Have You Tried Podcasts?

The Library is Closed…Have you Considered Podcasts?

 If you haven’t heard of podcasts, or haven’t tried any before, this could be the perfect time. Entertaining and informative, podcasts are a portable and convenient way to learn about virtually any topic. Interested in the Civil War? There are podcasts dedicated to that. Interested in improving your sense of wellbeing? Oodles of podcasts for that. Want to just laugh out loud and have fun? You get the idea.

What is a podcast exactly? Here’s a definition from thepodcasthost.com website:

A podcast is essentially a talk radio series, but on demand. This means that listeners don’t need to turn up and tune in live, but can listen any time (and pretty much anywhere) they like. You can listen to podcasts on any device. Subscribe to podcasts or stream them online using any podcast app. The most popular platforms for listening to podcasts include:

 

Apple Podcasts              https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029

Google Podcasts         https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.podcasts&hl=en_US

Stitcher                           https://www.stitcher.com/             

Spotify                            https://open.spotify.com/

There are masses of podcasts to choose from. To get you started, here are a few story- and book-related podcasts for different age groups –

For little ones:

Peace Out

https://bedtime.fm/peaceout

Calming and relaxing short stories that can be used at bedtime, or anytime kiddos need to practice mindfulness.

 

For bigger kids:

Stories Podcast

http://storiespodcast.com/

Vivid performances of fairy tales, classics, and original stories aimed at children who have moved past the picture-book age.

 

For tweens:

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

http://www.marspatel.com/

The 11-year-old main character of this fun mystery series is searching for his missing friends; middle-schoolers make up the voice cast.

 

For teens:

Welcome to Night Vale

http://www.welcometonightvale.com/

Creepy and atmospheric, this podcast is presented as a community radio show for the fictional desert town of Night Vale.

 

For adults:

Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books

https://zibbyowens.podbean.com/

Hosted by Zibby Owens, author and mother of four. Listen to conversations with writers and get the latest news on upcoming books.

The Librarian is In

https://www.nypl.org/voices/blogs/blog-channels/librarian-is-in

Produced by the New York Public Library, this podcast features books, culture, and what to read next.

Podcasts are portable, usually free, and can be addictive. You become part of a group that enjoys the same listening experience, even if the recordings were done years before. Why not join the fun?