I have been using audio books for 29 years. Our library is part of a consortium with 35-40 other libraries around the state (ILL) Getting a book is very easy. If you live in the city here, your library card is "free." i.e. you pay for it as part of your taxes. Outside the city limits the card is expensive ($100 for a family). The card price is based on what I pay in taxes. As an alternative, people outside the city, who live in the four county community college district can get a free card, again because their taxes pay for it. The college library is open to any resident in the college district whether they are registered as a student or not. The college library is part of the consortium, therefore, you have access to everything.