URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — If you’re looking to learn a new language – or just make some friends – the Urbana Free Library has an event for you.

It’s called the Conversation Cafe. The library hosted their first event Saturday morning. Organizers and attendees both said this first go was a success.

The main three languages learned and taught at this event were English, Spanish and French. But, people could speak whatever they wanted – and learn from each other.

“I want to improve my English. So, I thought that it was a great idea,” attendee Gloria Maren said.

The Urbana Free Library partnered with the school district to start the Conversation Cafe.

“Having some sort of language exchange group would be something that lots of community members would be interested in, especially for families in the dual language programs,” Youth Programming Specialist Olivia Coleman said.

Hosted in the Lewis Auditorium — people could come to get help learning different languages.

“We specifically have advertised it for folks who are looking to practice their English, Spanish or French, but anyone who speaks any language can come,” Coleman said.

Three languages were emphasized because that’s what the district offers in their dual-language programs. But — you can come just to hang out as well.

“Making friendships with people that folks might not have otherwise met and have an opportunity to come together and meet new people is really what we like to do with programs here at the library,” Coleman said.

And friendships were formed. Meet Gloria Maren and Sharon Scott.

“I meet Sharon and I think that we make a partner for the future,” Maren said.

Gloria moved here from Barcelona six months ago. She was looking to improve her English and Sharron wanted to speak Spanish.

“I’ve been doing Duolingo, but I wanted to try to speak Spanish with a person,” attendee Sharon Scott said.

They talked in both languages back and forth.

“She’s helping me with vocabulary that I haven’t learned yet, so it’s great,” Scott said.

Now they’ve planned to start meeting weekly.

Organizers said they plan to host at least two more sessions. They’ll take place on the first Saturday of March and April. Then they’ll evaluate whether to keep the conversation cafe going or not.