Libraries turn over a new leaf as audiobooks made available free to all

Councillor Janet Emsley (left), cabinet member for libraries, with council library staff

Local library customers now have free access to an extensive range of bestselling audiobook titles from crime to romance and thrillers to non-fiction.

The largest selection is at Rochdale Central Library but any title can be reserved online or in person, for collection at any of the borough’s 17 libraries.

Previously the audiobook collection, to which new titles are added every month, had only been available for free loan to people who are blind or partially sighted.

Councillor Janet Emsley, council cabinet member for libraries, said: “Audiobooks are a brilliant way of accessing works by well-loved writers and brand-new authors alike. Many audiobooks are narrated by famous actors, or sometimes by the authors themselves, and listening to an engrossing story is a great way to relax, or while away a long car journey.”

Membership of Rochdale Borough libraries is required. It’s free to join, in person at any library, or online.