Bluebird Languages

Bluebird is a language-learning app for Android and Apple phones and tablets.  Learn 164 languages with 12.6 million interactive audio lessons - plus unlimited personalized courses.

A valid Allen Public Library card is required to obtain the PIN for access to Bluebird.  Call the Reference Desk at 214.509.4905 for Allen Public Library's PIN code.  Please have your library card number ready when you call. 

Don't have an Allen Public Library card?  Register for a temporary library card using our online form.  

Bluebird languages logo

Getting Started with Bluebird Languages

1. Download the Bluebird app 


Image of Bluebird app

Get it on Google Play.  Download on the App Store.

2. Select "Get Started"

Bluebird languages app startup screen

Here you can register, or log in.

You can also change the interface language (your native language or language you want to learn in) on this screen if desired.  

Locate "I speak" at the very bottom of the screen.  The default language is American English.  To change the language, tap the downfacing arrow.

3. Create an account

Bluebird languages app sign up screen

Sign up for Bluebird by entering your email address and desired password.  If you don't have an email address, a fake email address may be used.  Example:  someone@gmail.com

Make sure you tap the check box next to "I am an institutional user and have a PIN code."  Enter the PIN for Allen Public Library when prompted.

4. Select a language

Bluebird app language selection screen


Now that your account is set up, choose a language to learn.


5.  Activities Screen

Bluebird app activities screenThe example language is French. 

This screen shows the main learning activities: Daily lessons, Personalized Courses, and five language-learning categories (Core Vocabulary, Essential Verbs, Creating Sentences, Powerful Phrases, and Conversation).

6.  The Side Menu
Bluebird side menu screen

Notice the left-facing arrow in the top left of the screen. This will return you to the language selection screen.  From here, tap the three lines in the top left corner of the screen. This will take you to your Side Menu.  The side menu of the app provides quick access to a variety of useful functions.

Support

For further assistance getting started, call the Reference Desk at 214.509.4905 or browse the Bluebird Power User Guide.  

For technical support:

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I log in to Bluebird?

Each participating library is assigned a unique PIN code.  Call the Reference Desk at 214.509.4905 to get the PIN.  Please have your library card number available when you call.  Your card will need to be verified by library staff before you are given the PIN.

Will I need to use the PIN each time I use Bluebird?

No, you only need to enter the PIN the first time you log in to Bluebird.

Do I need to log in to the app each time?

No, Bluebird keeps you logged in between sessions, so you don't need to log in unless you manually log out.

How many languages can I learn?

Bluebird offers over 160 languages for your learning pleasure.  Explore as many as you wish!

Does Bluebird teach grammar in the lessons?

Bluebird teaches grammar implicitly, through examples that illustrate patterns.  It does not teach grammar explicitly (e.g. "A prepositional phrase is a modifying phrase consisting of a proposition and its object.")

Can I personalize Bluebird to my needs?

Yes, personalized audio courses can easily be created based on the user's occupation or personal interests.  Each personalized course comes with a custom PDF study guide.

What features do the lessons offer?

The lessons offer studio-quality audio, timecoded subtitles, timecoded photos that illustrated each instruction phrase, a phonetic text option, indication of noun gender and articles when relevant, and scored quizzes.

Does Bluebird teach the alphabet?

Bluebird's main focus is on teaching you how to speak a language and to understand the language when spoken.  If your goal is to learn how to write in the language of your choice, Bluebird will help you to learn phonemes and sentence structure, but it is not the main focus.

Can I use Bluebird across multiple devices?

Yes, you can use Bluebird on multiple devices.  Bluebird remembers your progress, quiz scores, and preferences across multiple devices automatically.