New read-along format at Library locations supports early literacy development
New devices support early literacy with audiobook recordings paired with print books.
San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is happy to announce read-along devices by manufacturers Vox and WonderBook are now available for select children’s titles in the Library’s collection. The read-alongs pair an audiobook player with print books to provide audio narration in an easy-to-use, accessible, all-in-one device.
The new read-alongs are directly attached to the printed book, so there is no need for Wi-Fi or a mobile device. The books come with instructions in English and Spanish, and controls are simple enough that readers can quickly start listening. Just borrow one from the read-along shelf in the children’s section at any SAPL location. The devices can be used with or without headphones, and select titles are available in English and Spanish.
“I’m excited to see the evolution of the read-along format enhance our children’s collection,” said Ramiro S. Salazar, Library Director. “It is our goal to continually provide our community with the most up-to-date resources. By incorporating this new type of read-along device into our collection, we demonstrate our commitment to nurturing literacy at a young age.”
Read-alongs have been a staple of library collections for decades, traditionally paring a recorded audio format such as a vinyl record, audio tape, or compact disc with a printed book. These new read-alongs simplify the format into one easy-to-use item to provide children with an opportunity to independently read during early literacy development.
Additionally, with titles available in English and Spanish, children learning how to read in either of these languages have the added assistance of hearing words out loud even if they or their parents aren’t native speakers of that language.
Every Library location offers 75-80 unique read-along titles in the children’s collection.
To learn more about read-along devices available at San Antonio Public Library visit the SAPL website or call 210-207-2500.
