1. DECISION MEMORANDUM
DATE 8/11/2016
TO: B. Parker Hamilton
FROM: Dianne Whitaker, Collection Management
SUBJECT: Language Learning Kits
Decision Memorandum
PURPOSE : To provide an innovative one stop language learning resource for Montgomery County
residents
BACKGROUND
A suggestion was made by Patricia Martinez, to create English Language Learning Kits for Adults and
Families in the Montgomery County Community. Money has been earmarked to create Language
Learning Kits in FY17.
Learning Kits would be useful for adults to have a comprehensive group of learning materials to use in
Language Learning progression. In addition, Family language learning kits would allow family groups to
practice English together by listening and reading bilingual reading materials. Materials would be shared
by caregivers with children.
Edmonton Public Libraries has developed Language Learning Kits. A similar model may be used in
Montgomery County Public Libraries.
ANALYSIS
A proposal is being made to create seven language learning kits per branch. Three language kits would
be adult progressive language learning kits. Four Language learning kits would be family language
learning kits. This would be a pilot program at three or four branches in FY17. Gaithersburg, Silver Spring
and Long Branch would the initial pilot branches. Aspen Hill would be a candidate as a refresh branch.

2. A language learning kit will comprise the following:
A Progressive English Learning Kit would include the following:
Pimsleur English CD Level 1, 2, 3 Combined into one Kit
With a Android tablet pre-loaded with Mango App and Rosetta Stone bookmarked.
English Picture Dictionary
English Workbook
Special Loan period up to 12 weeks
A Family Language Learning Kit would include the following
A set of four bilingual picture books
Bilingual picture dictionary
Android tablet loaded with Mango language app
Speak to me English workbook/CD
CD Book and J Fiction Print selection
Special Loan period of 6 weeks
Language Concentrations of more than 2 percent in Service Area:
Spanish/English (WH,AH, GB. LB, SS, WO, GT)
French/English (WO, LB, SS, AH, GB)
Chinese/English (GT, GB,QO, RO, TW, SS)
Amharic/English (WO, LB, WH, AH, GB)
Korean/English (GT, GB, OL, MP)
Vietnamese/English (LB, SS, WH, GB, MP, WO)

3. If the pilot is successful then expansion to a larger number of branches would be recommended.
Transfer
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS (if any)
[List the documents you are attaching to this memorandum in support of your recommendation]:
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Director/Administrative Officer Decision:
_____Agree _____Disagree _____Schedule Briefing _____See/Call Me
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Director/Administrative Officer Date: _____ /_____/_____