Free Reads, Grandkid Travel Tips, and Closed Caption How-Tos

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Reading is one of life’s simplest pleasures—and thanks to modern technology, you can now access thousands of books and audiobooks for free without ever leaving home. Whether you prefer large-print classics or listening while you walk, here’s how to get started.

Borrow from your local library with Libby.
Most libraries now lend e-books and audiobooks through Libby, a free app by OverDrive. All you need is a library card.

Read timeless classics with Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg offers over 70,000 free e-books, including works by Jane Austen, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens. You can read right in your web browser or download files for Kindle or other e-readers.

Try public-domain audiobook collections.
For free, volunteer-narrated recordings of classics, visit LibriVox. It’s simple: find a title, click play, and listen on your computer or phone.

Sync across multiple devices.
If you read on more than one device, sign in with the same Libby account on each. Your place in the book automatically updates—no bookmarks needed.

Use Kindle integration.
Libby lets you send borrowed e-books directly to your Kindle (how-to guide). You’ll receive an email link from Amazon to complete the transfer.

Discover hidden gems beyond Libby.

Once you try these, you may never run out of reading—or listening—material again.

💌 If you found these ideas inspiring, forward this newsletter to a friend. Exploring new stories together can make the journey even more enjoyable.

Traveling with grandkids is full of joy, but it also comes with challenges—restless children, long waits, worrying about safety or logistics. With a little planning and some helpful tools, you can turn the trip into a smoother, more fun experience for both you and them.

Stick to routines.
Younger children handle travel best when meals and naps stay close to normal. Try to plan flights or long drives around their usual rest times.

Pack familiar comforts.
A favorite blanket or stuffed animal helps them settle in new places. Bring plenty of snacks, wipes, and a change of clothes within reach.

Create a “quiet fun” bag.
Include easy, screen-free activities like the I SPY Travel Card Game or Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Reusable Coloring Pads. Small surprises can turn boredom into delight.

Plan short stops.
Kids need to move. Use Roadtrippers or AllTrails to find rest areas or parks where they can stretch their legs before getting back on the road.

Let them help plan.
Kids who can read maps or menus love having input. Ask them to help choose rest stops, sightseeing spots, or snacks. Apps like Google Maps make it easy to explore options together.

Keep them engaged.
Older children enjoy activities that feel grown-up but still fun. Try simple travel journals, disposable cameras, or the Knock Knock Road Trip On-the-Go Game Pad.

Give them responsibility.
Bigger kids can carry their own small backpacks with water, snacks, and a book or tablet. Let them track souvenirs or daily spending—it builds confidence and keeps them occupied.

Capture memories together.
Use your phone to take short videos or photos and create a shared digital album at the end of the trip. Kids love seeing their adventures replayed later.

With realistic expectations, some shared planning, and a few clever boredom-busters, your travels with grandkids can be easier, happier, and full of laughter.

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Closed captions (often shown as “CC” or “Subtitles”) display spoken words and sound effects as text on your screen. They make it easier to follow shows, movies, or online videos—especially when hearing isn’t as sharp or background noise gets in the way.

On Smartphones and Tablets (iPhone/iPad)

On Streaming Devices and TVs

If captions don’t appear, check the app’s individual settings—some, like Disney+, manage captions separately.

Once captions are on, you can personalize them or add real-time transcription for easier viewing.

Customize the Look
Adjust text color, background, or size to make reading easier. On Android or iPhone, these options are under Accessibility → Captions or Subtitles & Captioning. On Roku or Fire TV, look for Caption Style or Formatting.

Use Live or Automatic Captions

Quick Access
You can add “Captions” to your Control Center (iPhone), Quick Settings (Android), or assign an Accessibility Shortcut for one-tap control.

With captions set up, you’ll never need to rewind to catch what someone said—just watch, read along, and enjoy.

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Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Music cartridge remembered for clunky size and looping songs.

THEGI ARCKT

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