A new program to help people learn a language for a free is coming to the Massanutten Regional Library (MRL), thanks to Rosetta Stone, Inc.

It's called the 'Rosetta Stone® Library Solution' and it will be available to any patron of the library, whether they're looking to learn a brand-new language, further their ESL learning as non-native English speakers, or brush up on a language for travel.

Access to 'Rosetta Stone Library Solution' is made possible by a generous gift from Rosetta Stone, Inc., a company now based in Arlington, but which was founded and has offices in Harrisonburg.

This gift will provide Rosetta Stone Library Solution to Massanutten Regional Library for three years, which represents a $48,000 investment in the Library and its patrons. To mark this important partnership between the library and Rosetta Stone, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting and Open House at the Central Library in downtown Harrisonburg on Tuesday, August 30th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“This gift from Rosetta Stone is a great example of the way that business and individual support of MRL reaches well beyond the walls of the Library to benefit all the residents of the diverse communities that we serve,” said Lois Jones, Library Director.

MRL patrons will use their library cards to access Rosetta Stone Library Solution through the MRL website. According to Paul Frankel, a reference librarian at Central Library, patrons will have the ability to study 30 different languages, including English.

“Rosetta Stone will be a great resource for our patrons who are interested in learning a new language. It will be especially useful for our immigrant and refugee population to improve their existing English language skills,” Frankel said.

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But what exactly is Rosetta Stone Library Solution? This is how Rosetta Stone describes the language-learning tool:

"Rosetta Stone Library Solution offers libraries and their patrons the proven immersion method that more than 22,000 schools and 12,000 businesses have trusted for over the last 20+ years. The award-winning interactive approach has been used by millions of learners around the world and now is accessible in the library--or anywhere, anytime.

This vital resource includes 30 languages to meet a range of cultural interests. Learning is structured around core lessons to build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and also includes focused activities to refine grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more. Patrons can also take advantage of available mobile apps that enable learners to reinforce their language learning wherever they may be. For more information about Rosetta Stone, Inc., visit their website at www.rosettastone.com."