it. Simply add batteries, plug in your earphones and enjoy.
Playaway FAQs
How do I know which titles you have?
We have hundreds of titles for adults and teens listed in the library catalog. Just search for the keyword playaway. Use the Classic Catalog and limit the keyword search to only titles not checked out, by clicking "Branch Limiting Options" and checking boxes for your most convenient branches, plus "Limit only to items that are available on the shelf." Most playaway catalog entries also provide a brief summary of the book.
How can I borrow a Playaway?
Playaways checkout for 3 weeks and are renewable twice. Overdue fines are $.30/day. Playaways may be placed on hold for pickup at any library location.
How do I use a Playaway?
When you borrow a Playaway from the library you'll need to provide your own ear phones and AAA battery. Otherwise, it's just plug and play. Printable How to Play Guide (PDF)
How big is a Playaway and how much content can it hold?
Playaway is about half the size of a deck of cards and holds content up to 80 hours of play time.
How does Playaway compare to other types of audiobooks, like CDs, MP3s, and cassettes?
Playaway is the only format of audiobook that does not require a separate player, so it comes ready-to-listen, without the need for a certain type of player or advanced technical know-how. Playaway allows the listener to control the speed of the narrator's voice and automatically remembers where you left off when you power down.
What does the audio sound like on a Playaway?
Playaway audio is of equal or greater quality to digital downloads available today, due to proprietary audio processing, production and leading edge codecs.
Why can't I add, delete or transfer content on or from a Playaway?
In order to protect the copyrighted works of authors and publishers as traditional books do, you are unable to make copies of Playaway.
Curious? Examine a Playaway up close. What do you think? Let us know
- Library Catalog Transition Faq
What is a modern library catalog anyway? It?s an integrated library system linking together the catalog search, patron records and accounts, behind-the-scenes operations including everything from purchasing to holds, and, in Arlington, eight physical...
- Discovery In The Stacks - Audiobooks
This week Discoveries In The Stacks highlights audiobooks, and in particular the narrartors / readers of audiobooks. Perhaps you really enjoyed the last book you heard on CD, or playaway, because you really enjoyed the reader's voice. Did you know...
- Did You Know That You Can Listento Playaways In Your Car?
We now carry FM Transmitters at the Plaza Branch Library & Arlington Shop, which let you listen to playaways in your car. The FM Transmitter plugs it into the headphone jack on the playaway. Then you pick a frequency on the transmitter and tune your...
- * New * Playaways At The Library!
Do you enjoy listening to books? Well then you will be happy to know that the Madison Public Library now has more Playaway audiobooks for your listening pleasure! Come one. Come all and check them out!Have questions about our audio services? ...
- Incredible Loot
The richest person in the world - in fact all the riches in the world - couldn't provide you with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at your local library. ~Malcolm Forbes Incredible loot?I like that description of the library....
Library
What is a Playaway?
Playaway is the simplest way to listen to audiobooks on the go. Each of our Playaways comes with the digital content already pre-loaded on it. Simply add batteries, plug in your earphones and enjoy.
Playaway FAQs
How do I know which titles you have?
We have hundreds of titles for adults and teens listed in the library catalog. Just search for the keyword playaway. Use the Classic Catalog and limit the keyword search to only titles not checked out, by clicking "Branch Limiting Options" and checking boxes for your most convenient branches, plus "Limit only to items that are available on the shelf." Most playaway catalog entries also provide a brief summary of the book.
How can I borrow a Playaway?
Playaways checkout for 3 weeks and are renewable twice. Overdue fines are $.30/day. Playaways may be placed on hold for pickup at any library location.
How do I use a Playaway?
When you borrow a Playaway from the library you'll need to provide your own ear phones and AAA battery. Otherwise, it's just plug and play. Printable How to Play Guide (PDF)
How big is a Playaway and how much content can it hold?
Playaway is about half the size of a deck of cards and holds content up to 80 hours of play time.
How does Playaway compare to other types of audiobooks, like CDs, MP3s, and cassettes?
Playaway is the only format of audiobook that does not require a separate player, so it comes ready-to-listen, without the need for a certain type of player or advanced technical know-how. Playaway allows the listener to control the speed of the narrator's voice and automatically remembers where you left off when you power down.
What does the audio sound like on a Playaway?
Playaway audio is of equal or greater quality to digital downloads available today, due to proprietary audio processing, production and leading edge codecs.
Why can't I add, delete or transfer content on or from a Playaway?
In order to protect the copyrighted works of authors and publishers as traditional books do, you are unable to make copies of Playaway.
Curious? Examine a Playaway up close. What do you think? Let us know
- Library Catalog Transition Faq
What is a modern library catalog anyway? It?s an integrated library system linking together the catalog search, patron records and accounts, behind-the-scenes operations including everything from purchasing to holds, and, in Arlington, eight physical...
- Discovery In The Stacks - Audiobooks
This week Discoveries In The Stacks highlights audiobooks, and in particular the narrartors / readers of audiobooks. Perhaps you really enjoyed the last book you heard on CD, or playaway, because you really enjoyed the reader's voice. Did you know...
- Did You Know That You Can Listento Playaways In Your Car?
We now carry FM Transmitters at the Plaza Branch Library & Arlington Shop, which let you listen to playaways in your car. The FM Transmitter plugs it into the headphone jack on the playaway. Then you pick a frequency on the transmitter and tune your...
- * New * Playaways At The Library!
Do you enjoy listening to books? Well then you will be happy to know that the Madison Public Library now has more Playaway audiobooks for your listening pleasure! Come one. Come all and check them out!Have questions about our audio services? ...
- Incredible Loot
The richest person in the world - in fact all the riches in the world - couldn't provide you with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at your local library. ~Malcolm Forbes Incredible loot?I like that description of the library....