Betty’s Bookshelf launching monthly audiobook subscription service in February

By Emily Stewart

As the popularity of audiobooks continues to grow, Betty’s Bookshelf will soon be offering a monthly subscription for audiobooks.

Through the store’s Betty’s Bookpost subscription program and in partnership with Libro.fm, subscribers of the Listening Edition will receive a curated selection of audiobooks selected by staff as of February.

“As far as we know, we are one of the first Canadian bookstores to offer an audiobook subscription, but this format of consuming books is only increasing in popularity and I think it’s important to provide this option to our customers to meet their reading needs in a way that works best for them,” said Jan Scott, the owner of Betty’s Bookshelf. “We’re excited to offer our customers the experience of a curated selection of audiobooks each month, handpicked by the booksellers at Betty’s Bookshelf.”

The local bookshop has sold audiobooks to customers via Libro.fm since 2023. Libro.fm is similar to Audible but instead of Amazon, the service partners with independent bookstores.

“They allow customers to select which independent bookstore they want to support with their purchases, and any unassigned purchases are divided evenly between all participating bookstores,” Scott said. “They also support public libraries, fight book bans and have recently become a Certified B Corp. We feel really good working with them.”

Scott said all kinds of Betty’s Bookshelf customers are eager to listen to audiobooks through Libro.Fm.

“Many of our regular customers have signed up for a monthly Libro.fm credit, making the switch from Audible, in order to support our store with their audiobook purchases,” she said. “We also have support from people who’ve only ever shopped at our store once or twice, or from people who love what our bookstore does but don’t live close enough to shop with us regularly.”

To purchase audiobooks online, visit www.libro.fm/indies and select Betty’s Bookshelf.  More information about Betty’s Bookpost can be found online by visiting www.bettysbookshelf.com/betty-s-bookpost.