Language Tools
Parkland Community Library is happy to offer free language tools for both native speakers and those interested in learning a new language. Our online databases and apps are perfect for language research and studying, with no ads.
Our language tools are crafted to help users improve their communication skills, enrich their vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of different languages and cultures. Whether you’re a student aiming to enhance language proficiency or a professional looking to widen your job prospects, our resources can be customized to meet your needs.
Read our website in another language.
Parkland Community Library’s website can be translated.
Click the flag icon at the top of the homepage.
Patrons can select Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Find the tools you need to keep learning, studying, and growing all ad-free!
Mango Languages App
Mango is powered by assistive AI technology ideal for language research and study. This app contains interactive lessons, quizzes, and games to make the language learning process enjoyable and stimulating. With Mango’s easy-to-use interface and personalized study plans, you can monitor your progress and stay motivated in your language learning endeavor. Our platform is available round-the-clock, enabling you to incorporate language learning into your busy routine.
View transcript on YouTube for How Mango Works Video.
This ad-free tool features multiple languages at your fingertips, powered by the highest-rated language-learning app*, designed for the real world by real people. Intuitive Language Construction builds the six critical skills necessary for authentic language learning: vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, culture, comprehension, and retention.
5 Family Profiles
Set up a profile through your library, and share access to the Mango program with up to 5 family members.
Digital Cross-Platform Software
Mango is available in the library and at home via web and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Learn on the go or offline, on desktop or mobile.
70+ Language Courses, Cultural Lessons, Plus American Sign Language!
Over 70 World language courses and English language learning courses for language learners of all ages.
Conversational Methodology
Mango’s software uses a conversational approach to teach practical/useful communication skills in every lesson and activity.
Transparent Language Online
Radically better language learning, in one complete experience.
Smart Insight and Review: Your vocab chart shows learned words and review times.
Practice Activities: Explore language through listening, reading, speaking, and writing with diverse activities from any lesson.
Core Skill-Building Activities: Build all four skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through a comprehensive program.
Enhanced Compatibility: Works on iPads®, Android™ tablets, and any connected device for touchscreen use.
Our Catalog
Library of Things
Assistive Technology: Translator Pen. This scanning pen has a 3.5-inch touch screen display and a speaker. It can help users overcome language barriers while traveling overseas.
Bilingual Books:
Books
Search our catalog for world language DVDs and other materials. We also have bilingual picture books in our children’s collection, denoted by a Spanish sticker.
Parkland Community Library was awarded the $5000 Excellent and Equitable Youth Services Grant. This grant provides funds to evaluate and curate inclusive youth collections that reflect and serve the unique needs of youth ages birth to 18.
This project was partly made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
Language Picture Books
LOTE4Kids is an online library database providing access to thousands of digital picture books in over 100 Languages Other Than English (LOTE), aimed at enabling children to enjoy literary works in their native languages or to acquire new languages.
Listen & Watch
For those fluent in other languages, we suggest trying out our streaming apps.
Please note these limits for hoopla: patrons can have up to five monthly borrows. Items listed as “bonus borrows” do not count toward the monthly limit. This resource is only available to Parkland School District residents.
Kanopy is the top video streaming service for high-quality, thoughtful entertainment.
Catalog Ticketing System: Users get 25 tickets each month to borrow items. The number of tickets required per item varies.
Kanopy and hoopla are free at-home streaming apps, courtesy of your library, available only to Parkland School District and paying non-residents with PCL as their home library.
hoopla
hoopla
hoopla digital app offers ebooks and e-audiobooks in 115 world languages for free with your library card. Offering materials in languages other than English is a great way to engage patrons. hoopla is proud to help with a broad selection of popular audiobooks narrated in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Chinese.
Kanopy
kanopy
The Kanopy app makes it easy to stream videos, including a superb selection of world cinema and 417 videos in ESL and other languages, offering an excellent resource for learners and movie enthusiasts alike.
Libby
5 Libby language options and how to adjust your settings
The Libby app offers ebooks and e-audiobooks in the following languages for free with your library card: Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic, Korean, Malay, and Tamil.
PCL Learning Center
Welcome to the PCL Learning Center! Your library card grants you access to many online learning resources! Our staff has compiled an age-based educational list to help you and your family prepare for school and thrive throughout the school year and semesters. Whether you are preparing a little one to start school, priming a child…
For Fans of Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons has maintained a lasting following over the years for its creativity, engaging gameplay, social interaction, friendship-building, and storytelling within a rich, lore-filled universe. Players form guilds to strategize, solve puzzles, and immerse themselves in a vast world of magical creatures and treasures. This role-playing game (RPG) features a customizable tabletop board that…
July Library News
2026 America’s 250th Anniversary is a significant milestone, and it has been wonderful to see the community engage with our recent themed programs. These sessions have offered a chance to reflect on our shared history while looking ahead to the future. We have one more event in this series you won’t want to miss. On…