What is a PlayAway? It's a preloaded book in a box – not a Downloadable Audiobook, MP3 or CD. Playaway is a self-contained audio equivalent of a book. The unit is half the size of a deck of cards. All that is needed to listen to this book is one AAA battery (borrower supplied) and your earphones or headphones.

"We are excited about this convenient new format for our patrons," said Harry Tuchmayer, Assistant Director. "It is compact and easy to use, and patrons don't need to download anything or worry about keeping track of individual CDs or cassettes."

Why Try A PlayAway?

o   NHCPL is no longer purchasing audiobooks on cassette, Playaways are a nice transition for patrons without MP3  players.  With an adapter cable, Playaways can be played through car or computer speakers.
o   Playaways are wonderful for athletes accustomed to using audiocassettes.
o   Playaways are a transition format for IPOD users. 
o   Most of all – they are easy to use, lightweight and CUTE!

The Basics

• Reserves available, no renewals
• Playaways will circulate for 3 weeks and be limited to 5 per patron 
• Overdues: $.20/day
• You must use your own battery and earphones/headphones to listen to the recordings
• Headphones available for $1
• AAA Battery also available for $1

Earphones

You may use your own earphone or headphones or purchase a set for one dollar ($1.00) and then keep them for your own future use. The earphone jack is located on the right side of the unit, near the top. The recording can only be heard by using earphones/headphones (or a car adapter if you have one).

The Battery

Borrower must supply their own AAA battery or one may be purchased for $1

Loan Policies

The loan period is 3 weeks, with up to 5 PlayAway devices at a time. Because of the limited number of copies, please return the book as soon as you are finished so that others may borrow it.  Overdue fines are $.20/day.

Listening

Play/pause/stop button is the lower middle button. Press the button once to turn the power on, then press it again to start listening. While you are "reading," you can press this button to pause the reading. Simply press it again to resume. If left on pause, after five minutes the unit will automatically turn off. To stop the unit and shut the power off, hold this button down until you hear the reading stop, then release. The unit is now off. Instructions for fast forwarding, bookmarking, volume control, rewinding and reader speed are clearly indicated on the packaging. See interactive guide at the top of this page.

For additional information about Playaways at New Hanover County Public Library,
please contact Teresa Bishop @ 798-6328 or tbishop@nhcgov.com