Collections for Everyone: Language Resources

Accessibility can mean many things. Sometimes it means a book with larger print. Sometimes it means a digital resource that you can access from home. And sometimes, it means finding a book, program, or class in a language that works for you.

Many families in our community are looking for more opportunities to learn and practice languages. This need was identified through the recent Community Needs Assessment survey, as well as through library program and circulation data.

At Citrus Libraries, we want language learning to be accessible to everyone whether that means attending a library program, using an app on your phone, reading along with a story, or checking out a book. Our goal is to meet patrons where they are and help them find the resources that work best for them.

Language learning happens in many ways, and our collections are an important part of that experience. Citrus Libraries’ language resources include more than 3,000 titles, with materials in Spanish and other languages, as well as resources for English language learning, adult basic education, adult literacy, and language development. Whether you are reading in your first language or practicing a new one, our collections can help you learn at your own pace.

For patrons who want to learn at their own pace or are looking for a place to get started, Citrus Libraries provides access to Transparent Language Online. This free resource offers language-learning courses in more than 100 languages, including American Sign Language. It also offers English courses for speakers of more than 30 languages, making it a useful resource for both language learners and English language learners.

Through ¡Pequeños Cuentos!, a bilingual story time, children and their caregivers enjoy stories and songs in both English and Spanish while building early literacy skills. For young readers, listening to and participating in stories in two languages can make the library feel more welcoming and accessible.

As with our other story times, the goal isn’t simply to read a book. Early literacy programs help children develop vocabulary, phonological awareness, print awareness, and other important building blocks for lifelong learning. Bilingual programs give families another opportunity to build those skills together while enjoying the library.

Citrus Libraries also offers several free language learning classes each month. Patrons can participate in beginner Spanish and beginner German classes, as well as a variety of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) resources, including Everyday English classes.

A library collection is more than a selection of books and materials; it’s a reflection of the people and community a library serves. At Citrus Libraries we are committed to building collections, programs, and services that reflect the needs and interests of our community. From learning a new language to practicing English, supporting a bilingual child, or simply looking for a book in the language you know best, Citrus Libraries has resources to help. And if you’re not sure where to begin, ask us. Library staff are here to help you find the right resources, discover programs, and explore everything your library card has to offer.