Powell and Lewis Center families can read children's picture books in more than 115 languages for free through the Delaware County District Library.

The library, known as DCDL, announced Sept. 16 that it added LOTE4Kids, a digital collection of more than 10,000 audio-picture books for children. LOTE stands for Languages Other Than English.

Each book features narration by professional native speakers. Children can listen and read along in their preferred language while building vocabulary and confidence. The narration is performed by real people, not artificial intelligence, according to descriptions of the service from library systems offering the resource.

The collection spans more than 115 languages and includes five sign languages: American Sign Language, Australian Sign Language, British Sign Language, Irish Sign Language and New Zealand Sign Language.

Beyond audio-picture books, the collection includes bilingual titles and learning activities alongside story content. New titles and activities are added each month, the library said.

The resource is aimed at multilingual households, children learning English, educators looking for classroom material and families who want storytelling in languages beyond English.

Cardholders can log in at the library's research resources page using their library card number and PIN. Residents who do not yet have a card can sign up through the LOTE4Kids login page.

Nicole Fowles, the DCDL's communications coordinator, is the point of contact for questions about the collection. The library's Liberty Branch is at 7468 Steitz Road in Powell.

The library has not announced a specific launch event or storytime program tied to LOTE4Kids. Families interested in upcoming DCDL programs can check the library's events calendar at delawarelibrary.org.