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    FREE Audiobooks

    Stop paying $15/mo Audible.

    Library apps (FREE)

    • Libby — see /tools/libby-app-for-seniors.
    • Hoopla — different selection, instant.
    • OverDrive — older version (use Libby instead).
    • Both = library card required (FREE).
    • Listen on phone, tablet, computer.
    • Auto-returns. No late fees.

    NLS (free for vision/print disability)

    • National Library Service for the Blind — Library of Congress.
    • Free audiobooks + Braille.
    • Eligible: blind, low vision, reading disability, physical inability to hold book.
    • Doctor signs application form.
    • Mailed CD player + cartridges. OR app for smartphones.
    • HUGE selection — 100K+ titles.
    • Apply at loc.gov/nls.

    Librivox (public domain free)

    • Librivox.org — volunteer-narrated classics.
    • Public domain — Mark Twain, Dickens, Shakespeare, all free.
    • Quality varies — some narrators excellent.
    • No app needed — download MP3s.
    • 50,000+ free audiobooks.
    • Donation suggested but not required.

    Audiobook samplers

    • Audible free trial — 30 days + 1 free audiobook.
    • Spotify Premium — now includes 15 hrs/mo audiobook listening (with subscription).
    • YouTube — many full audiobooks (legality varies).
    • Project Gutenberg — free ebooks (text-to-speech).
    • Loyal Books — public domain audiobooks.

    Senior-friendly listening

    • Bluetooth speaker for hands-free listening.
    • Sleep timer — won't miss progress if dozing.
    • Slow playback (0.75x) for complex books.
    • Speed up (1.25x) for simple genre fiction.
    • Bookmark favorite passages.
    • Hearing aids with Bluetooth = direct streaming.

    If you DO pay for Audible

    Get $7.95/mo Audible Plus Catalog (cheaper plan, smaller selection but unlimited). Or Audible Premium $14.95/mo with 1 credit + Plus catalog. Cancel anytime — they'll often offer 50% off to retain. Many seniors don't need it once they discover free library options.