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Published on November 07, 2024
Mesa Public Library Announces OverDrive's Phase-Out of MP3 Audiobooks; Encourages Users to Shift to Libby AppSource: Unsplash/Findaway Voices

For audiobook lovers who've been clinging to the past, it's time to update your tech: OverDrive, the digital distributor for libraries, is phasing out the MP3 audiobook format. Starting November 13, users will need to shift to other means provided by OverDrive to enjoy their audiobooks, this transition marks a shift in how digital content is being streamlined for modern consumption.

OverDrive, which ended its desktop app service in February of last year, has been a reliable go-to not just for ebooks but also for downloadable audiobooks, over the years, many patrons have continued to use the OverDrive desktop app on their Windows or Mac computers, even post discontinuation, however, that workaround comes to a halt middle of this month. The Mesa Public Library, from which the initial announcement came, lists the ways in which users can still access audiobooks post-November 13: through the Libby app, by streaming via the OverDrive website, or by using libbyapp.com.

The Libby app is readily available and is compatible with a number of Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices. For those who aren't familiar with the Libby app, it's a user-friendly platform that allows for both streaming and downloading for offline listening. Another alternative includes cloudLibrary, an independent service from the library that offers both ebooks and audiobooks, providing additional options for digital content.

Assistance for library members in need of support with the downloadable products is available through multiple channels, folks can request help by emailing through a provided form, or they can visit The HOTspot at Mesa Public Library for one-on-one assistance, where skilled library staff are ready to guide patrons through the new digital landscape and ensure that access to literature and information remains uninterrupted in this era of constant technological evolution.

For full details and assistance, interested patrons can check out the official announcement on the Mesa Public Library website.