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As library staff, we’re always looking for fun, engaging resources to share with our communities—and Mango Languages is a real gem! This easy-to-use language-learning platform offers practical, cultural, and conversational tools for patrons of all ages and interests.

What’s Mango Languages All About?

Mango Languages is a free online language-learning resource available to your patrons through the library. It offers over 70 languages (including English courses for non-native speakers) and focuses on real-world conversation skills, cultural insights, and practical applications.

Why Mango Languages is a Game-Changer for Your Library

• Something for Everyone: Mango works for beginners and advanced learners alike. Whether patrons want to travel, advance their careers, or learn for fun, Mango has them covered.
• Cultural Insights: The lessons include tips on cultural norms and nuances, helping patrons communicate respectfully and effectively.
• Learn Anywhere: Mango is available on both desktop and mobile devices, so patrons can learn on their own schedule, wherever they are.
• Keeps People Coming Back: The interactive lessons and personalized learning paths make it easy to stay motivated and engaged.

Easy Ways to Share Mango with Your Community

Here are some ideas to help get the word out and make Mango a hit with your patrons:

1. Include It in Outreach: Highlight Mango in newsletters, social media posts, and any presentations or talks you give. It’s a great resource to showcase during cultural events, travel-themed programs, or job readiness workshops.
2. Make It Part of Programs: Think about hosting “Language Learning Clubs” or drop-in sessions to help patrons get started with Mango. A weekly “French Conversation Hour” or “Spanish Basics for Travelers” could spark a lot of interest!
3. Get Staff On Board: Make sure your team knows how Mango works so they can recommend it confidently. Bonus: Encourage staff to try it themselves—it’s fun and great for professional development!
4. Promote the Mobile App: A lot of patrons love learning on the go. Let them know they can download the Mango app and sync it with their library account.

How Mango Makes a Difference in Your Community

• For Non-Native English Speakers: Mango’s ESL courses help build language skills and confidence, creating a more welcoming community.
• For Travelers: Mango is perfect for learning key phrases before an international trip.
• For Students: It’s a great way for students to boost their language classes or explore something new.
• For Professionals: Mango can help patrons level up their careers by adding a new language to their skill set.

Let’s Make Mango a Hit!

Mango Languages is more than just a learning platform—it’s a way to help patrons explore, connect, and grow. By spreading the word and weaving it into your programming, you can give your community a resource that opens doors to new cultures and opportunities.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Gabi -Robinson library

If you are a history nerd, especially of old photos, then be sure to check out this amazing section on the Library of Congress website. It is filled with over 1 million photos, prints and drawings covering all aspects of American life.

A simple search on George Westinghouse produced over 300 images – from portraits of the inventor, to images of his home, Westinghouse Park and images of workers in his factories.

So take a few minutes to peruse the photos at the Library of Congress. You won’t regret it!

Tracy – Monroeville Public Library

FinancialFit and BlueCareer are up and running on the eLibrary site. 

Financial Fit 

FinancialFit offers patrons short, easy-to-understand lessons, videos, and interactive tools to help develop and support basic financial literacy. Print material that provides similar information is consistently popular with our users, and we’re excited to be able to offer this digital resource as well!  

A note about FinancialFit sign in/registration. Patrons need to create an account to access the lessons, videos, and to keep track of their progress. To create an account, they first need to validate as a library patron by inputting their library card number (image 2). Once they input their library card, they will pass through to the registration screen and can create their account (image 3).  After they have an account, patrons will be able to access their accounts by signing in. They will not have to input their library card each time they access the resource. This account creation process is similar to hoopla and Creativebug, so patrons will likely be familiar with this process.

Blue Career  

BlueCareer provides information on more than 100 skilled trades, connects patrons with hundreds of trade schools across the United States and Canada, and provides training resources for those seeking to build their trade knowledge and experience.  

This is an important addition to our career resources that also connects job seekers to employers in a simple, mobile-friendly environment. Patrons can explore 100+ trades in more than a dozen industries. 

BlueCareer does not require an account to view the content, but if a patron wants to keep track of their progress, they will want to create an account.  

Patrons will need a separate BlueRecruit profile if they are using BlueCareer to look for and apply for jobs. BlueRecruit Job Seeker Demo is a short, two-minute video that goes through the steps of setting up a BlueRecruit profile.  

Please contact Hilary Lewis or Mary Phillips if you have questions about FinancialFit or BlueCareer. 

Hilary Lewis, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh