Does the library offer Foreign Language classes?
What other resources do you have?
Answer
In-Person and Virtual Classes (At this time, only Virtual classes are being given)
We have Beginner Language Learning workshops focusing on basic conversation and culture. These workshops are taught by bilingual volunteer facilitators using the Transparent Language Online program. These workshops run for 10 weeks and depend on volunteer availability. We have offered Chinese (Mandarin), French, Korean, and Spanish workshops in the past.
Formal Beginner Language classes with native language instructors are offered as funding permits at the Central Library and select community libraries. Past classes have included Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Please check the Calendar on www.queenslibrary.org for upcoming language classes.
In addition, the library subscribes to two online language learning programs, which can be found under Research.
Rocket Languages
Rocket Languages is an award-winning online language-learning system. Queens Public Library cardholders can use this interactive website to learn conversational language at their own pace. Customers can stream content from the website or download content for easy access on all MP3 compatible devices. Available languages include Spanish (Latin American), Arabic, French, German, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, English, English (Spanish Speakers), English (Japanese Speakers), and American Sign Language.
Transparent Language Online
Research-based and experience-driven, Transparent Language Online is a language-learning program that provides an effective, fun, and engaging experience for language learners of all levels. Combining top-of-the-line courses with lots of great, supplemental resources for over 90 languages, plus ESOL courses for speakers of many languages, Transparent Language Online is the ultimate language-learning system. Queens Public Library cardholders can access it using a computer, tablet, or smartphone by downloading the Transparent Language app.
We also have many books, DVDs, and audiobooks to help with learning languages. Click on the links to see samples of our collection in different formats.