The following article was written by Sharon Verbeten, the Youth Services Manager at the Manitowoc Public Library. Original article found here.
Making books cool again. That could be the unspoken motto for VOX Books—it’s also our hope for the newest collection to hit our Youth Services Department shelves at Manitowoc Public Library.
We know it’s a challenge to get kids off those omnipresent screens. And, of course, as librarians, WE know books are a perfect option. But, sometimes, especially for reluctant readers, it may take a bit more of a nudge.
MPL recently debuted a small collection of VOX Books—a user-friendly, self-engaging way for youth to interact with books. VOX books are print books with an internal audiobook—letting the user follow along and turn pages while the story is read to them. Genius? We think so, which is why we’ve purchased a pilot collection of just under two dozen titles for young readers.
The benefits are endless! They’re especially helpful for children learning to read—they can see and hear the words at the same time, fostering early literacy skills and creating a strong link to books and reading. Those learning English—especially those learning to sound out words—will find these VOX Books a helpful tool.
Best of all? They’re just grab and go! VOX books require no Wi-Fi, no devices, no batteries and no headphones—and they work at the simple push of a button. They’re so easy, even a child can operate them on their own (kind of like a real book!) That’s because, well, they ARE real books—and real fun.
Bringing books to life is at the core of what we do at Manitowoc Public Library—and we’re always looking for new and exciting ways to do that. VOX books are the newest way we can do that.
They’re just one more tool in our magical arsenal of library wonders—and these books will truly VOX your kids’ socks off! (P.S. Parents will love them too!)
