Melanie and Mark planned to travel to Italy this season. Understandably, plans changed. But you can still join them learning Italian, or 162 other languages. Your Library Card is the only passport you’ll need.
While you can’t be in Rome, there’s time to learn Italian
For nearly a year, the Library’s Children’s Librarian, Melanie Kozlowski, and her husband Mark had been planning their 25th wedding-anniversary vacation to Italy. They had visions of exploring medieval towers and Renaissance art, basking in the sunshine amid the fountains and statues of Rome. But their plans changed this spring. As most of the world shelters in place amid coronavirus precautions, their travels were put on hold. What to do next? First, they are not giving up hope. And second, they are getting all the more ready for future travels.
That includes the opportunity to practice Italian using the Library’s language-learning resource called Pronunciator. Italian is just one of 163 languages available through this remarkably robust site. It features effective learning approaches that include the use of human voices, translations and video content. Pronunciator is only available through participating public libraries, and patrons only need their Library card number to create an account.
In addition to Italian, the site includes Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Scotch Gaelic, Russian, Arabic, and many more languages. There are also study resources for English-language learners as well as Citizenship Exam preparation materials.
Anyone who lives in the Estes Valley and does not yet have a Library card is encouraged to apply for a Digi-Card at estesvalleylibrary.org. This will offer access to Pronunciator as well as the Library’s digital books, audiobooks, movies and music. When the Library re-opens its physical building, the Digi-Card can be turned into a regular card.
To begin exploring Pronunciator, visit estesvalleylibrary.org/databases. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the Library 7 days a week by phone, email or online chat.