What to learn more about Mango?
Visit the libraries at www.lanepl.org
HAMILTON — With an annual investment of $8,000, the Lane Public Libraries are offering patrons Mango Languages, a language learning system boasting more than 50 languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Urdu and Arabic.
“It really covers the whole world,” said Carrie Mancuso, public relations manager.
The libraries started use of the program March 1, Mancuso said. She said it was part of an initiative to get rid of little-used databases and bring in resources patrons could better utilize.
In just two months, more than 150 people have logged into Mango, Mancuso said.
“People are blown away at the fact this is free,” Mancuso said. “We’ve had an overwhelming positive response from the community.”
Mancuso said money to fund the program comes from the library’s tax levy revenue. She said the levy funds come in two allotments — the first portion of $1.2 million was received in March.
Katrina Bate, reference services librarian, said the program offers intensive, in-depth courses as well as basic courses to learn conversational skills.
Bate served on the original committee which studied four possible language learning systems before deciding on Mango.
“This one gave the best ease of use, access from home, and number of languages,” Bate said, who’s been a librarian at the Hamilton library for four years.
Bate said she’s received feedback from a number of remote users who came across the program almost by accident from surfing the website.
“People are impressed by how easy to use it is,” Bate said.
Bate has been learning French from the program. She studied the language in college but said most of it never stayed in her mind.
“The best way to teach is to learn and use it yourself,” Bate said. “I have to work hard at sounding right and it will match my phrase and adjust pronunciation.”
Mango Languages is offered at the three Lane locations in Hamilton, Fairfield and Oxford. As well, the program can be accessed from home by having your library card number and personal identification number.
“It’s a valuable tool and worth what we’ve put into it,” Mancuso said.
The libraries recently released its “Library Anywhere” mobile application for smart phones. As well, patrons may contact librarians via text message by texting Lane to 66746.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.
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