Language Resources: Language Resources
Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library: Language Resources
Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? Well the library has a plethora of resources to help you towards your goal! However you want to study; at home, during your commute, on your lunch break, we have the resources for you.
Online Resources
These options allow you to learn a language from the comfort and convenience of your home computer. All of these services are accessible through the library's website under Online Databases but can also be accessed directly from this libguide.
- BBC LanguagesThis site contains courses and phrases, audio and video, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, activities and tests for around 40 different languages.
- Mango LanguagesMango prepares learners for realistic conversations and communication in over70 world languages. In order to use it through the library you will need to create an account (it's free!) and enter your library card number (no spaces) and your pin (last 4 digits of your phone #). After that just choose the language you want to learn and start working. Since you have an account, you can save your progress as you go allowing you to work at your own pace.
- The Live Lingua ProjectThis has a collection of over 130 languages! The site has a huge choice of materials to help you in your studies: ebooks, videos, pronunciation guides, and audio files. After you choose your language, you will be able to choose from several different lessons, just read the descriptions to find out which one fits your needs the best.
Digital Resources
Digital resources makes it easy for someone to learn on the go by letting them travel light. As long as you have a smart phone or tablet you're all set.
The library has two ways for patrons to access digital content (eBooks and eAudio):
- HooplaAs soon as you set up your account (Download the App, Create your log in information, Choose Haverstraw King's Daughters as your library, Enter your library card number), you're ready to begin. Just do a quick search for Foreign Language and limit the results to whatever you're looking for; eBook or Audio or both. With Hoopla you're allowed to check out 10 items a month though you can favorite other titles for easier location later.
- LibbyAfter downloading the Libby App all you have to do is sign in (your library card number and pin (by default the last 4 digits of your phone number)) and you're ready to go. By clicking on Subjects, under Non-Fiction you can choose Foreign Language Study. This will bring up a selection of titles for you to choose from. As with Hoopla, you can also "Wish list" items for easier location next time. The only difference between Hoopla and Libby is that some eBooks are Kindle titles and, therefore, must be borrowed through Amazon and read either on a Kindle or with a Kindle App, so please make sure which option you're choosing when you hit download. With Libby you can have 8 titles out at a time.
Print Resources
We have many print resources available for those who prefer, or simply like, to have a book to fall back on. Within our collection, there are various dictionaries (both regular and visual), thesauruses, phrase books, books of slang, and vocabulary books to help you achieve your goal.
Our language section is held within the 400 range of our non-fiction section. Each language has its own corresponding number which is listed here:
- 413 - Dictionaries, Thesauruses, etc.
- 419 - American Sign Language
- 420 - English
- 430 - German
- 440 - French
- 450 - Italian
- 460 - Spanish
- 469 - Portuguese
- 470 - Latin
- 480 - Greek
- 491.43 - Hindi
- 491.73 - Russian
- 491.85 - Polish
- 492.4 - Hebrew
- 494.353 - Turkish
- 495.1 - Chinese
- 495.6 - Japanese
- 495.732 - Korean
- 495.918 - Thai
- 495.922 - Vietnamese
- 496.3 - Swahili
- 499.211 - Filipino
- 499.22 - Indonesian
Audio Resources
There are two options for audio materials at the library: CDs and Playaways.
CDs are great for listening in your car on your daily commute. Our language CDs are inter filed with our print material for ease of location.
Playaways are devices about the size of a deck of cards that contain one book. It's small size makes it extremely portable and great for taking with you when you exercise or for use while doing things around the house. Playaways are located on a shelf in our lobby.
English as a Second Language
Would you like to learn English? Did you know there are many resources in your community that will help you learn? The Library has several sites (listed below) as well as books and audio books for your use. The library also has an ESL section with different books and kits (including Ingles Sin Barreras which has a book, CD and a DVD), just stop at the Adult Reference desk and a librarian will show you.
In addition to the various library resources, there are numerous local ones that can assist you.
Below, you'll find various links, both library sponsored items and local resources, that will assist you in your journey to learn English.
- Voice of America: Let's Learn EnglishVoA has many different lessons and resources available to you. "Let's Learn English 1" is a beginners course that has 52 video lessons, one per week, and they are now in the process of creating "Let's Learn English 2" which will contain another 52 lessons. In addition, there are different stories, separated by skill level with both audio files and printed text. There are also separate video channels which will help with your understanding of the language.
- Mango LanguagesMango prepares learners for realistic conversations and communication in over70 world languages. In order to use it through the library you will need to create an account (it's free!) and enter your library card number (no spaces) and your pin (last 4 digits of your phone #). After that just choose the language you want to learn and start working. Since you have an account, you can save your progress as you go allowing you to work at your own pace.
- The Live Lingua ProjectThis contains seven English Courses and has several ebooks for you to use.
- Rockland Community College - English Skills AcademyThese are more traditional classes divided into traditional college semesters. These ESL classes provide: pronunciation skills, vocabulary, grammar, and conversation; reading comprehension and writing; and is available weekdays, evenings or weekends. Classes are held in: Spring Valley and Haverstraw. $10 registration fee plus the cost of books.
For more information, contact the English Skills Academy at 845-694-3744 or email esa@sunyrockland.edu or click on this link and you can register for classes there. - Literacy SolutionsInstruction is available in both classroom and tutorial (one-to-one) settings. Availability varies by location, and they make every effort to place students in the most appropriate setting for their learning needs. To find out more about this stop by the Adult Reference desk and fill out an application.
- The Haverstraw Literacy ZoneProvides ongoing services to our Haverstraw residents including: English Classes, Citizenship Classes, Case Management, Introduction to Computers, Tutoring, Community Outreach & Referrals, Community Presentations. For more information on our services please contact the main office at 845-429-5731