Why are audio books so expensive? Blind people are not necessarily rich!?

Question

My mother is blind and the authors she likes are not always the most popular. Getting audio books for her can cost a fortune.

Answer 1

Maybe you could subscribe to an online program. Often they will have MP3 audio books and all you have to do is pay a small fee for joining the site. Also, some libraries have all of their audio books online. Check your local library for information on how to get them! A nice gift idea might be for you and some friends to record the books to audiotape on your own. You could either read the whole thing yourself, or have a different person for each character in the book.

Answer 2

Hello. Both my in-laws went blind and they got taped books for free - there was an enormous range. I work at a care home for people who suffer from Alzheimers, and a couple of them are also blind. They get talking books from the library and also from the website for talking books, and from the RNIB. Sorry I am so useless at supplying phone numbers etc but I will look into it further and get back to you. This is NOT charity but I would be pleased to send your mother an audio book as a present.
Best wishes, Barry.

Answer 3

My first thought was recording for the blind, but it appears they're primary mission is to provide textbooks.

I looked at some other sites because you'd think someone out there would be able to offer services without charging big bucks. The first site was a short article and it connected to the second site, the audio book bible. The last is another organization.

Hope some of this helps.

Answer 4

I agree 100%. My girlfriend is blind and I hate that books cost so much for her to own.

The library idea is a good one, but only if your library's selection is up-to-date. Our local library still has most audiobooks on cassette and films on VHS.

There was once a rental place here that operated along the lines of Blockbuster, where you'd rent audiobooks for so many days like a film. My family used to go there a lot because my dad used to travel for work and would listen to books. The place closed a few years ago. No idea why, though. :(

Answer 5

They are expensive to produce, and the market is limited, therefore a small number of consumers share the entire cost.

I haven't yet seen a public library that didn't have an audiobook/book cd collection. Try yours. When you have heard them all, ask about inter-library loan. They will borrow items from other libraries for you, usually for free.

When you are at the library, ask about books for the blind. Your mother may be able to get her "reading materials" in the mail at no cost.

Answer 6

it's because there isn't enough demand for them and because not only do they need the rights to the book but recording them can take a while and cost a lot. i'm sorry though :( try looking at your library, i often get audio books to listen too from mine.
peace

Answer 7

The RNIB provide a talking book service and most local libraries do not charge registered blind people for borrowing audiobooks, only sighted people.

Answer 8

Anyone can borrow audio books from the library, at very reasonable cost.

Answer 9

http://www.loc.gov/nls/
Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
http://www.loc.gov/nls/find.html
You may call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) and be connected with the library serving your area or use the form below to find a library serving your area.

Answer 10

The people who narrate the books are often famous, and they want to be paid. Also, audio books are a rip off.