Southern Pines Public Library announces the addition of the Mango Languages online language-learning system to its resources.

A library card, a self-selected pin number, and an e-mail account are all that are needed for free access to a world of languages. To get started, simply go to the library's Web site (www.sppl.net), select the "Online Reference Resources" link in the center of the page, sign on using your library card and pin numbers, then click on the Mango icon.

Mango Languages currently offers 12 language courses -- Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Greek, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, ESL for Polish speakers, ESL for Spanish speakers, and ESL for Brazilian Portuguese speakers -- with many more on the way. There is also a helpful translation tool for written text.

Mango's online language learning system focuses on teaching actual conversation skills for a wide variety of languages. Each lesson combines real-life situations and audio from native speakers with an easy-to-follow interface and simple, clear instructions.

Because it's completely Web-based, library cardholders can learn anywhere they have an Internet connection -- at the library, the office, a coffee shop, or even at home in bed. It's so effective and easy that users will be speaking a new language after just one lesson.

Mango Languages recently took second place in the Education category of the "Web 2.0 Awards" by SEOmoz and has been recommended by Education World for foreign language learning.

For more information call the library at 692-8235.

Gathering at Given

On Thursday, May 7, the Gathering at Given will feature Senator Harris Blake.

Blake will be talking about the earlier days of Pinehurst and topics of interest in the Senate.

"Please join us at 3:30 at the Given Memorial Library in the Village of Pinehurst," says a spokesman.

This event is free and open to the public.

Search Help

Would you like to learn how to search deeds, vital records, and real estate indexes for information about your home, business, and family?

Moore County Registrar Judy Martin and IT Specialist Jeanette Chisholm will show the audience how to navigate the Register of Deeds Web site at Southern Pines Public Library Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m.

This presentation is part of Explorations, an ongoing lecture and discussion series for adults.

The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit www.sppl.net or call 692-8235.

Romance Writers

The Heart of Carolina Romance Writers will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Cameron Village Library, Raleigh.

Award-winning novelist and screenwriter, Alexandra Sokoloff, speaks on "Screenwriting Tricks for Novelists (and Screenwriters)."

For information, visit www.heartofcarolina.org.