Read Alongs
Read Alongs are regular print books with permanently attached audio players that provide a fun and interactive read-along experience.
Each Read Along has two modes that you can toggle between: a Read-Along mode and a Learning mode. Read-Along mode reads the pages aloud and prompts with a chime noise when it's time to flip the page. When the book is finished, you can flip to Learning mode for fun open-ended questions to keep your child talking about the book they just read.
At this time, our Read Along collection is focused on picture books, and are available at all our library locations.
How to Borrow
Read Alongs can be borrowed for up to three weeks at a time, and can be renewed as long as there are no Holds on that item. Limit of two Read Alongs and/or Launchpads per cardholder. You can place any Read Along titles on hold and choose to pick your items up at any Barrie Public Library location.
There are no age restrictions connected with the Read Alongs or Launchpads, so every family member – no matter how young – can borrow these items on their own library card!
How to Return
Read Alongs can be returned to any Barrie Public Library location, either in branch or through an external return slot. While we no longer have late fees, if the item is damaged or lost a replacement fee of $55 will be charged to the borrower's account.
Please note: Due to the attached circuitry in the audioplayer, Read Alongs are only available in the library locations and not in self-serve library kiosks. All Read Alongs need to be returned to a library location and not to a kiosk.
Read Along FAQs
- A Read Along requires only one hour to charge fully from a dead battery (micro USB)
- A flashing red light indicates a low battery and one hour or less of remaining play time left
- A flashing green light indicates the Read Along is in pause mode
- A solid green light indicates the Read Along is in play/active mode
- Read Alongs will turn off automatically after 4 minutes of inactivity
- Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds to do a hard reset
- Picture Book versions of Read Alongs can typically offer 85-95 plays on a single charge