You can get a great Mexican meal anywhere in the metro, but where's the best place to go to learn how to order that meal in Spanish?

The answer could well be your local public library.

In Oklahoma County , the Metropolitan Library System hosts free classes for both English speakers who want to learn Spanish and those who would like to learn English throughout the year.

" Oklahoma is increasingly a bi-lingual state," observed Capitol Hill Library Manager Phil Tolbert, "and we can all benefit from knowing a little Spanish."

Capitol Hill Library will host Street Smart Spanish for Adults on Mondays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

With the teacher's permission and space allowing, people can join the class at any time, says Tolbert. For more information, please call Capitol Hill Library at 634-6308.

If you're interested in learning Farsi, even if you have no knowledge of the language, Edmond Library is the place for you. The class progresses rapidly and acquisition of the alphabet is emphasized. The class meets weekly, and the fee is $20.00. Call 341-9282 for more information.

MLS, in partnership with the Mid-Del Adult Learning Center , also offers classes to people for whom English is a second language. Libraries participating include Belle Isle Library, Edmond Library, and Warr Acres Library. Classes are designed for people who are new to English and want to improve their speaking, reading and writing skills.

The ESL classes are free of charge. Each class lasts three hours with classes held over a certain period of time. For more information about dates and times at each library, call 739-1783.

Those who aspire to learn the language of Braveheart 's William Wallace can join the Scottish Gaelic Language Learner's Group at the Midwest City Library. Classes meet every other Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Beginners may observe language lessons and the interaction of advanced students.

The Scottish Gaelic course is free and open to the public. Call 732-4828 for more information.

For the latest information (or to see if a class is starting at your local library), check the MLS events calendar at www.metrolibrary.org.

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org.