Great idea. Actually, on most cd players... you can use earbuds. The headphone out on most cd players, walkmans and the like are 1/8" jacks.
Just buying an ipod for books.... when you already have a CD player... well, you might not have to. It would save you a bunch of time and money.
OR...
If you already have the ipod, then check with the geeks at the applestore. They'll show you how to do whatever. Or ask anyone that's into audio/video/art... they tend to use mac products.