The Whitman County Library has implemented a new electronic resource called Mango Languages, which offers over 70 world languages and 20 English-as-second-language courses.

Sarah Phelan, librarian with the Whitman County Library, said it can be accessed 24/7 through a computer, tablet or smartphone.

“It can be accessed, however, wherever and whenever you learn best,” Phelan said. “All you need is a 14-digit number library card.”

She said if someone does not own a library card from the Whitman County Library, they can call in and sign up for an electronic card to access Mango Languages.

“We’re offering the program to not only the community but with the students in local areas,” Phelan said. “The library is a place for someone to learn and research for free, and we thought this was an important learning tool to offer.”

She said all Mango language courses cover vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and cultural nuances provided by native speakers. Another benefit of Mango Languages is that the program does not make people feel like they are studying, she said.

“There are cute little animations and makes language learning feel more natural,” Phelan said. “[Mango Languages] gives you the building blocks of a sentence and you string them together on your own.”

She said the library previously had Powerspeak, a different language program, but they did not feel like it was enough.

“Powerspeak only offered seven languages and you could only access it on the computer,” Phelan said. “We wanted a program that was more accessible and offered more languages.”

She said funding for Mango Languages was through a general fund.

“Our 2019 budget allowed us to implement a new program, and so we decided on Mango Languages,” Phelan said.

She said they will have a workshop on Mango Languages from 6-7 p.m. on April 4 at the Colfax Library. A tutorial will take place during the first half hour that will explain how people can access different features of the app.

“This includes voice comparison, where you’re able to compare your own voice to a native speakers’,” Phelan said, “and hands-free learning through [the] mobile app, so you are able to learn while you’re multitasking.”