Seminole County Library Language Learning Lab Opens

Seminole County, FL (March 22, 2023) — The William J. and Gloria Goodman Language Learning Lab opens today with language-learning pods available for Seminole County Library cardholders at all five Seminole County Library Branches. This amenity is the first of its kind at a public library.

Each single-user enclosed study pod serves as a quiet, dedicated space for patrons to practice learning English or another language. Pods are equipped with iPads, headphones, microphones, and access to two premium language-learning databases.

The Language Learning Lab pods can be accessed at no cost to Seminole County Library cardholders during regular Library hours. There are two pods at the Central Branch in Casselberry and one pod at each of the other four Seminole County Library Branches. Another pod is set to open at a later date at the Altamonte Springs City Library.

The Language Lab was made possible with a generous donation from Seminole County resident Harry Jacobs. The donation was made in honor of his wife's parents, William J. and Gloria Goodman, who learned to speak English after immigrating to the United States. Mr. Goodman arrived in the U.S. from Poland in 1933 at age 11, later serving in the U.S. Army and owning a successful property development company.

The pods were uniquely conceptualized by the Seminole County Library team. The language-learning software and seven pods are valued at $90,000, fully funded through the generosity of Mr. Jacobs.

Library cardholders may also access language-learning databases online or attend free in-person ESOL classes given by volunteers from the Adult Literacy League. For more information, visit seminolelibrary.org.