Natchitoches Parish Library/Mango Languages Database

Come check out the newest service at your Natchitoches Parish Library October 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Enjoy light refreshments while watching live demonstrations of our newest service, Mango Languages Database. Patrons who attend will also be registered for a chance to win a Kindle Fire, all that’s required is to sign in and watch a brief demonstration on how to use the new Mango Languages Database. 
           
Learning a new language with Mango Languages is free for all library patrons, and offers a fast and convenient solution for our community’s increasing language-learning needs. 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 that integrates components of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture. Users learn actual conversation, breaking down complex linguistic elements within an audio-visual framework that draws important connections and builds on information they have already learned.
           
Mango is available in two versions. One is Mango Complete, a 100-lesson course that is designed to provide a deep understanding of a language and its culture. The second is Mango Basic, which teaches everyday greetings, goodbyes and helpful phrases in a short period of time and is designed to appeal to a beginner in a new language. There are more than 40 foreign language courses available and 16 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
There will also be live demonstrations of how to use Overdrive, the online library that patrons can use to download ebooks, audiobooks and more to their computer or mobile device.  Patrons will also have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with several different types of ebook readers including the iPad, Nook, and Sony eReader.   

Users will be shown how to browse the library’s website, check out with a valid library card, and download to PC, Mac®, and many mobile devices. Users will need to install free software. For audiobooks, music, and video: OverDrive® Media Console™. To read eBooks, users will need Adobe® Digital Editions. Titles can be enjoyed immediately or transferred to a variety of devices, including iPod®, Sony® Reader™, and many others. Some audio titles can also be burned to CD to listen on-the-go. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no late fees!

Another service the library offers is laptop check out.  Patrons 18 years of age or older who have been in good standing for at least six months will be able to check out a laptop from the library.  Students completing homework projects, adults conducting research or who are job hunting, and those who are simply curious will be able to check out the library’s laptops and finally experience what it is to use a computer and work in the comfort of home.  All laptops are wireless-enabled, so they can access the internet from any public hot spot.  All laptops will feature: Microsoft Office 2007, Adobe Acrobat Reader, QuickTime Viewer, Shockwave, Flash Media Player, and a CD Burner.  Eligible patrons will be able to borrow a laptop for a three day period. Laptops are available on a first-come first-serve basis and cannot be reserved in advance.  Patrons must wait seven days to be eligible for the next checkout.

For more information about this or other programs or services offered by the library, give us a call at 318-357-3280 or stop by for a visit at 450 2^nd St. in Natchitoches.  You can also find us on the web at www.youseemore.com/natchitoches.