Learn languages at the library

COEUR d'ALENE - The Community Library Network and the Coeur d'Alene Public Library are adding Rosetta Stone language learning resources to their online offerings.

Beginning Oct. 1, participating libraries will offer the online service through the libraries' websites: www.communitylibrary.net or www.cdalibrary.org.

The service offers more than 50 hours of foundational instruction using an interactive immersion approach to build skills in 30 languages. Core lessons will build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Mobile apps are also available to reinforce language learning on the go.

"Both the Community Library Network and the Coeur d'Alene library have received multiple requests for us to provide the Rosetta Stone language CDs," said Coeur d'Alene Library Director Bette Ammon. "We feel this online resource is a better investment, because it allows for multiple users at the same time and covers more languages than we could otherwise provide."

Community Library Network Director John Hartung noted that the online materials are also more cost-effective because the libraries do not have processing costs or the risk of damaged or lost items as they would with physical audio CDs.

"Our libraries can offer a more versatile language-learning service to more patrons and make better use of the public funds at our disposal," he said.

A recent survey by Library Journal found that librarians and vendors alike are starting to see a transition from thinking of language learning services as a luxury item to something that libraries need to provide for their patrons.

"People used to think of learning a language like something you do so you can speak Italian on your honeymoon in Tuscany," said Chris Vander Groef, manager of library sales at Rosetta Stone. "It's become a thing you need to have for education, for your career."