Free language classes signing up at library

The San Marcos Public Library is opening up registration to their free language classes this January, and they expect them to fill up quick.

Classes are available for Beginner and Intermediate Spanish, Arabic, German, American Sign Language and French. All courses are for adults beginning to learn a new language and registration is free, though all courses require the small purchase of a textbook.

The classes typically last 10 weeks and meet once a week for an hour. San Amrcos Public Library Community Services Manager Susan Smith says the the classes are more of an introduction to the languages than a comprehensive class. But the classes do offer some benefits for those wanting to learn a new language – practice.

“I think what people feel they often need is to be able to talk more and so this gives them a space where they can try to open up and say something – which at least for me, is the last thing I feel confident in when learning a language,” Smith said.

The classes tend to focus on the culture behind the languages, from food and festivities to religion and arts. 

2019 class offerings include American Sign Language on Mondays at 12 p.m.; Beginner Spanish will have two classes, one on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and one on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; French will be held Wednesdays at 6 p.m.; Arabic will be held Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.; Intermediate Spanish will be held on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. and German will be held on Sundays at 4 p.m.

The library also has additional resources for those that want to further their language learning including free access to Mango, an online language learning resource tht generally has a monthly charge.

Those interested in registering for a language class should register in person at the San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St., and will need to purchase a textbook – all of them are under $25 and can be purchased directly from the library. Classmates are allowed to share textbooks.

The classes are expected to fill up quickly, but the library keeps a waiting list. The library is also looking for those that might be interested in teaching a language class. For more information about teaching a language class call Smith at 512-393-8213.