Welcome to ListenNJ!

ListenNJ is a service for download audio books in electronic format to computers and mp3 devices. LmxAC joined the program, along with other InfoLink members last fall. The service will provide a new way for patrons to listen to audio books, since mp3 players are everywhere.

***Please note: ListenNJ media titles use DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection technology from Microsoft Corporation. Unfortunately, the iPod (and Mac) currently support neither DRM-protected Windows Media Audio (.wma) files nor Windows Media Video (.wmv) files. ***

Getting Started

From the ListenNJ home page, you can either search for a particular audio book or browse through available items on the right side of the page.

When you find an audio book that you would like to download, click "add to cart" on its individual page. You can either continue browsing or proceed to checkout.

When you are ready to check out, you will be asked to select your library. The Plainfield Public Library is a member of the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium, which will be listed as a library option. After selecting it, you will be asked to input your library card number and PIN (if you need a PIN number, please visit our Circulation desk).

Are you ready to start downloading audio books?

ListenNJ FAQ

What do I need to have to download the books?

You will need to download ListenNJ's software, Overdrive, to your home computer. ***The software is only available for Windows, not Macs.*** DO NOT use the library's public computers to download the software or books.

You will also need your library card and your PIN (the one you use to log into the library catalog to see your account).

When you have completed the process of checking out and downloading an audio book, use the Overdrive software to play the audio books.

How do I transfer the audio books to my portable mp3 player? 

In addition to the Overdrive program, you will also need Windows Media Player 9 or 10. The program is a free download and is already loaded into Windows (you may want to download version 9 or 10 if your existing version is too old). To transfer your files:

If you have Media Player 9:

In OverDrive Media Console, highlight a book and click the 'Transfer/burn' button.
Windows Media Player opens.

1. Turn off skin mode, if necessary, and click the 'Copy to CD or Device' button.
   The 'Copy to CD or Device' screen will appear.
2. Select the part(s) you want transferred to the portable device by checking the box next to the part name.
3. Connect your portable media device and ensure that it is selected in the right hand pane of Windows Media Player.
4. Click the 'Copy' button in the upper right hand corner of Windows Media Player to copy the part(s) to the portable device.
   Windows Media Player will inspect and copy the file(s) to the device. This process should take less than a minute, depending on how many files you transfer. You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field in Windows Media Player.
5. When the transfer is complete, the status field in Windows Media Player will indicate 'Complete'.
   You may now disconnect your portable device and enjoy your OverDrive Audio Book title.

If you have Media Player 10:

1. In OverDrive Media Console, highlight your book and click the 'Transfer/burn' button.
   Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the title.
2. You may stop playback at this point if you choose. Click the 'Library' tab.
   The media Library will be displayed but the 'Now Playing List' should remain.
3. If you wish to transfer all parts, ensure that your portable device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
   Windows Media Player will transfer the files to your device in the order that they appear in the 'Now Playing List'.
4. If you wish to transfer a specific part(s) to your device, you may remove parts from the Sync List. Simply click on them and press the 'Delete' key. Alternately, you may right-click an unwanted part and select 'Remove from List' from the menu. When the Sync List is ready, ensure that your device is connected and click the 'Start Sync' button.
   You may follow the Player's progress by monitoring the 'Status' field next to the part name in the Sync List.
5. When the transfer is complete, the status field will indicate 'Complete'.
   You many now disconnect

What MP3 devices can I use?

You'll have to go to to www.playsforsure.com and find your player. Windows Media Player is needed to transfer the audio book files, so your Mp3 player must work with Media Player. As of this writing, Ipods will NOT work with ListenNJ.

Can I burn the files to a CD?

Some books can be burned to CDs. You'll need to use Media Player to burn the CDs. You will also need a CD burner to this. Please look at the book’s information page to see if the book can be burned or not.

Do the audio books expire?

Yes. You are usually given ten days to listen to the books, then the files expire. Books have periods that they be taken out for. On each book’s information page, you should see the amount of time a book can go out for. You can have up to 5 books out at the same time.