The theme for National Library Week 2018 is Libraries Lead. One of the many ways that libraries can lead is by providing resources for personal development at no cost. For this post, I’d like to focus on language learning software that the Library provides for free.
At the reference desk, I’m often asked for print books, audio books, and even cassettes that provide lessons for language learning. More often than not, patrons are surprised to learn that we can instead provide them two of the most popular language learning resources for free: Rosetta Stone and Mango Languages Online.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone Language Learning is proprietary computer-assisted language learning (CALL) software published by Rosetta Stone Inc. The software uses images, text, and sound to teach words and grammar by spaced repetition, without translation.
- Rosetta Stone features over 30 languages.
- It has interactive lesson plans that are suited to your skill level.
- You may access more than one language.
Rosetta Stone Complete Latin American Spanish Course Retail Value = $249.99.
Rosetta Stone Complete Latin American Spanish Course Access with Library Card = $0.00.
Click here to start Rosetta Stone today!
Mango Languages Online
Online language learning site includes: Spanish, French, Italian, Russian and others. Also includes a limited selection of ESL programs including English for Spanish speakers and English for Polish speakers.
Learning phrases like “the boy is running” or “the donkey ate the carrot” won’t help you build relationships or convey unique ideas. We believe it’s better to learn your new language through practical examples like “are you from around here?” or “excuse me, do you have the time?” With Mango, you will explore new languages through realistic and culturally accurate conversations. –From Mango Languages Online
Mango Languages Online is provided for free to our library and hundreds of other public libraries around the country.
Click here to start Mango Languages Online today!
The impression that many still have of public libraries is that we are simply places to hold print materials, meaning that we’re lagging behind the times. We hope that by using these free personal development resources and others like them, you can see that libraries actually do lead the way for the community.
Thanks for reading!
-George, FTPL
