Transparent Language

The online language learning tool, Transparent Language is back at WPL! The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has added this resource to the statewide database offerings for FY2027, and you can access it through our database pages.

Transparent Language offers over 100+ languages covering essential fundamentals, general vocabulary, intermediate and advanced courses. In addition, it also includes American Sign Language (ASL), English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and over 40 indigenous language courses.

Lessons are designed to build skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. Whether you’re starting at the very beginning with a new alphabet or you’re an intermediate learner, this resource has something for everyone! It is available for in-library and remote access through a computer or through iOS/Android app on a mobile device. You can use the resource as a guest or if you want to save your progress, you can create an account. 

Feel free to reach us by phone at 508-799-1655, ext.3 or via email if you have any questions about this resource or any of our other online offerings.

Fire Insurance Maps Online (FIMo)

FIMo is a searchable database of color fire insurance maps, real estate atlases, plat books, and other historical maps of Massachusetts. Commonly known as Sanborn maps, these illustrations of high-definition show building structures, construction details, past property uses and their ownership, location of roads, railroads, and many other useful information.

Genealogists, historians, preservationists and others researching cities and buildings will find these maps very helpful. You can access this resource from our databases page. In-library use is available from all of our branches while remote access requires a WPL library card.

Insurance Maps of Worcester, Massachusetts, Volume One, 1936 Sheet 18

Perform an Interactive Map Search or a Place Name Search to find map locations for towns in Massachusetts. Once you identify the map of interest, it can be downloaded as a JPEG image or saved as a PDF document to print. Each map comes with a Key which explains the map symbols and corresponding colors. If the map was revised at any time, the Correction Record would include the dates changes were made.

Key to Volume One, Insurance Maps of Worcester, Massachusetts

For help with search tools and interpreting Sanborn maps, click on the appropriate topic in the drop down menu on the top. 

If you need help researching this database, contact us at 508-799-1655, ext. 3 to speak with a librarian, or email us your question.

New Electronic Resources @ WPL

 CRAFT & HOBBY

An online platform that caters to a wide range of interests to fun and creative educational resources.  One can explore in-depth instructional videos and classes to learn a new hobby or improve existing skills. Sewing, fitness, cake decorating, woodworking, crochet, painting, knitting, photography and many more activities are available. Some content is also available in Spanish. Classes cater to both beginners and advanced learners, and individuals can learn at their own pace. Some content is also available in Spanish.

PRESSREADER

A digital newsstand featuring more than 7,000 of the world's popular newspapers and magazines in many languages. Enjoy instant access to news and articles from thousands of miles away in full-color, full-page format. It includes advertisements, classifieds and everything else you would see on the paper format. it's just like reading the print edition! Download the app for use with a mobile device.

LOTE4KIDS

A storybook read along platform for young children, where you can read and listen to books in more than 60 languages. Families who want to teach their children another language from the comforts of their home will find this resource very helpful. Every title is fully animated with English translations to help kids learn languages and develop reading and listening skills. Parents and caregivers may also find access to American Sign Language very useful. Download the app for use with a mobile device.

All resources are available from our database pages for both in-library and remote use. A WPL card is required for remote access.