TL;DR: Libro.fm is the ethical, community-focused alternative to Amazon’s Audible. You get the same massive library of audiobooks, but your monthly subscription fee is shared with a local independent bookstore of your choice. Most importantly for digital wellness: you actually own the audio files (DRM-free), meaning your family’s library won't vanish if a tech giant decides to change its terms of service.
Top Audiobook Recommendations to Get Started:
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown — Perfect for ages 6-12.
- Percy Jackson & The Olympians — High-energy narration for ages 8-14.
- Wings of Fire — The ultimate "car trip" series for ages 7-12.
- Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults — Incredible non-fiction for ages 12+.
If you’ve ever felt a pang of guilt while clicking "Buy Now" on Amazon because you know your local bookstore is struggling, Libro.fm is the solution. It is a social purpose corporation that sells audiobooks through a subscription model almost identical to Audible, but with a massive twist: they split the profit with local indie bookshops.
When you sign up, you pick a local bookstore to support. Every time you spend a credit or buy an individual book, that shop gets a cut. It’s the convenience of digital media paired with the conscience of a community member.
For parents, the "killer feature" isn't just the ethics—it’s the DRM-free downloads. DRM (Digital Rights Management) is the digital "lock" that companies like Amazon or Apple put on files so you can only play them in their specific apps. Libro.fm gives you the actual MP3 files if you want them. This means you can put these books on an old-school MP3 player, a Yoto Player, or a Toniebox without needing to hand your kid a smartphone or tablet.
We talk a lot at Screenwise about "intentionality." Most digital platforms are designed to keep you—and your kids—scrolling, clicking, and trapped in an ecosystem. Libro.fm does the opposite.
- True Ownership: When you "buy" a book on Audible or Kindle, you’re technically just licensing it. If Amazon bans your account or the publisher pulls the rights, your library can disappear. With Libro.fm, you own the file. Forever.
- Screen-Free Entertainment: Audiobooks are the ultimate "brain rot" antidote. They build vocabulary, improve listening stamina, and allow kids to enjoy complex stories that might be above their current reading level.
- Community Connection: It’s a great talking point with kids. You can explain that while the book is on your phone, the money is helping that bookstore downtown where they get their stickers and hot chocolate. It connects the digital world to the physical community.
If you’re moving your family over from another platform, these are the titles that make the transition worth it. These narrations are top-tier—no "boring teacher voice" here.
This is a Screenwise favorite. It’s the story of Roz, a robot who washes up on an island and has to learn to survive by observing the animals. It’s a beautiful exploration of nature vs. technology. The audiobook is immersive and works for a wide age range (6-12). It’s a great way to introduce the concept of "AI" and "nature" in a way that isn't scary.
If your kid is obsessed with the Disney+ show, they need to hear the books. The narrator, Jesse Bernstein, captures the snarky, ADHD-fueled energy of Percy perfectly. It’s 10 hours of "quiet time" that feels like an action movie.
Tui T. Sutherland’s dragon epic is a massive hit with the 7-12 age group. If you have a kid who refuses to put down Roblox or Minecraft, try this. The world-building is just as intense, but it’s happening in their imagination.
The Libro.fm versions often feature incredible full-cast narrations or legendary actors. These are "legacy" books—the kind you want to actually own and pass down, which is why the DRM-free aspect of Libro.fm is so valuable here.
For the older kids (12+) and honestly, for you, too. This book bridges Indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge. It’s the perfect "slow media" to counter the frantic pace of TikTok or Instagram.
Parents often ask if they should just stick with what they have. Here’s the "No-BS" breakdown:
- vs. Audible: The price is the same ($14.99/month for 1 credit). Audible has "Audible Originals" you can't get elsewhere, but Libro.fm has the "not being a trillion-dollar monopoly" advantage. Audible's app is slightly more polished, but Libro's is perfectly functional.
- vs. Libby: Libby is free through your library, which is amazing. You should use Libby! But Libby has "hold" lines that can be weeks long for popular books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Use Libro.fm for the books your kids want to listen to over and over again, or for the brand-new releases you don't want to wait for.
- vs. Spotify: Spotify recently added 15 hours of audiobook listening for Premium subscribers. It’s convenient, but you don't own anything. If you cancel Spotify, the books are gone. Also, 15 hours goes by fast—that's barely one and a half Harry Potter books.
Check out our full guide on the best audiobook apps for families
Ages 5-8
At this age, kids usually need help navigating the app. Libro.fm doesn't have a "Kids Mode" like YouTube Kids, so you’ll want to be the one holding the phone or tablet. Pro-tip: Use the "Share" feature to send the MP3s to a dedicated kid-friendly device like a Mighty Player so they can listen without having access to a browser.
Ages 9-12
This is the sweet spot for audiobooks. Kids are independent enough to pick their own titles. You can share your login with them on an old device. Since Libro.fm is just a store, there’s very little "danger" here compared to social media, but you might want to keep an eye on what they’re spending credits on so you don't end up with five different Warrior Cats books in one month (unless that's the plan).
Ages 13+
Teens can manage their own accounts. It’s a great way to encourage them to support local businesses. If they’re into "BookTok" trends, they can find almost all those titles here.
There really isn't a massive catch, but here are two things to keep in mind:
- Selection: While Libro.fm has over 400,000 titles, there are a few "Audible Exclusive" books they simply aren't allowed to sell. It’s rare for major kids' titles, but it happens.
- App Interface: It’s clean and simple, but it doesn't have the "gamification" features of some other apps. For intentional parents, this is actually a plus—no badges or streaks to stress about. Just the story.
Ask our chatbot about specific book recommendations for your child's age
Libro.fm is one of those rare "win-win" digital tools. You get to reclaim your child’s attention from the "brain rot" of infinite scroll, you get to own your digital assets, and you get to keep your local bookstore's lights on.
If you’re looking to prune your family’s dependency on Big Tech, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to start.