CAMBRIDGE — One of the most “philosophical” questions I receive at the library from time to time is whether audio-books and listening to audio-books count as having read the book. There seems to be a nagging feeling in the back of our heads that we can’t truly count a book as having been read if we only listened to it with our ears.

What will our literary and bookish friends think if they find out that we didn’t read the book in a nice chair on a porch during a quiet afternoon, but instead listened to it while we were out for a run, making a drive to the beach, or while weeding the garden?
Readers, let me assure you that listening to audio-books count as reading the book by giving you the best reason why that is.

The first reason is that we know a book wasn’t written by the author so that the book can just be checked off a mental box that we have read it, but that they wrote it because they want their story to capture your imagination and bring joy to your heart. So whether the book is read with the eyes or listened to with the ears, as long as it gets to your heart is what counts in the end.

Are you looking for new audio-books to try? Stop in at either the Cambridge or Hurlock branches and check out our collection of audio-books that will make your next driving experience joyful.

Also, Dorchester County Public Libraries offers two streaming service apps that you can download on your phone: Hoopla and Overdrive. With both apps, you can download all types of audio-books till your heart’s content, and all you need is a library card.

In other library news:
Story-times will be held outside at two locations this summer:
Cambridge Front Lawn - Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., starting June 2.
Farmers’ Market, Long Wharf - Every other Thursday at 4 p.m., starting June 3.
Bring a beach towel or chair and catch some sun and stories with us!
Please note that story times will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.