Instead of simply saying "hello" to summer, you could be saying "bonjour," "hola" or even "buongiorno," thanks to the Collegedale Public Library's new Rosetta Stone software.
A grant from the Friends of the Library means the library's patrons now have full online access to Rosetta Stone's language-learning software. And, because the software is available online, it is available off campus from patrons' personal computers or other devices after they've received the password, said Library Director Joanne Stanfield.
The software provides users with access to 30 different languages and gives users a choice in the learning difficulty level for each.
Since becoming available in March, Stanfield said, the library has had 37 people sign up for the software, with the majority using Spanish. She said she is excited for the opportunities the English courses could provide for those whose second language is English.
Nancy Bovell, a Collegedale Library patron as well as a Friends of the Library board member, uses Rosetta Stone herself.
"I've used Rosetta Stone in the past and it's the gold standard, which is why I was so anxious to jump on it when the opportunity presented itself," Bovell said of her work to bring Rosetta Stone to Collegedale residents.
Since it arrived at the library, she has begun using the software again. "Right now I'm sort of jumping from language to language doing refresher courses since I've used it before," she said.
The opportunity isn't limited to only Collegedale residents, Bovell added.
For those living in Hamilton County, outside Collegedale city limits, library cards are available for $60 per individual or $85 per family. Anyone over 60 years old can purchase a membership for $50.
There is also a summer reader card available to everyone June-August for $10.
Collegedale Public Library is located at 9318 Apison Pike. For more information, contact the library at 396-9300.
Email Ashley Arnold at aarnold@timesfreepress.com.