The Middletown Public Library has launched two new circulating collections: 425 books in nine languages and 58 video games, its first.
The World Language Collection covers children, teens and adults in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. The library initially planned to focus on Spanish and Portuguese, but expanded after talking with Middletown schools and Naval Station Newport about what the community needed. About 40 books previously shelved in the children’s section were folded in, so materials for all ages sit together.
Six titles were placed on hold the first day the collection went live, according to the library.
The video game collection includes 58 titles for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5, borrowable free with a card like any other material.
“You might be looking for something to read in a language you speak, learning a new language, or wanting to try a video game before spending $60 or $70 to buy it,” said Library Director Kimberly Usselman. “Your library card gives you the opportunity to explore all of those things for free.”
Both collections are available now at 700 West Main Road, and holds can be placed through the library’s online catalog at middletownpubliclibraryri.org.
The project was funded by a Library of Rhode Island Mini Grant from the state Office of Library and Information Services, using federal Institute of Museum and Library Services money.
