A bookless bookstore sounds like a crazy idea but one that has actually worked thanks to Audible. Here in the Lower East Side of Manhattan they have taken a three-floor space and transformed it into quite the experience for your ears. The way it was structured it feels like its always been there.
As soon as you walk in the Audible Story House it feels like a library or bookstore with shelves that are usually filled with books but instead are “Story Tiles”. You are able to pick up a story tile and use it in one of the various areas throughout the space or tap it with your smartphone which will bring up the Audible app. There are over 300 Audible titles through the space.
Speaking of those various areas there is Listening Booths which you can stand it and hear it coming from a speaker, go to a station that has a pair of Sony headphones or potentially grab an iPad that has headphones paired up and listen to a selection of Audible titles.
Also on the first floor is “The Gallery” where you would go to check out panels and other talks they may have going on. Its decor is quite pleasing to the eyes with its large Hi-Fi speakers by Silence Please.
If you so dare take a walk downstairs to the Dolby Atmos Lounge. Its a nice dark setting with comfortable seating, black walls, and excellent immersive sound coming from Dolby Atmos. There you will get to listen to Audible Originals and some exclusive content utilizing Dolby Atmos. You can close your eyes and zone in and its quite compelling. There are 40 titles spanning soundscapes, live performances, podcasts, and multi-cast productions via Dolby Atmos.
If you go up to the 3rd floor there is a Listening Bar where a “Story Tender” will find that audiobook you didnt realize you needed curated by interests and your taste preferences. Walk down the hallway and you will see their cafe created by Land to Sea, lined up with merch or grab a coffee. They have an actual location in Brooklyn. There is also a very chill space lined up with pillows you can relax on and take in a listen. I didn’t want to get up quite frankly.
Audible Story House is free to the public and will be available till May 31st. Honestly I hope its something they bring back as it can gather alot of interest in Audible and bring experiences with Dolby Atmos I couldnt even imagine. Check out some events that might be going on HERE
You can check out my experience via video on Instagram / TikTok
Also which I believe wasn’t part of the Audible Story House was checking out Audible titles in a Cadilliac. Dolby Atmos was just enabled in the Audible app so you can experience this while taking a drive as well. This takes full advantage of the wide array of speakers outfitted in this vehicle.
