The Pleasanton Library offers free resources for learning a new language or improving your English proficiency.

	Pronunciator. Learn up to 163 languages with personalized courses, movies, music, and more. Includes new COVID-19 language course in 101 languages. Also available as a mobile app on your device’s app supplier. Your library card number is required for access.
	Bluebird. A stylish language learning mobile app available on your device’s app supplier. Learn up to 163 languages, taught in 143 languages. Your library card number is required for access.
	USA Learns. A free website for learning English and improving basic reading, writing, speaking, and life skills.
	Open Culture. A free website offering educational and cultural media in 48 languages.

Physical Items in the Library

Find language learning items in the library collection by searching the term “language self-instruction” in the library catalog. For a specific language, add the language to the search term. For example, “Spanish language self-instruction” will display all language learning items in Spanish. Try Arabic, Chinese, French, etc.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

For English as a Second Language (ESL) Services, please visit Pleasanton Reads: Serving Adult Learners of English.

Benefits of learning a language

Why should I learn a language? According to ACTFL, language learning has been shown to improve a student’s cognitive function, including, but not limited to:

• • Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
  • Improved Verbal and Spatial Abilities
  • Improved Memory Function (long & short-term)
  • Enhanced Creative Thinking Capacity
  • Better Memory
  • More Flexible and Creative Thinking
  • Improved Attitude Toward the Target Language and Culture