Summer is in full swing and for many folks, that means “Time to Travel!” After all, who wouldn’t want to explore the far-flung corners of the globe – I bet Iceland is lovely (and less humid!) this time of year!
So, whether you’re throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain in Rome, or backpacking through Machu Picchu in Peru – wherever you are in the world, there’s one universal travel tip that’s particularly helpful to know: whenever possible, Speak Like a Local.
But what if London’s calling, and you’re not sure you know your onions when it comes to UK odds and sods?? Fear not, fearless traveler – Elsie Quirk Library is here to help! Let me introduce you to Mango Languages, one of our wonderful databases accessible to anyone with a library card!
Mango Languages is a super easy – and super FUN – way to learn a new language. It only takes a minute to create a profile: just enter an email address and a password (or log on as a Guest), and voilà! You’re ready to explore! Mango Languages has 71 different languages to choose from…and there’s even a “Pirate” option!
Mango Languages offers myriad ways to learn vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar, including medical, legal, business and scholarly courses, and even ones on cultural colloquialisms and slang! If you’re an absolute beginner, try starting with “Mango Conversations,” which are their core courses, filled with practical conversational skills, and easy, memory-building exercises to help you understand new words, phrases, and cultural context.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new language, but can’t swing that plane ticket to Tokyo just yet, give Mango Languages a try. Just download the app from iTunes or Google Play store, and you’ll be speaking like a local in no time! All you need bring is your library card and your imagination!
Here are the library events for this week:
Saturday
- Suncoast Writers Guild meets at 10 a.m.
Monday
- Forty Carrots: Partners in Play 10:15 a.m. OR 11:45 a.m. For children, up to age 5 with a parent or caregiver. A free class for you and your child to enjoy together. Experience new educational activities, join in circle-time fun, meet other families and receive valuable parenting and child development information. Attendance is limited to 12 families per session.
- Read with the Dogs at 3:30 p.m. For ages 5-11. Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs from Suncoast Humane Society. The program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.
- OWOW Writers Group meets at 1 p.m.
- Monday Night Movies at 5 p.m. In 1890s London, two friends use the same pseudonym for their “on the sly” activities, and hilarity ensues! Based on Oscar Wilde’s classic play “The Importance of Being Earnest.” (PG, 1 hr., 37 mins.) Contact the library for movie titles.
Tuesday
- Master Gardener Plant Clinic 10 a.m. – Noon. Stop in to get free answers to your Florida gardening and landscape questions. This is made possible through a partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. For more information, call 941-861-9807 or online at sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/plantclinic.shtml.
- Reading Buddies 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. For ages 4-8. Practice reading with a buddy, or have someone read a book to you. Have fun while becoming a better reader. The volunteers are not trained experts, but some to listen and offer help when needed. *Registration is required.
- Englewood Camera Club meets at 12:30 p.m.
- Make It! 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. For ages 5-11. Use your imagination and creativity to make an original Do-It-Yourself thing!
Wednesday
- Didgeridoo Down Under! 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. A high-energy, interactive Australia-themed show that combines music, culture, puppetry, comedy, storytelling, and audience participation. Listen to the unique sounds of the didgeridoo as you enjoy this fun show that is perfect for children and families!
- Englewood Authors meets at 5 p.m.
Thursday
- Family Storytime at 10:30 a.m. For ages 0-5. Interact and participate with your child in a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness activities.
- Quirky Knitters meet at 1 p.m.
- Explorers’ Guide to the Solar System 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. NASA/JPL Ambassador Linda McKenna gives an “Out of This World” presentation on NASA’s exploration of the Solar System.
Friday
- Hip Hop Dance! 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Have fun with your friends and learn Hip Hop Dance techniques at this workshop presented by Sarasota Contemporary Dance. For teens ages 11-18. *Registration is required.
For more information on library programs, services, and resources visit us at 100 West Dearborn Street, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000, or visit our website at scgov.net.
