No More Library mp3 audiobooks!

[Catlady]

I'm seeing a notice on my public library sites today:

The MP3 audiobook format will be removed and OverDrive's desktop app for Windows and Mac will stop being supported on November 13, 2024. Download audiobooks using the Libby app instead.

I know this has been mentioned in the past and apparently delayed, but it looks like it's actually coming to pass. Which means my mp3 player isn't going to be an option anymore. I'm really upset to be forced to use another stupid app.

[odamizu]

Originally Posted by Catlady

I'm seeing a notice on my public library sites today:

I know this has been mentioned in the past and apparently delayed, but it looks like it's actually coming to pass. Which means my mp3 player isn't going to be an option anymore. I'm really upset to be forced to use another stupid app.

I'm seeing the same notice. As you say so succinctly: "I'm really upset to be forced to use another stupid app"

[tubemonkey]

Same notice at all of my libraries.

The problem with apps is that the smallest device you can use them on is your LARGE cellphone. That sucks big time. Bring back 4 inch cellphones.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Same notice at all of my libraries.

The problem with apps is that the smallest device you can use them on is your LARGE cellphone. That sucks big time. Bring back 4 inch cellphones.

Large and heavy, relatively speaking. And you need pockets. Women, especially, often do not have pockets in their clothing.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Which means my mp3 player isn't going to be an option anymore.

Originally Posted by Catlady

Large and heavy, relatively speaking.

...and, not waterproof.

Add me to the upset group. I use[d] OverDrive to populate my waterproof MP3 player. There's Downpour, but that would be cost prohibitive. I go through a lot of audiobooks in the water. And I've never found much to like at LibriVox. This is a huge blow.

FWIW: at one point, I looked for options re: the library and there was a method to download audiobooks to the Libby app for pc, but it was fiddly and time consuming. I don't know if the files will still be available or if the format will still be MP3 friendly.

[sgmoore]

Originally Posted by issybird

the Libby app for pc

Does this still work?

A long time ago, mine started recommending you to go to the website, but still worked if you ignored the link, but that only lasted a while and now just stops on the page with the link to libbyapp.com

[issybird]

Originally Posted by sgmoore

Does this still work?

A long time ago, mine started recommending you to go to the website, but still worked if you ignored the link, but that only lasted a while and now just stops on the page with the link to libbyapp.com

Just tried it and it's still working for me.

[issybird]

Another thing that really, really bothers me about this is that it's discriminatory, against populations that should be a first priority for libraries, the poor and the elderly, both of which are less likely to have/be able to afford smartphones and data plans.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by issybird

Another thing that really, really bothers me about this is that it's discriminatory, against populations that should be a first priority for libraries, the poor and the elderly, both of which are less likely to have/be able to afford smartphones and data plans.

Exactly. Libraries should be about expanding access, not limiting it. My mp3 player costs around $30--far, far less than any smart phone. And it doesn't require wi-fi or a data plan.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by issybird

FWIW: at one point, I looked for options re: the library and there was a method to download audiobooks to the Libby app for pc, but it was fiddly and time consuming. I don't know if the files will still be available or if the format will still be MP3 friendly.

Originally Posted by sgmoore

Does this still work?

A long time ago, mine started recommending you to go to the website, but still worked if you ignored the link, but that only lasted a while and now just stops on the page with the link to libbyapp.com

Originally Posted by issybird

Just tried it and it's still working for me.

What link are you referring to?

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Exactly. Libraries should be about expanding access, not limiting it. My mp3 player costs around $30--far, far less than any smart phone. And it doesn't require wi-fi or a data plan.

I sent an email listing my concerns to feedback@overdrive.com and got a bulls**t boilerplate answer regretting my "frustration" because I'm "familiar with the way things are". Entirely ignoring my point, which was about access for those who need it most. Grrr.

Originally Posted by Catlady

What link are you referring to?

https://libbyapp.com/

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by issybird

https://libbyapp.com/

I saw that mentioned, but is there supposed to be some download to PC option? I'm confused.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Catlady

I saw that mentioned, but is there supposed to be some download to PC option? I'm confused.

Oh, ugh. I'm sorry. It was kind of hidden, but there was a way. Which seems to be gone now.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by issybird

Oh, ugh. I'm sorry. It was kind of hidden, but there was a way. Which seems to be gone now.

OK, thanks. I thought I was just missing something!

[rhyta]

Originally Posted by odamizu

I'm seeing the same notice. As you say so succinctly: "I'm really upset to be forced to use another stupid app"

I just found out last night when I went on my library's Overdrive page.

They were phasing the MP3's out a year or so ago but some libraries kept the legacy Overdrive for Windows for those who still had it on their computers.

After talking to a librarian today, he said it is definitely going away in November. It just makes me so angry that Overdrive forces this on everyone. They are so obsessed with piracy that they are doing this regardless of whether it makes sense or not. Also I believe it also makes it easier for them to track reader's history. I quit Audible a couple of years ago when they changed their files to "enhanced" which were only for use on phones. They want to track everything we do.

Now I am also in a bind because I won't be able to check out e-books because I don't use a Kindle. This change will mess that up.

I really feel abandoned, I have relied on my library for so many years to have a good selection of books to check out and enjoy digitally.

I sent a message to LibroFM to see if they are going stop providing downloads of MP3's as well. It is my only source for them at present but don't know how long that will last either. Just stinks.