Source: Santa Barbara Public Library

Santa Barbara Public Library is committed to providing opportunities for the community to further their education through its extensive collection of print materials, through in-person classes and workshops, and through its growing collection of digital resources. The Library is excited to announce two new additions to the suite of free online learning courses and databases: Mango Languages learning software and Lynda.com’s catalog of video tutorials and self-paced classes.

Mango Languages is free for all library patrons and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection. Each lesson combines real life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. The courses are presented with an appreciation for cultural nuance and real-world application by focusing on the four key elements of language learning: vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture.

Mango offers access to 60 foreign language courses and 17 English courses taught completely in the user’s native language. In addition to traditional language courses, Mango also offers access to a variety of specialty mini courses, like Pirate or Medical Spanish. Mango can be accessed at the library, remotely, or even on-the-go with apps for iOS, Android, Kindle and Nook. Mango courses are also a great supplement to school curriculum, and one of the many resources available to students on their district iPads for use with their Santa Barbara Public Library cards.

“The Library is pleased to offer Library users the opportunity to build their language skills, whether they’re looking to advance their fluency in a second language, to pick up a few common phrases prior to international travel, or to learn English through a course in their native language,” said Jessica Cadiente, Santa Barbara Public Library Director.

Mango Languages course are built to provide the tools and guidance to expand language skills whenever and however people learn best, whether you’re brushing up on your high school French in advance of a trip to Paris or a medical professional studying so you can communicate effectively with patients—all for free with your library card.

Job seekers, individuals considering career options, and anyone wanting to update their skills or acquire new ones will have a convenient new online learning resource available through the Santa Barbara Public Library. Lynda.com for Libraries offers thousands of expert-led video tutorials on business, software, technology and creative skills for both personal and professional learning with no subscription cost.

“Lynda.com gives people Library users the opportunity to learn at their own pace from industry experts, classroom educators, best-selling authors and recognized authorities, completely free,” said Jessica Cadiente. “The range, depth and quality of the courses are truly impressive.”

Topics include:

·         Career Development, Interviewing, Career Coaching

·         Computer Skills, IT, Web Development

·         Business, Management

·         Graphic Design, Photography & Video

·         so many more

For job seekers, Lynda.com’s Learning Paths offer guidance toward reaching specific career goals, such as “Become a Graphic Designer” or “Become a Recording Engineer.” The majority of courses are eligible for earning Certificates of Completion. “We’re excited about the opportunity to integrate these courses into our workforce development program, SBPL Works!, which we recently expanded to our Eastside Branch. Those looking to develop job skills or transition to a new career can meet one-on-one with experienced staff or in small group classes to learn new skills, as well as utilize our Computer Lab to take the self-paced classes through Lynda.com,” explained Cadiente. Lynda.com will also be used in a wide range of Library programs, whether that’s the videography courses for Teen Film Camp this summer or to supplement the instruction in our ongoing series of Learning Tech classes.

Lynda.com for Libraries and Mango Languages are both free and accessible 24/7 through the Library’s website.

To stay informed of happenings at the Libraries, individuals can access the SBPL web calendar with all events, programs, and classes and/or sign-up for the SBPL newsletter in English or Spanish. Visit the Santa Barbara Public Library System online at SBPLibrary.org for information about library hours, locations, programs, and services. All library programs are free and open to the public.  

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