LaDonna Osburn finds a treasure at the Friends of the Library’s recent Swap Till You Drop event. As part of the event, the organization also assisted the library staff in collecting children’s socks and underwear that were donated to local elementary school children in need. (Photo provided)

By TERRI RITTER
Public Relations Coordinator, North Webster Community Public Library

NORTH WEBSTER — Have you ever wanted to learn a foreign language? Now you can do it online at your own pace absolutely free.

The North Webster Community Public Library now offers Mango Languages, a new free online language learning system that provides a practical, easy learning experience to 60 languages. Mango can be accessed from the library’s website using your library card. The lessons combine 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 by focusing on vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture. All you need is your library card and internet access to start learning a new language.

There will be a lot of language use during Craft and Chat 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, as women get together to work on their individual craft projects while enjoying the company and conversation of other crafters. There is no set agenda — just a friendly time of relaxing, chatting, and crafting.

Instead of crafting, kids, ages 5-12, will enjoy building together with LEGOs at Second Saturday LEGO Club, 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Playing with LEGOs helps children develop hand-eye coordination, spatial skills, and creative thinking; plus it’s a fun way to spend quality time with your child.

Reading together is another great way to spend quality time with your child. In fact, it’s the single most important way to help children get ready to read and prepare them for school. Reading together increases a child’s vocabulary as well as knowledge of the world around them and makes them more eager to learn to read themselves. The Youth Services Department has a large collection of children’s books for all age levels and a variety of resources to help parents instill the love of reading in their children. Our Youth Services staff will be glad to assist you.

The library staff, with the help of the Friends of the Library, assisted local elementary school children by collecting 687 items of socks and underwear at the recent Swap Till You Drop meet. The socks and underwear were donated to the North Webster Elementary School to be distributed to children in need.