Something new arrived on the shelves of the Queen Anne’s County Library this month, giving children new options for listening to stories.

VOX Books are hardcover picture books that provide full professional audio narration using a unique audio reader attached to the book. The permanently attached 5mm device reads aloud at every flip of a page. Children simply push a button to listen while they read. The devices include a built-in speaker for family or classroom use, while a headphone jack allows for individual learning.

“This is a modern version of the old book and tape sets,” said youth services coordinator Julie Ranelli. “Many children no longer have access to cassette and CD players.”

Ranelli noted that the Kent Island Library offers two portable CD players for customers to borrow, and those have been used primarily by customers who want to listen to books on CD.

“We provide audiobooks in multiple formats,” said youth services librarian Elaine Conway, who mentioned VOX Books and Playaways as digital device formats available in the library, along with the Libby and Hoopla apps that offer free audiobook downloads for customers with a library card.

Studies have shown that audiobook users improve their reading comprehension and reading accuracy by listening to stories paired with follow-along text.

The collection of 50 VOX Books was funded by Friends of Queen Anne’s County Library.

“The more than 300 members of the Friends of the Library are proud to be able to fund the purchase of VOX Books for Kent Island and Centreville Libraries. These should be a wonderful new resource for parents and caregivers, and are a great addition to all the childrens’ programming already provided by the amazing staff at our Libraries,” said Friends of Queen Anne’s County Library board president Kathie Smarick.