PENSACOLA, FL. - Military spouses and families are encouraged to take advantage of their access to free audio books, movies, and music now available through the Navy's Audio Books program. 

Popular titles, foreign language lessons, and even children's movies are available for download through Navy Knowledge Online by all active duty, retired, reserve, and dependent members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

"The downloadable Audio Book program is made available through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation funds," said Nellie Moffitt, the head of the Navy General Library Program. "We purchase books just like in a regular library, and maintain the Web site so that Sailors will have access."

Currently, the online library houses over 8,000 audio books, 400 eBooks, 600 videos, and 1,400 albums. Educational materials such as foreign language books and manuals, and books on the Chief of Naval Operation's (CNO's) Navy Professional Reading list are also available for download.

To access the Audio Books program, log into www.nko.navy.mil click on the link to "Navy Library Econtent" on the right side of the page under the "reference" section. Next, click on the banner that reads "Download eBooks, Audio Books, Music, and Video," to access the myriad of titles available. A user account must be established to check out materials.

"I love audio books," said Terry Welch, whose wife is currently serving in the Navy Nurse Corps here in Pensacola.  "I listen to them in the car to break the monotony of hearing the same songs on the radio. I also enjoy listening to them when I run long distances."

Over 400 titles were selected specifically for children. New titles are added to the library regularly, in categories ranging from "classic literature" and "juvenile fiction" to "business and finance" or "comic and graphic books."

"My sons also enjoy them," said Welch. "On family car trips, we have even been known to drive past our destination for a few minutes, just to finish listening to a great story."

There are several guidelines for using of the library. Titles are served through the Overdrive Media Console, and so cannot be downloaded to Navy computers, or used on iPods, Macs, or Zunes.  While these restrictions may make it difficult for a Sailor at sea to access the library, the families of military personnel can always take advantage of the program.  Items may be downloaded to personal computers, non-iPod listening devices, or even CD's.

Five items may be downloaded at a time. Due to high customer demand, all Audio Book and music titles are available to the user for 10 days, and video titles may be checked out for five days; after that period, the title must be checked out again.

For more information or to establish an account, visit Navy Knowledge Online at www.nko.navy.mil.