Joplin Library launches free language program to support multilingual families

JOPLIN, Mo. — Imagine the challenge of moving to a new country and learning a new language. That's the challenge many of those new to the Four States face when they arrive. But local library is hoping to make that learning experience a little easier.

It's a new online program through the Joplin Public Library called "LOTE-4-Kids." "LOTE" stands for "Languages Other Than English." The books contain words and phrases in nearly 80 different languages and include their English translation.

"You can select the language that you are interested in hearing a story in and then you can read aloud or have it read to you in the story in that language and in English, and it will go page by page," said Christina Matekel-Gibson, Children's Services Librarian.

With each passing year, people from different countries are moving here to the Four States, and many of them don't speak English.

While the books are geared towards children, Matekel-Gibson says adults can also benefit from them.

"No matter how old you are, if you're starting, if you're learning a new language from scratch, it's probably, you know, most helpful to start with those simple words. So I think this could really be beneficial to anyone," said Matekel-Gibson.

There's no cost for the program, but you do have to have a Joplin Library card.

"We sent the company the top languages that are spoken in Joplin schools, and so those are all going to be available on the LOTE-4-Kids database," said Matekel-Gibson.

The program can also be helpful for English speakers who want to pick up another language, especially educators trying to reach their students in their home language.