Learn a Language

Learning a new language is a fun way to activate your brain and prepare for future adventures.

Mango Languages offers a free and easy way to learn a foreign language and includes these features:

• Learn online at your own pace



• High quality audio of native speakers



• 34 foreign language courses



• 15 ESL courses



• Available free at the library or from your home computer with a library card

Ask your local librarian for help learning this cool resource, which is available 24/7 from your Sno-Isle Libraries.

Enjoy!
Kara

Summer Reading: It Works!

Summertime, and the library is filled with children participating in Summer Reading. It's wild and crazy as kids swarm the desks getting stamps and stickers, but what does it really accomplish?
Based on a recent study, we can now confirm what librarians have long suspected: kids who participate in library summer reading significantly improve their reading skills and avoid learning loss between one school year and the next.
In today's economy, taxpayers want proof that their dollars are being spent wisely. This study tests the theory that summer reading boosts student achievement, and shows conclusively that library summer reading programs work.
Oak Harbor Library has nearly 1,000 elementary school aged children participating in this year's summer reading program. Kids that reads 10 books get their name on the wall, and are invited to choose a free book to add to their own home collection. The program is sponsored by Friends of the Oak Harbor Library, Whidbey Naval Officer Spouses Club, and Island Thrift.
These kids will return to school better prepared and ready to succeed. We trust that by reading whatever they want, they will also establish a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
Drop in and see it in action! Mary

How much money do you save at the library?

Imagine if you purchased all of the items you check out at your library. It would really add up!

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in North Carolina created an online calculator to help you estimate this amount.

Of course, Sno-Isle Libraries is in a different state and economy, but the rough estimates will work just fine to help you see the value provided to you and your family. I was surprised by my results!

With a few books, movies, magazines, newspapers, research questions, classes and events I use and attend each month on average, I am saving over $600 each month, and over $7,000 each year!

Try it out here!

See you at the library,

Kara

Photographic Art on Display

Photographer Curtis Adams says of his work:

Photography has been a big part of my life for decades. I have experience above and below the water, still and video, natural and artificial light, digital and film. My camera is instrumental in what I do professionally and personally.

Much of my recent photography is either sales/sails-related in the marine industry, or from capturing light and images while on family travel. My business involves internet and print media images for yacht sales. My personal photography tends to be capturing unusual reflections, patterns, or textures.

Although I was brought up in the age of film I shoot nearly exclusively digital now. The images on display were shot either with a Nikonos underwater 35mm camera, or with an Olympus DSLR. In either case, I enjoy the world of post-production and attempting to create something artistic. I hope looking at these photographs provides enjoyment to those who take the time to look.