Downloadable Audiobooks
Monroe Library cardholders can now download audiobooks to their computers and transfer them to portable devices at any time of the day, from the comfort of their own homes! Note: Recorded Books/NetLibrary ListenNJ |
Listen NJ Overdrive
Please select "Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium" as your library.
Top of Page About ListenNJ
Access couldn’t be easier! Use your personal computer and library card to check-out and download:
- popular fiction,
- biography,
- business and career,
- children’s literature and learning aids,
- current events and history,
- mystery,
- suspense and thrillers,
- religion and spirituality,
- romance, and
- self improvement
You may download to your personal computer and transfer the data to a windows based MP3 player. (Sorry this does not work with IPODs! - Check here for a list of compatible devices.)
Digital audio books can also be burned to a CD-ROM disc to be
played on a CD/MP3 player.
Check Out Details for your Audio Book:
- You do not need to come to The Library to either select or return a digital audio book. Everything is done from a remote computer.
- The loan period is 2 weeks. When the loan period is over the file expires and the material is automatically checked back in.
- You may put Items on reserve. When the requested title is available you will be sent an e-mail . You will have three days to download your reserved audio book, otherwise it will go to the next customer waiting for it.
- You can check-out up to three digital audio books at one time.
Getting Started
To access digital books at ListenNJ you will need:
- A valid Monroe Township library card.
- Access to the Internet.
- Free software for the device or computer on which you wish to use the materials you download from ListenNJ.
Please note that you can download and enjoy digital books at home, at work, or when you travel, but you cannot download them to The Library's public computers.
Go to : ListenNJ
For an overview of the process click on New to Digital Books? Click Here!
- Click on the OverDrive Audio Book link under Software Downloads.
- Make sure that your computer or device meets the system requirements for the OverDrive Media Console.
- Download the OverDrive Media Console (instructions for downloading).
Make sure that your computer has Windows Media Player 9 or newer (download).
Note* - The first time the Windows Media Player attempts to play a copyrighted file, it will alert you that Security Upgrade (instructions) must be performed. This is a one time process that identifies the copy of Windows Media Player with the computer on which the Player is being used.
Search for a Good Book
Go back to the Listen NJ homepage:
Search for a book under the Digital Book Search column:
- By author, title, or all.
- Browse the collection by availability in Always Available, Recently Added, Try These, and Classics.
- Browse the collection by genre in Fiction: All Fictions, Mystery and Thrillers, Romance, Science Fiction and Fantasy, and Children's Fiction.
- Browse the Non-Fiction collection by subject: All Nonfiction, Biography and Autobiography, Business, Self-Help, Learn a Language.
If you decide to Browse a category, you may sort all of the results by clicking on title, author, published date, most popular, or date added to the site at the top of the column as shown below:
- Select your book by clicking on the 'add to cart' link for the title you want on the right side of the screen.
Your cart will then be displayed. - To select another book click on 'Continue Browsing', or
If you are finished, click on 'Proceed to Checkout'.
- Click 'OK' on the Security Alert dialog box.
- Select 'Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium' in the first drop down box.
Type in your complete library card number beginning with 29370.. - Enter your PIN # -this will be CHANGEME (in ALLCAPS) unless you have
changed your PIN #.
- Hit <Enter> or click on 'Login'.
- The check Out screen asks you to Confirm Checkout and tells you how many other books you currently have checked out.
The book is now checked out to you and you may now download your selection.
How to Download a Book
- Click on the 'Download' link for your audio book after checking the title out.
- The OverDrive Media Console will open and prompt you for a download location for your audio files. Click ‘OK’ to save the files to the default location.
Security Upgrade- First Time Users
The Windows Media Player Security Upgrade
- First time OverDrive users will then by prompted for the security upgrade mentioned in the Note in Getting Started above. Click 'OK'.
- Cancel the download.
- Click on 'Tools' on the titlebar of the OverDrive Media Console.
- Click 'OK'.
- Answer Yes to Allow Windows Media Player to download the security upgrade.
- Then click Play to learn whether the download was successful.
- Once you have backed up your license you are ready to download your audio book.
Go back to the ListenNJ screen with your selected title(s) and click on the 'Download' button again. - Select the parts you want to download and click ‘OK’. Depending on the file size and the number of parts to be downloaded, you may have to wait several minutes.
How to Play and Navigate a Book
- Highlight the title you’d like to hear in the OverDrive Media Console and click the ‘Play’ button.
- OverDrive Media Explorer opens and begins playing the book.
- Use the On-Screen Navigation of the Media Explorer to jump to specific sections. (Click on the part of the book you would like to hear under Parts.)
How to Burn a Book to a CD
- In OverDrive Media Console, highlight a book and click the ‘Transfer/burn’ button.
- Windows Media Player opens. Click the ‘Copy to CD or Device’ button.
- Select the track(s) to be burned to CD by checking the box next to the track name.
- Place a blank CDR in your CD-ROM drive and ensure that your CD drive is selected in the right hand pane of Windows Media Player.
- Click the ‘Copy’ button in the upper right hand corner of Windows Media Player to add the track(s) to the list of files to be burned to disc. Windows Media Player will inspect, convert, and temporarily copy the file in preparation for burning. This process may take a few minutes. You may track the Player’s progress by monitoring the ‘Status’ field in Windows Media Player.
- When the disc is complete, Windows Media Player will eject the disc and the status field will indicate ‘Complete’.
Copyright Restrictions
Some titles cannot be burned to a CD because of copyright restrictions. To learn whether a particular CD can be burned or not:
- Click on the image of the book in your results list (do not click on add to cart)
- Scroll down to the bottom of the book description to Digital Rights Information
- Restrictions on the use of this title will be displayed.
How to Transfer a Book to a Portable Device
Check here to locate compatible devices.
- In OverDrive Media Console, highlight a book and click the ‘Transfer/burn’ button.
- Windows Media Player opens. Click the ‘Copy to CD or Device’ button.
- Select the track(s) to be burned to CD by checking the box next to the track name.
- Connect your portable media device and ensure that it is selected in the right hand pane of Windows Media Player.
- Click the ‘Copy' button in the upper right hand corner of Windows Media Player to copy the track(s) to the portable device. Windows Media Player will inspect and copy the file(s) to the device. This process should take less than a minute, depending on how many files you transfer. You may track the Player’s progress by monitoring the ‘Status’ field in Windows Media Player.
- When the transfer is complete, the status field in Windows Media Player will indicate ‘Complete’.
Troubleshooting
Need Help? Here are some troubleshooting tips from ListenNJ.
Additional error messages when downloading:
The most common problem when attempting to download a book is your computer's firewall, if you have one.
If you are running Norton Internet Security you will need to set up a rule to allow it to accept downloads from OverDrive.
Check your Windows XP firewall.
"When I tried to download the digital audio book the error message said I needed an Internet connection."
Your firewall may be blocking the download. You must configure your firewall to permit the OverDrive Media Console to access the Internet. If you have Norton Internet Security or Norton Personal Firewall, you can use these directions to configure it to permit the OverDrive Media Console to access the Internet.
Check Windows Media Player's connection. To do so, open the Windows Media Player, go to Tools, Options. Under Player Settings select the option that says Connect to the Internet.
Questions? Please contact Heather Ford at
(732) 521-5000 or hford@monroetwplibrary.org
Recorded Books from NetLibrary
What are NetLibrary Audiobooks?
NetLibrary's Audiobooks are digital versions of audiobooks that are available through the Internet.
System Requirements
Audiobooks can be played on any desktop or portable device supporting Windows Media player, Music Match (v8.2+), or Nullsoft Winamp 5. Supported portable devices include: Creative NOMAD series, Rio, iRiver Flash Players, Dell Digital Jukebox, and many more.
Creating an Account
You can search and browse for audiobooks and listen to previews in your library. However, to download and listen to audiobooks, you must first create a free NetLibrary account.
Go to www.netlibrary.com and use the 'Create a Free Account' link on the top right part of the page.
Enter your identifying information (user name, password, email address).
Select the 'Submit' button.
Logging in
Once you have created an account, you can login to your library's collection from any computer with Internet access.
Go to www.netlibrary.com and enter your user name and password in the login box.
Click the red 'log in' button.
You now have access to all audiobooks available in your library or organization's collection.
Searching for an Audiobook
Browse and Search for Titles
You can start your search for an audiobook in one of three places:
Basic Search lets you quickly perform a search by entering terms and selecting a single search field. You may choose to search for your terms in the Keyword, Title, or Author fields. Basic search is prominently featured on the home page and is also available on the right side of every page with the exception of the advanced search page.
Enter search term in the Basic Search field.
Select keyword, title, or author.
Click 'Search'.
Advanced Search lets you construct more complicated searches using multiple fields and boolean operators.
- Click on the 'Advanced Search' tab located in the top navigation.
- Use to the drop down menu to select search parameter (Title, Author, Subject, ISBN).
- Enter search term or multiple search terms using Boolean operators.
- Click search.
Tip: you can refine search results by using the optional audiobooks limiter.
The eBook Center, available by clicking on the eBook Center link on your NetLibrary home page, allows you to limit searches to audiobook content and browse featured titles.
Checking out an Audiobook
The default checkout period for a NetLibrary Audiobook is three weeks. You may check out a maximum of six audiobook titles at one time. Please do not download audiobooks to public computers in your library.
From search results, click on the 'Download this Audiobook' link to Open or Save the audiobook file.
Select a download option: CD quality, or radio quality. Radio quality provides faster download speed and is ideal for users with dial-up connections; CD quality offers high-fidelity playback for patrons with high-speed Internet access.
If you select 'Open', NetLibrary will launch your media player and begin streaming the audio as the file is downloaded. Once the download is complete, the file will be saved to your media player's download directory. If you choose the 'Save' option, you can download the file to a directory of your choosing. Once the download is complete, you can open the audiobook directly from your media player, or by using Windows Explorer.
Renewing an Audiobook
Once an audiobook has been downloaded, it can be renewed at any time.
Go to www.netlibrary.com and enter your user name and password in the login box.
Click on the 'My Checked out Items' link.
Click on 'Renew this Audiobook'
If you are attempting to access an audiobook with an expired license from your media player, NetLibrary will launch a pop-up browser that will prompt you to login to renew your checkout.
1. Enter your user name and password.
2. Click the 'login' button.
3. Your license will automatically be renewed.
4. Click 'play' to listen to the audiobook.
Transferring an Audiobook to a Portable Device
In most cases, you can use your media player to transfer a downloaded audiobook to portable devices supporting secure WMA format. NetLibrary automatically transfers a license to your portable device that will allow you to access the audiobook for up to three weeks from the date of original checkout. Please refer to your media player's help section for additional information.
FAQs
The following are just some of the FAQs found on the NetLibrary website.
Q:
Do I need any software on my computer to listen to audiobooks?
A:
Audiobooks can be downloaded or played on any personal computer or portable listening device that supports Microsoft Windows Media Player v9 and above, Musicmatch Jukebox v8.2 and above, or Nullsoft Winamp v5 and above.
Q:
Why doesn't the audiobook download, even though I get an acquiring license message?
A:
If you have an older Windows Media Player version the download appears to be working. Windows Media Player shows "acquiring license," but eventually you get a message that you don't have a license to play the audiobook. You need to download a newer version of Windows Media Player
Q:
Do I need to check on anything else on my computer?
A:
Yes, it is very important that the computer's internal clock be set to the correct time. You will not be able to download any books if there is not a match between NetLibrary's clock and your computer's clock.
Q:
Can I play audiobooks on portable listening devices?
A:
Yes. Audiobooks are compatible with a wide range of portable listening devices that support secure WMA format.
Q:
How do I transfer an audiobook to my portable device using Windows Media Player version 9?
A:
Find your CD Quality downloaded audiobook file and double click it to open it with Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens and will obtain the license from NetLibrary to allow the audiobook file to play.
Select Copy to CD or Device from the media player's menu options. A list of available titles will be displayed in the Items to Copy frame.
Select the title you wish to download by clicking on the check box.
Select a target device from the Items on Device drop-down menu. Click on the copy button to transfer the title.
Windows Media Player will transfer the file to your portable device. When the transfer is complete, disconnect your portable device and enjoy your NetLibrary Audiobook.
(Some MP3 players will need to use the Safely Remove Hardware icon (on the taskbar) before removing the USB cable or an error will occur.)
Q:
How do I transfer an audiobook to my portable device using Windows Media Player version 10?
A:
Find your CD Quality downloaded audiobook file and double click it to open it with Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens and will obtain the license from NetLibrary to allow the audiobook file to play.
You may stop playback at this point if you choose. Click the 'Library' tab. The media Library will be displayed.
Find your audiobook in the Library Playlist pane, or sort your list by selecting the 'Now Playing' selection.
Drag the audiobook title from the Contents or Details panes in your library to the List pane to add it to the list of items to be synchronized, ensure that your portable device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button in the List pane. Windows Media Player will transfer the file to your portable device.
When the transfer is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'. You many now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your NetLibrary Audiobook.
(Some MP3 players will need to use the Safely Remove Hardware icon (on the taskbar) before removing the USB cable or an error will occur.)
Q:
How many audiobooks can I check out simultaneously?
A:
You can checkout a maximum of ten (10) audiobooks at any given time. You will not be able to check out additional titles until the license for a currently downloaded Audiobook expires.
Q:
What is the checkout period for audiobooks?
A:
NetLibrary automatically downloads a license, with each download, which lets you access the audiobook for 21 days. The license lets you copy the Audiobook to two additional portable listening devices.
Q:
Can I renew audiobooks without downloading the file a second time?
A:
Yes. Audiobooks can be renewed at any point by logging into your account. A renewal provides you with an additional 21 days of access from the date of renewal.
Q:
What does "You need a license" mean?
A:
You may have downloaded a new version of Windows Media Player and need to resynch with the portable listening devices. Contact your computer or portable listening device manufacturer for specific information.
Q:
Why won't the audiobook play on my portable listening device? It played just fine yesterday.
A:
The checkout period for the audiobook may have expired. Login to the NetLibrary web site, and click on the My Checked Out items link in the upper right-hand navigation, to see if the Audiobook checkout period has expired.
Q:
Do I need to return audiobooks when the checkout period expires?
A:
No. The license for downloaded audiobooks automatically expires after 21 days. You will not be able to play the Audiobook, even though the file remains on your personal computer and portable listening device. You need to manually delete the file from your personal computer and portable listening device.
Q:
Can I burn an audiobook to a CD?
A:
Yes and no. NetLibrary cannot stop you from burning the audiobook file to a CD, but encryptions on the Audiobook file will make it unusable.
Q:
Do I have to wait for the file to download before I can listen to an audiobook?
A:
No. You don't have to wait for the file to download before you can listen to the audiobook. Once you select a download option, you are prompted to Open or Save the Audiobook file.
If you select the Save option, you can specify where the file is placed on your personal computer. This option takes less time to download the file, since it is only downloading the file. Note: NetLibrary highly recommends this option.
If you select the Open option, NetLibrary launches Windows Media Player and begins streaming the audio as the file downloads. Once the download is completed, the file is saved to your media player's download directory. This option downloads the file slower than the Save option, since it is playing at the same time it is downloading the file. You can stop the download at any time, change the download preferences, and restart the download.
Q:
What level of audio quality can I expect from an audiobook?
A:
NetLibrary offers two audio qualities: CD quality and radio quality. CD quality offers high-fidelity playback for patrons with high-speed Internet access. Most portable listening devices do not support the playback of files lower than 32 kbps, so you must download the CD quality file if you are going to transfer and listen to the audiobook on a portable listening device. Radio quality provides faster download speed and is ideal for patrons with dial-up connections.
Q:
Are audiobook files automatically removed from my computer when the checkout period expires?
A:
No. You need to manually delete the audiobook file from your personal computer and portable listening device. However, if you want to renew the Audiobook, click on the file to automatically open the NetLibrary web site (if your computer is online). You can login to your account and renew the checkout.
Q:
How long does it take to download a NetLibrary audiobook?
A:
Download time depends on the size of the audio file and the speed of your Internet connection.
Q:
How do I listen to an audiobook in the car?
A:
You will need a radio transmitter or other device adapter that works with your portable listening device and car stereo. Contact your device manufacturer for specific requirements.
Q:
How do I delete an audiobook from my personal computer or portable listening device?
A:
You can delete an audiobook file from your personal computer or portable listening device in the same manner as you delete other files. Contact your personal computer or portable listening device manufacturer for specific information.
Q:
How do I know which version of Windows Media Player I have installed?
A:
There are two ways you can determine which version of Windows Media Player you have installed: Press the F1 key anywhere on the Windows Media Player window. The version displays. Press the Alt key anywhere on the Windows Media Player window. The standard menu bar displays. Then click on Help and About Windows Media Player.
Q:
Is there a safe way to remove the connection from my portable listening device connected to my computer?
A:
Yes. NetLibrary recommends that you use the Remove Hardware option (generally found on your Control Panel) to remove the connection from your portable listening device.
Q:
Can I download and play an audiobook on a Mac?
A:
NetLibrary audiobooks cannot be played on Macs because the latest version of Windows Media Player available for Macs (version 9) is based on Windows Media Rights Manager version 1.3. NetLibrary uses version 2.x licenses for eAudiobooks in order to maintain a high level of security. Because the latest version of Windows Media Player for Macs does not support 2.x licenses, NetLibrary audiobooks cannot be played on Macs at this point in time.
Q:
Can I download and play an audiobook on an iPod?
A:
No, NetLibrary audiobooks cannot be played on iPods. iPods use the .aac file format and the .aac file format does not support the Digital Rights Management protection required by NetLibrary audiobooks at this time. Digital Rights Management protection helps ensure that the content of our publishing partners is secure, especially when items are checked out from the library's collection and borrowed by a user rather than purchased. This Digital Rights Management technology allows checked out items to expire on the due date.
Q:
I can't find "Author" or "Book Title" mentioned in my Media Player? How do I find, play, and transfer my audiobook file?
A:
Media players and portable listening devices may be music oriented, so you need to be creative when trying to find your audiobook file. Try looking under Album title for your Audiobook title or under Artist when looking for the Author.
Finding help
Detailed information on using NetLibrary is available by clicking on the Help tab in the top navigation bar. Context-sensitive help is also available by clicking on the tips links located on NetLibrary search, details and download pages.
Questions? Please contact Heather Ford at
(732) 521-5000 or hford@monroetwplibrary.org
Compatible Devices
Recorded Books/NetLibrary ListenNJ
Audiobooks cannot be downloaded to IPODs. Dial-up connections may be too slow for downloading audiobooks.
What players should I consider?
Downloadable audiobooks are in the WMA format (Windows Media Audio), and therefore cannot be played on Apple brand portable MP3 players (iPods). Unfortunately, not all remaining MP3 players work properly with these files due to the DRM (Digital Rights Management) protecting these files.
When considering MP3 players, be sure to utilize Microsoft's "playsforsure" classification system. We have tested several MP3 players and have compiled a list of suggested players that we have had success in using with downloadable audiobooks. Please consult the table below for those players.
 |
When shopping for an MP3 player, check for the "playsforsure" icon shown to the left. This image guarantees that the player supports the playback of WMA files; but not necessarily DRM protected WMA files (filetype of the audiobooks). |
The images shown on the right should be displayed on the packaging of any MP3 player you are considering. These tell you information about the capibilities of the player. If the image has "Download" checked, it will allow you to play WMA files, but not necessarily DRM protected files. To play these DRM protected WMA files, make sure there is a check next to both "Download" and "Subscription" in this playsforsure image. |
 |
As an added note, we strongly suggest you look closely at the system requirements on the packaging of each portable MP3 player, as some may only support Windows XP. Ensure your system has enough memory (RAM) and other specifications to meet the requirements.
Recommended players:
| Portable Player |
DRM WMA Files |
Bookmarking | Working Timer |
Pause /Resume Function |
Color Display |
Batteries vs. Rechargable | Price Range | Supported Operating Systems |
| Samsung YP-T7J | x | x | x | x | rechargable | $129.99 | Win XP | |
| Creative Zen Micro |
x | x | up to 3 hrs | x | rechargable | $199.99 | Win 2k, XP |
Players that did not work or had problems in testing:
Rio Eigen 1.5GB Digital Audio Player - Software would not transfer DRM protected WMA files.
Dell DJ Ditty 512 MB Player - Played downloadable audiobooks with no method of monitoring time (timer remained at 0:00 throughout the book).
Sandisk Sansa M230/240/250 Player - Could not handle large audiobook files, does not keep track of correct location when pausing/resuming, and has no method of fast forward or rewind.
IRiver IFP-895T Player - Did not support playback of DRM protected WMA files.
Creative Zen Nano - Played audiobooks but timer stayed at 0 seconds throughout entire book. Fast forward and rewind function properly but without a timer and bookmarking these functions are difficult to use.
Accessories:
Most MP3 players come with headphones for listening on-the-go. If you would like to enjoy your audiobooks in the car, you will need either a wired cassette adapter (available at RadioShack) or an FM transmitter. An FM transmitter broadcasts the sound from your MP3 player to your car stereo through an FM station. We tested the following two FM transmitters; neither were perfect, but both performed well.
Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter - Pros: This transmitter is simple to setup and use, has the option of broadcasting on 88.1-88.7 FM, and uses batteries (less wires). Cons: There was some faint static depending on the placement of the device in the car, and battery life is a concern.
Newer Technology FM Transmitter with mini-jack - Pros: This transmitter needs no setup, is permanently set to broadcast on 107.7 FM (a channel which is not used), has very commendable sound quality, and needs no batteries (it draws its power from the cigarette lighter/port in the car). Cons: Mini-jack connector required some turning once inserted into the headphone jack to find a "sweet spot" for listening.