Library Lines: Learn English at Worthington Libraries
In June, Worthington Libraries introduced a new service for patrons who stop in needing assistance but who speak little to no English.
All patrons need do is point to their preferred language – nearly 100, including Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Portuguese, Somali and Hindi, are listed – on identification guides available at each location. A staff member then will call an interpreter to help translate via video or audio.
This important service joins other resources offered by the library to adults who might want to learn or improve their English:
Books
In addition to circulating dictionaries and instruction books, we’re piloting a new collection at Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Drive, that’s just for adult new readers. The books, popular and classic fiction and nonfiction titles, are short, engaging and ideal for helping adults improve their English reading skills.
Technology
Available for reserve and checkout are language-learning Launchpads, which are computer tablets preloaded with lessons, flash cards and quizzes to help adults learn English phrases, grammar, writing, spelling and even U.S. law.
Audiovisuals
DVDs and CDs help adults learn English with instruction in English. Some materials provide specialized vocabulary, such as English for health care, construction workers and business.
In-person
Worthington Park Library hosts a monthly discussion group for adult English learners at all levels. During Conversations In English/Conversaciones En Inglés, native English speakers lead informal, friendly conversations on a variety of topics.
Online
With a Worthington Libraries card, adults can learn English on a personal computer, laptop or phone at home, at their own pace, with resources like Mango Languages, Transparent Language and Cell-Ed. To access them, start at worthingtonlibraries.org and click on the Explore tab near the top of the homepage and then Language learning.
Hillary Kline is communications specialist for Worthington Libraries.
Library Notes
The following programs are offered by Worthington Libraries. Old Worthington Library is at 820 High St., Northwest Library is at 2280 Hard Road and Worthington Park Library is at 1389 Worthington Centre Drive. Call 614-807-2626.
Code Your Own Adventure, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 21 at Worthington Park Library. Guests ages 6 to 18 experiment with Scratch, Scratch Jr. and Hour of Code.
Little Enchantment Under the Sea Dance, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 23 at Northwest Library. There will be music and dancing for guests ages 5 and under, who are encouraged to wear a favorite party or beach outfit.
Let’s Dish, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 at Northwest Library. Guests should prepare a recipe from the cookbook “Seriously Good Salads” by Nicky Corbishley or “Salad Freak” by Jess Damuck and discuss their experience cooking it.
Dr. Dave’s Whiz Bang Science Show, 7 to 8 p.m. July 28 at Northwest Library. Loud and messy experiments explain scientific concepts.
This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Library Lines: Learn English at Worthington Libraries
