TAHLEQUAH — With today’s technology, almost anything can be done through a computer or some kind of hand-held device.

Video phones are no longer devices of the future, and finding information on any given subject has never been easier.

Even the leisurely activities, like reading a book, have become more convenient.

These days, audio books have even become so popular that August has been named Audio Book Appreciation Month.

Audio books have been around since the early 1930s and are now distributed on compact disc, cassette tape, and downloadable digital formats such as MP3.

Audio books are efficient for those who do not have time to sit and read a new book.

They can be played while you are cleaning, exercising and even driving.

“I used to listen to audio books when I drove across the state all the time,” said Aubrey Ballard, NSU graduate.

Although listening to a book being read to you can pass the time, readers tend to miss the things they love about actually reading from the printed page.

“It’s OK, but I’m not a fan because you can’t get into the book as much. When you read it on paper, you get to put your own connotations on the words, but when it’s read to you, you get the readers perspective a little bit,” said Ballard.

However, the audio connection can also be a benefit for some learning styles.

“I usually use audio books for textbooks because I learn better by listening rather than reading the text to myself,” said Brooke Murdock, NSU junior.

Something introduced in 2007 was the Amazon Kindle, a device that allowed readers to download and read books, anytime and anywhere.

Since then, the Kindle 2, Kindle 3 and the Kindle DX have been introduced, and have e-books outselling hardbacks, according to New York Times and Amazon.com.

The Kindle comes with built-in Wi-Fi and free 3G wireless, letting readers chose from over 630,000 (and 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright) books to download and enough storage to carry 3,500.

And since a Kindle weighs less than a paperback and is thinner than a magazine, it is perfect for travel.

Amanda Caseboldt, owner of a Kindle, doesn’t see herself buying an actual book for a long time.

“I love my Kindle, and it goes everywhere I go. The convenience and ease that comes with the Kindle have spoiled me. I really enjoy reading during all those downtimes, like while I’m waiting at the doctor, waiting for class to begin or when I want to have a quiet lunch alone,” said Caseboldt.

She added that Amazon features free books every day, which she downloads and saves – just in case she will want to read them one day.

However, the Kindle isn’t the only device that offers access to millions of books to download. Many phones – including the iPhone and Droid – feature applications that make it possible for users to download books.

Another alternative are Play-Aways, which can be found at the Tahlequah Public Library.

The device, which is about the size of a cassette tape, just requires a battery and headphones.

“It is a MP3 player that has the entire story on it. You can just put on headphones, hit power and play, and it plays the whole story,” said Michelle Parnell, Tahlequah Public Library youth services coordinator.

Even with so many people on the go and different substitutes for books, there’s still something about cracking open a book that readers prefer over digital.

“Sure, the books are cheaper and easier to access, and I think that is great. But there is something about the feel of paper in your hands, the thrill of not being able to physically turn the pages fast enough, and the joy of finding a well-loved book from your favorite author at a used bookstore,” said Angela McLaughlin, Tahlequah.

“Technology is great, and if it gets more people to read, wonderful. But there are certain things you just don’t get off a screen.”

Parnell agrees there is a stronger connection to the book when you are able to turn the pages.

“A lot of people are concerned with the Kindle taking over and people being able to read a book on their iPhone, but there is just something about holding a book in your hand that makes a connection with reading. Books will never go away,” said Parnell.