PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Hailey Public Library is launching two new language learning programs in response to requests from members of the community.

Neighborly Spanish is a free, weekly, 6-week course offering basic Spanish language skills seasoned with a little history and culture.

Taught by retired local teacher Jim King, the hour-long class starts at noon Monday, Feb. 27, and runs through April 3 at Hailey Town Center West. Enrollment is limited to 20 and pre-registration required with kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org.

The second offering is Intercambio, a weekly English/Spanish language exchange that starts from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 at HaileyTown Center West.  Intercambio is a drop-in opportunity for language learners to practice their skills with each other in a friendly, facilitated environment. All levels are welcome.

“Almost all of our ideas for programs come directly from our community and these two classes are a perfect example,” said Kristin Fletcher, the library’s programs and engagement manager.  “The idea behind Neighborly is to learn enough Spanish to greet a neighbor or say hello to a cashier whose native language is Spanish or to chat with someone fixing your irrigation system. Intercambio sprang from someone’s desire to work on their conversational Spanish. We thought native Spanish speakers might like to practice their English through conversation, too. Both programs are really about helping to create a bilingual, bi-cultural community where everyone feels welcome and heard.”

Hailey Town Center West is located across from the library at 116 S River Street in Hailey.  For more information, contact the library at 208-788-2036.