So let\u2019s explore what\u2019s new for patrons & library staff. And what\u2019s next for 2026. \ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n
Supporting Newcomers & English Language Learners<\/strong><\/h2>\nOf the 140 languages in Transparent Language Online, English continues to be the most learned by library patrons. So we expanded the collection to support more learners.<\/p>\n
![\"beginner](\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2025\/08\/English-course-for-Fulani-speakers.png\")
New ESOL Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- English for Newcomers Course: <\/strong>Immigrants and refugees can quickly learn key English vocabulary and culture concepts in the new English for Newcomers course<\/a>. Originally released in 15 languages, so many libraries requested additions that it\u2019s now available for speakers of 23 languages. That includes some brand new languages for us, including English for speakers of Bengali, Cambodian, Fulani, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Karen, and Tigrinya.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u2757Canadian English for Newcomers is coming in early 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n- English for Marshallese & Kurdish speakers:<\/strong> Per library request, we also added beginner English courses for speakers of Marshallese and Kurdish<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- US Citizenship Test Course (2025 Version):<\/strong> In September, USCIS announced an update to the US Citizenship test effective in October. To help test takers prep for the new 128-question civics section, we launched a 2025 version of our American Citizenship Test course<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u2757A Spanish version of the course is coming in early 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n- 5-minute English Test:<\/strong> Speaking of tests, we launched our own English test! The 5-minute English proficiency estimator<\/a> estimates learners\u2019 possible score ranges on six common scales. Learners can take the test for free to see if they\u2019re ready for paid tests like the TOEFL\u2122 or IELTS\u2122.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Supporting ELLs Panel Discussion Series<\/strong><\/h3>\nLearning English doesn\u2019t happen solely on an app. So, to help library staff better support their English learners beyond our platform, we launched a panel discussion series.<\/p>\n
598 library professionals joined us this year to get advice from their peers about <\/strong>hosting English Conversation Clubs<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>running US Citizenship classes<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\nStay tuned for invites to our 2026 panel events. (If you want to get on the invite list, download our ELL Programs Guide<\/a>. You\u2019ll get 50 pages of free advice from your peers running cool English programs and<\/em> invites to upcoming events.)<\/p>\n![\"tips](\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2025\/12\/English-Conversation-Club-Panel.png\")
<\/p>\n
Live Spanish Classes for Library Professionals<\/strong><\/h3>\nAnother way library staff can support their ELL patrons? Learn a bit of their language.<\/p>\n
Luckily, we know a thing or two about that.<\/p>\n
In January, we piloted our first ever 4-week Spanish for Librarians class<\/a>.<\/p>\nA blend of self-guided lessons in Transparent Language Online and small group classes with a Spanish teacher. Completely free.<\/p>\n
The first Spanish for Librarians class went so well we ran 18 more, reaching 68 library professionals. <\/strong>Don\u2019t take our word for it though. Here\u2019s what students had to say:<\/p>\n\n- \u201cI gained valuable knowledge in library vocabulary, got to practice in applicable situations, and gained cultural knowledge that will also be very valuable to my job.\u201d<\/li>\n
- \u201cI would recommend – vocabulary specific to libraries was great, and I liked the dialogue conversation exercises – the practicing aloud. The instructor jumped right in, made us speak, she was approachable and not intimidating.\u201d<\/li>\n
- \u201cI would definitely recommend this class to fellow librarians; I refreshed the Spanish I do (did) know and learned a lot in a few weeks. Having only 2 other students in the class meant there was a lot of one-on-one attention.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u2757Spanish classes resume in February, so <\/em>get on the wait list<\/em><\/a> if you\u2019re interested.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"free](\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2025\/12\/spanish-for-librarians-class-2.png\")
<\/a>Get on the wait list for the free 4-week Spanish class for library professionals!<\/p><\/div>\n
Promoting ASL & Deaf Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"ASL](\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2025\/08\/ASL-for-Babies-and-Children-Course-images.png\")
<\/p>\n
Added only a few years ago, American Sign Language is also a top 5 most-learned language among library patrons. So we thought it was time to expand this collection too.<\/p>\n
ASL for Babies & Children Course<\/strong><\/h3>\nCreated by the experts at Signing Savvy (who created our\u00a0Beginner ASL course for adults), this new ASL for Babies & Children Course<\/a> is made for parents, teachers, and caretakers who want to learn to sign with a child\u2014whether they\u2019re Deaf or hearing.<\/p>\nThe lessons emphasize natural, everyday situations, from play time to potty time, so you can incorporate ASL into the moments you\u2019re already sharing.<\/p>\n
\u201cSupporting Deaf Patrons & Culture at Your Library\u201d Event<\/strong><\/h3>\nSupporting Deaf patrons goes beyond ASL. It goes beyond even the Deaf patrons.<\/p>\n
In September, we celebrated Deaf Awareness Month by helping library staff celebrate Deaf culture with their entire communities.<\/p>\n
303 library professionals joined us for a discussion with the experts at Signing Savvy to explore ideas for supporting Deaf patrons and promoting Deaf culture<\/a> at your library.<\/p>\nAttendees also got a copy of a free Deaf Culture Outreach Guide<\/a> with recommended books, resources, and programming ideas to promote Deaf culture at your library.<\/p>\n![\"promoting](\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2025\/12\/Supporting-Deaf-Patrons-event-2.png\")
<\/p>\n
Promoting Indigenous Languages & Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\nThanks to our partnership with 7000 Languages, patrons can explore more than 40 Indigenous languages in Transparent Language Online.<\/p>\n
This year we added four new Indigenous languages<\/a>, spoken in every corner of North America:<\/p>\n\n- Chinuk Wawa (Pacific Northwest)<\/li>\n
- Comanche (Oklahoma)<\/li>\n
- Hupa (Northern California)<\/li>\n
- Tai\u0301no (Caribbean)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u201cAmplifying Indigenous Voices at Your Library\u201d Event<\/strong><\/h3>\nPatrons of Caribbean descent can explore the language of their ancestors with the world\u2019s first online Tai\u0301no course<\/a>. Once thought extinct, there are actually 16+ million descendants living in the US today.<\/p>\nThe course creator, Priscilla Col\u00f3n, joined us for a live event to discuss how libraries can play a role in amplifying Indigenous voices<\/a>. That includes Indigenous book recommendations, seed library tie-ins, and Indigenous-focused events.<\/p>\nPlatform Updates & Staff Training<\/strong><\/h2>\nLest you think all we did this year was add new languages and courses, your library patrons can now:<\/p>\n
\n- Learn on the go<\/a> with a fully redesigned mobile app<\/li>\n
- Earn badges<\/a> to celebrate their learning milestones<\/li>\n
- Keep their learning streaks alive<\/a> with home screen widgets<\/li>\n
- Localize the interface<\/a> in new languages including Ukrainian and German.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To keep up with all these updates in Transparent Language Online, subscribing libraries were invited to more than a dozen library staff training webinars<\/a> throughout the year.<\/p>\nAnd you can always keep up with the updates and get marketing ideas on a monthly basis with the monthly marketing newsletter<\/a>! It\u2019ll be the best way to hear about the many exciting updates coming in 2026. There\u2019s a lot to look forward to.<\/p>\nOn that note, thank you for another incredible year (and another MLA Platinum Award<\/a>, nbd). Happy new year and as always, happy learning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2025\/12\/English-course-for-Fulani-speakers-1-264x350.png\")
Technically, 2025 was the year of the snake. For us, it was the year of the librarian. Every year we add new languages and courses to meet library patrons\u2019 emerging needs and interests. We did plenty of that this year. But this year, we paired every major platform update with a professional development event for…<\/p>\n
New ESOL Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n- \n
- English for Newcomers Course: <\/strong>Immigrants and refugees can quickly learn key English vocabulary and culture concepts in the new English for Newcomers course<\/a>. Originally released in 15 languages, so many libraries requested additions that it\u2019s now available for speakers of 23 languages. That includes some brand new languages for us, including English for speakers of Bengali, Cambodian, Fulani, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Karen, and Tigrinya.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u2757Canadian English for Newcomers is coming in early 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- English for Marshallese & Kurdish speakers:<\/strong> Per library request, we also added beginner English courses for speakers of Marshallese and Kurdish<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- US Citizenship Test Course (2025 Version):<\/strong> In September, USCIS announced an update to the US Citizenship test effective in October. To help test takers prep for the new 128-question civics section, we launched a 2025 version of our American Citizenship Test course<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u2757A Spanish version of the course is coming in early 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- 5-minute English Test:<\/strong> Speaking of tests, we launched our own English test! The 5-minute English proficiency estimator<\/a> estimates learners\u2019 possible score ranges on six common scales. Learners can take the test for free to see if they\u2019re ready for paid tests like the TOEFL\u2122 or IELTS\u2122.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Supporting ELLs Panel Discussion Series<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Learning English doesn\u2019t happen solely on an app. So, to help library staff better support their English learners beyond our platform, we launched a panel discussion series.<\/p>\n
598 library professionals joined us this year to get advice from their peers about <\/strong>hosting English Conversation Clubs<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>running US Citizenship classes<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n
Stay tuned for invites to our 2026 panel events. (If you want to get on the invite list, download our ELL Programs Guide<\/a>. You\u2019ll get 50 pages of free advice from your peers running cool English programs and<\/em> invites to upcoming events.)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nLive Spanish Classes for Library Professionals<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Another way library staff can support their ELL patrons? Learn a bit of their language.<\/p>\n
Luckily, we know a thing or two about that.<\/p>\n
In January, we piloted our first ever 4-week Spanish for Librarians class<\/a>.<\/p>\n
A blend of self-guided lessons in Transparent Language Online and small group classes with a Spanish teacher. Completely free.<\/p>\n
The first Spanish for Librarians class went so well we ran 18 more, reaching 68 library professionals. <\/strong>Don\u2019t take our word for it though. Here\u2019s what students had to say:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \u201cI gained valuable knowledge in library vocabulary, got to practice in applicable situations, and gained cultural knowledge that will also be very valuable to my job.\u201d<\/li>\n
- \u201cI would recommend – vocabulary specific to libraries was great, and I liked the dialogue conversation exercises – the practicing aloud. The instructor jumped right in, made us speak, she was approachable and not intimidating.\u201d<\/li>\n
- \u201cI would definitely recommend this class to fellow librarians; I refreshed the Spanish I do (did) know and learned a lot in a few weeks. Having only 2 other students in the class meant there was a lot of one-on-one attention.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u2757Spanish classes resume in February, so <\/em>get on the wait list<\/em><\/a> if you\u2019re interested.<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/a>Get on the wait list for the free 4-week Spanish class for library professionals!<\/p><\/div>\n
Promoting ASL & Deaf Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nAdded only a few years ago, American Sign Language is also a top 5 most-learned language among library patrons. So we thought it was time to expand this collection too.<\/p>\n
ASL for Babies & Children Course<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Created by the experts at Signing Savvy (who created our\u00a0Beginner ASL course for adults), this new ASL for Babies & Children Course<\/a> is made for parents, teachers, and caretakers who want to learn to sign with a child\u2014whether they\u2019re Deaf or hearing.<\/p>\n
The lessons emphasize natural, everyday situations, from play time to potty time, so you can incorporate ASL into the moments you\u2019re already sharing.<\/p>\n
\u201cSupporting Deaf Patrons & Culture at Your Library\u201d Event<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Supporting Deaf patrons goes beyond ASL. It goes beyond even the Deaf patrons.<\/p>\n
In September, we celebrated Deaf Awareness Month by helping library staff celebrate Deaf culture with their entire communities.<\/p>\n
303 library professionals joined us for a discussion with the experts at Signing Savvy to explore ideas for supporting Deaf patrons and promoting Deaf culture<\/a> at your library.<\/p>\n
Attendees also got a copy of a free Deaf Culture Outreach Guide<\/a> with recommended books, resources, and programming ideas to promote Deaf culture at your library.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nPromoting Indigenous Languages & Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Thanks to our partnership with 7000 Languages, patrons can explore more than 40 Indigenous languages in Transparent Language Online.<\/p>\n
This year we added four new Indigenous languages<\/a>, spoken in every corner of North America:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Chinuk Wawa (Pacific Northwest)<\/li>\n
- Comanche (Oklahoma)<\/li>\n
- Hupa (Northern California)<\/li>\n
- Tai\u0301no (Caribbean)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u201cAmplifying Indigenous Voices at Your Library\u201d Event<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Patrons of Caribbean descent can explore the language of their ancestors with the world\u2019s first online Tai\u0301no course<\/a>. Once thought extinct, there are actually 16+ million descendants living in the US today.<\/p>\n
The course creator, Priscilla Col\u00f3n, joined us for a live event to discuss how libraries can play a role in amplifying Indigenous voices<\/a>. That includes Indigenous book recommendations, seed library tie-ins, and Indigenous-focused events.<\/p>\n
Platform Updates & Staff Training<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Lest you think all we did this year was add new languages and courses, your library patrons can now:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Learn on the go<\/a> with a fully redesigned mobile app<\/li>\n
- Earn badges<\/a> to celebrate their learning milestones<\/li>\n
- Keep their learning streaks alive<\/a> with home screen widgets<\/li>\n
- Localize the interface<\/a> in new languages including Ukrainian and German.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To keep up with all these updates in Transparent Language Online, subscribing libraries were invited to more than a dozen library staff training webinars<\/a> throughout the year.<\/p>\n
And you can always keep up with the updates and get marketing ideas on a monthly basis with the monthly marketing newsletter<\/a>! It\u2019ll be the best way to hear about the many exciting updates coming in 2026. There\u2019s a lot to look forward to.<\/p>\n
On that note, thank you for another incredible year (and another MLA Platinum Award<\/a>, nbd). Happy new year and as always, happy learning.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Technically, 2025 was the year of the snake. For us, it was the year of the librarian. Every year we add new languages and courses to meet library patrons\u2019 emerging needs and interests. We did plenty of that this year. But this year, we paired every major platform update with a professional development event for…<\/p>\n
- Earn badges<\/a> to celebrate their learning milestones<\/li>\n
- Learn on the go<\/a> with a fully redesigned mobile app<\/li>\n
- US Citizenship Test Course (2025 Version):<\/strong> In September, USCIS announced an update to the US Citizenship test effective in October. To help test takers prep for the new 128-question civics section, we launched a 2025 version of our American Citizenship Test course<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- English for Marshallese & Kurdish speakers:<\/strong> Per library request, we also added beginner English courses for speakers of Marshallese and Kurdish<\/a>.<\/li>\n