Want to learn a new language on your own schedule and at your own pace? Your local library can help.
Polk County Public Library card holders now have free access to Rocket Languages, a software-based language learning system.  From the library or at home, patrons can access the program through a computer or through downloading and transferring to iPod or MP3 player.
Rocket Languages courses include interactive audio lessons that allow users to participate in dialogues with native foreign language speakers, and grammar and culture lessons featuring audio, activities and explanations on the written language.
Languages available include Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and American Sign Language.
Organized by topic, the courses offer 30 interactive audio lessons with real life situations in 20 minute tracks. This language program has the ability to add notes and build vocabulary lists. It includes interactive quizzes that allow students to track progress. Culture lessons also help students understand how and when to use phrases.
The software and media materials provided by Rocket Languages are targeted to high school students and adults.
For more information about this addition to the Polk County Public Library’s digital resources, visit the library or www.polklibrary.org,
– article submitted by Tracey Daniels