Most people don’t realize that the first audiobook was invented by Thomas Edison in 1877, when he created the phonograph. In hopes of helping the visually impaired enjoy reading, the initial recording was “Mary Had a Little Lamb“. This effectively brought forth the creation of this new media.
Today, June is the time when we celebrate this innovative technology with Audiobook Appreciation Month. It’s meant to bring awareness to a media that helps readers find more opportunities for discovering the written word. In addition to those with visual impairments, audiobooks are great for those who might have a low literacy rate, attention issues (maybe you’re working out or driving a car), or perhaps you are listening to a book in a foreign language – one you can understand better verbally than written.