In 1931 the Congress established the talking-book program, which was intended to help blind adults who couldn't read print. This program was called ``Books for the Adult Blind Project``. The American Foundation for the Blind developed first talking books in 1932. One year later the first reproduction machine began the process of mass publishing. By 1935, after Congress approved free mailings of audio books to blind citizens, the Books for the Adult Blind Project was in full operation. In 1992 the National Library Service (NLS) for Blind and Physically Handicapped network circulated millions of recorded books to more than 700,000 handicapped listeners. All NLS recordings were created by professionals.

Gathering everyone for quality family entertainment can be as important as sitting down to dinner together. In today’s fast-paced world of hundreds of television channels, millions of Web sites and iPods in every kid’s backpack, sometimes it seems that entertainment is becoming a solitary experience that each family member enjoys alone. One innovative form of family entertainment that is becoming more and more popular with parents is the audiobook — stories the whole family can listen to on CDs, at home and in the car. Particularly popular, these days, are fantasy and magic-oriented tales that can be engaging for both parents and children alike. We all like a good story. It’s no wonder more families are turning to audiobooks, as nothing beats having a great storyteller read one to you. Audiobooks are being used by parents as a great way to get kids to use their imagination, and as innovative tools to get children interested in reading. As many parents can attest, audiobooks make for wonderful diversions on those long family car trips. Some great ideas for enjoying audiobooks with your family: * Schedule regular audiobook nights the way you would a movie night, with snacks. * Treat new audiobook releases the way you would new movies and get the whole family excited for upcoming stories. * Make the car a place for storytelling. Instead of turning on the radio, engage your family’s minds by taking audiobooks on the road.

In 1931 the Congress established the talking-book program, which was intended to help blind adults who couldn't read print. This program was called ``Books for the Adult Blind Project``. The American Foundation for the Blind developed first talking books in 1932. One year later the first reproduction machine began the process of mass publishing. By 1935, after Congress approved free mailings of audio books to blind citizens, the Books for the Adult Blind Project was in full operation. In 1992 the National Library Service (NLS) for Blind and Physically Handicapped network circulated millions of recorded books to more than 700,000 handicapped listeners. All NLS recordings were created by professionals.

Gathering everyone for quality family entertainment can be as important as sitting down to dinner together. In today’s fast-paced world of hundreds of television channels, millions of Web sites and iPods in every kid’s backpack, sometimes it seems that entertainment is becoming a solitary experience that each family member enjoys alone. One innovative form of family entertainment that is becoming more and more popular with parents is the audiobook — stories the whole family can listen to on CDs, at home and in the car. Particularly popular, these days, are fantasy and magic-oriented tales that can be engaging for both parents and children alike. We all like a good story. It’s no wonder more families are turning to audiobooks, as nothing beats having a great storyteller read one to you. Audiobooks are being used by parents as a great way to get kids to use their imagination, and as innovative tools to get children interested in reading. As many parents can attest, audiobooks make for wonderful diversions on those long family car trips. Some great ideas for enjoying audiobooks with your family: * Schedule regular audiobook nights the way you would a movie night, with snacks. * Treat new audiobook releases the way you would new movies and get the whole family excited for upcoming stories. * Make the car a place for storytelling. Instead of turning on the radio, engage your family’s minds by taking audiobooks on the road.