1-24-2025
The library staff meets every other month to update everyone
on programming, policy changes, new procedures, etc. This month we explored a
new online service for language acquisition called Mango Language. Offering 71
languages including American Sign Language, Mango offers two interfaces. The
regular one for the majority of users and Little Pim for 0-5 year olds.
Following a link from our website, patrons create their
individual accounts, select a language and begin learning. Miss Lisa has begun
Italian in preparation for an upcoming vacation. She has learned essential
phrases such as asking for a restroom as well as some cultural information.
With only 5-10 minutes available for the staff’s exploration before the meeting
ended and the library opened, we selected Pirate.
Yes, Pirate is one of the 71 languages and a great way to
learn how to use the program. The first lesson on Ship Talk list Conversational
and Grammar Goals such as Call Someone Names (not nice, but Pirates are not
known for being so) and Use Me as a Possessive. Part of the lesson records the
user repeating a sentence or phrase and playing it back with the original for
comparison.
I did well with, “Blow me down, the ship’s becalmed!” That
translates into “Oh my gosh, the ship isn’t moving!” for those of you less
fluent in Pirate.
This language tool replaces Transparent Language which
expires on January 31st and is available from our website or through
an app.
Less irreverent, but possible as entertaining, Prairie Lakes
Library System once again received a MasterClass grant of 1,000 seats. Patrons
may register for a seat which is good for 12 months and take classes. There are
classes for career development and leadership skills, cultivating a healthy and
active lifestyle. The class that most interests me is Matthew Walker, a
neuroscience professor, whose class “Teaches the Science of Better Sleep.”
(Since I wrote this and visited the MasterClass website, Facebook is sending me adds for Halle Berry's class on menopause, so there's that class too.)
Sign up information is available for both services from our
website on the Online Courses page.
The Friends of the East Troy Lions Public Library had their
first general meeting for 2025 this past week. This is the meeting during which
I try to be my most charming as it is when I present that year’s wish list.
After a very successful play fundraiser, I knew that money was there for a big
ask. As always, the Friends were more than generous. This week I’ll work on
placing orders. Next week, I’ll reveal their generosity.
Reading Now: The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore and Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron
Listening to Now: Echoes on the Fens by Joy Ellis (the latest Nikki Galena just came out on audio at New Year's)
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