Language Learning

With Cell-Ed, your phone (basic or smart) becomes your teacher and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Learn English and other subjects like citizenship, math, or job skills all from your phone. Interact with live coaches over a call, text messaging, or download the app. No WiFi or internet required.

To get started, please fill out a short form, opens a new window and we will contact you with further instructions. For more information, please email us.

This resource is intended for adults within the San Mateo County Libraries service area.

Con Cell-Ed, ¡su teléfono (básico o “smart”) se convierte en su maestro y está disponible las 24 horas del día, 7 días de la semana! Aprenda inglés y otras materias como ciudadanía, matemáticas o habilidades para el trabajo con su teléfono. Interactúa con maestros a través de una llamada, mensajes de texto o por descargrar la aplicación. No se requiere WiFi ni internet.

Para comenzar, complete una breve encuesta, opens a new window y le contactaremos con más instrucciones. Para obtener más información, envíenos un correo electrónico.

Este recurso es para adultos que están dentro del área de servicio de las bibliotecas del condado de San Mateo.

Note: This resource is no longer active. This resource was previously available thanks to funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. Patrons who previously registered for access prior to the end date can log in by going directly to the Coursera website, opens a new window.

Live real-time homework assistance is available for California K-12 students 24 hours a day by laptop, tablet or phone from qualified tutors using state curriculum and standards. 24/7 assistance is available in English and Spanish for Language Arts and Mathematics.

Every day between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM, assistance is available in core K-12 subjects in the following languages:

• English
• Spanish
• Mandarin
• Cantonese
• Vietnamese
• Tagalog

Tutors can provide a virtual whiteboard, conduct live audio interactions with students and work with learners on a wide range of concepts. Students are expected to work through the content and learn from the feedback. Tutors do not provide answers — they provide guidance and help. All tutors have passed background checks and possess, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree.

Lynda.com is now LinkedIn Learning! Read more about this upgrade on our blog.

A constantly growing library of more than 8,500 courses in streaming video format with 40-60 new courses added weekly. Subjects covered range from 3D + Animation, Audio, Business including Office and Google software, Design, Developer, Photography and Video, and Web and Social Media. Videos use screenshots, narration, live-action, smart boards, charts and graphics, audio, and include captioning. Courses are available for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced learning tracks. This year’s subscription to LinkedIn Learning is funded through the California State Library.

To use the mobile app:

1. Download the LinkedIn Learning app for iOS, opens a new window or Android, opens a new window.
2. Tap Sign in
3. Tap Sign in with your Library Card under the Continue button.
4. Enter smcl when prompted to Enter your Library ID and tap Continue.
5. Sign in with your 29041, 29731 or 29735 library card and PIN.

This resource is available thanks to funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

LinkedIn Learning Help, opens a new window

Newspaper articles in simple English about current events and other interesting topics that can help you learn to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Seven new stories are posted each Wednesday, along with audio, exercises, vocabulary, a crossword puzzle, a word search, and a poll. Listen to each story in full or sentence-by-sentence.

Learn a new language with Pronunciator! Choose from any of the 163 languages in Pronunciator and dive in with self-directed lessons, live teachers, movies, music, and more. Learn at your own pace or join a live teaching session. Requires 29041, 29731 or 29735 library card.

A Pronunciator app, written in responsive HTML5, is available and can be used in any browser — including browsers on any mobile device. You must first register an account with Pronunciator to use the app.

Pronunciator Help, opens a new window

Students can access all of Redwood City Public Library's eResources using their Empower Card. Requires 29731 or 29735 library card.

A collection of eBooks, videos, and talking books with fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and foreign language learning titles. Also includes videos and puzzles/games. Requires 29041, 29731 or 29735 library card.

Una colección de libros electrónicos, videos y libros hablados con títulos de ficción, no ficción, novelas gráficas y aprendizaje de idiomas extranjeros. También incluye videos y rompecabezas/juegos. Requiere tarjeta de biblioteca 29041, 29731 o 29735.

An online learning platform for San Mateo County Libraries cardholders who want to improve work-related skills or further develop a personal interest. Users can search through more than 4,000 continuously updated, on-demand video courses across 75 categories in business, technology, design, health, mindfulness, and more. Requires 29041, 29731 or 29735 library card.

To Use the App:

1. 1. Download the Udemy for Business app in the View available apps below.
   2. Open the app and enter gale.udemy.com as the organization account and click Next.
   3. Under Find Your Institution select Public Library and search for San Mateo County Library.
   4. Click San Mateo County Library and you’ll be taken to the screen where you can enter your library card number and click Sign In.
   5. You’ll be taken to the screen where you can sign in using a Google or Microsoft account.

Udemy Help, opens a new window

Provides live help with VA benefits and resources. Also includes support tools, college skills tools (including free tutoring), and job-hunting help for veterans transitioning from the military to civilian life.

This resource is available thanks to funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.