Reposted from the Multnomah County Library

Library patrons get free access to Livemocha, the “World’s Largest Language Learning Community”

April 30, 2012

PORTLAND, OR – In May, Livemocha will replace Mango Languages as Multnomah County Library’s online language learning service. This is good news for the 150,000 local residents who are already using the free, basic version of LiveMocha and can now use the full version for free — all that’s needed is a library card. It’s also good news for other language learners, who will benefit from a number of new opportunities.

Language learners now have more than 35 languages to choose from and interface with. Livemocha offers many learning styles, including video, photographs, flashcards and audio feedback. Social media features, including live chat with a native speaker, provide various ways to interact. In addition, each learner can customize LiveMocha content to suit his or her individual needs and preferences.

Livemocha (for patrons 13 and older) and Livemocha for Kids are available now on the library’s website and from the library catalog. Livemocha for Kids is designed for learners under age 13, and it omits social networking features. Both versions of Livemocha are available in all Multnomah County libraries, as well as outside the library with your Multnomah County Library card number and PIN. A free Livemocha account is required to use the service.

Many patrons have already begun using Livemocha through Multnomah County Library. Patrons who are making the transition from Mango Languages to Livemocha are encouraged to ask a library staff member for help if they need it; Mango Languages will not be available after mid-May.

About Multnomah County Library

Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library west of the Mississippi, with a history that reaches back to 1864. Today, Central Library and the other 18 neighborhood libraries that make up the library system house a collection of two million books and other library materials. As Oregon’s largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state’s population with a wide variety of programs and services. Over 35,000 people use the library each day, either online or in person.