Free English Classes for Speakers of Other Languages
Offered at 20 Neighborhood Libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten
Island
New Winter 2002/2003 Schedule Includes Classes Combining
Language and Civics; Registration Begins January 4
New York, NY, December 21, 2002 -- Adults and
young adults over age 16 wishing to improve their English-speaking skills
can sign up at one of The New York Public Library’s free English-for-Speakers-of-Other
Languages (ESOL) classes, beginning January 4. The classes, which start
a week after registration, will take place in 20 of the Library’s
branches throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Adults who
would like to enroll must register in person at the branch library where
the classes will be held. As space is limited, registration will be drawn
by lot at all branches, and an English test is given at the time of registration
to determine class placement. Please
see the schedule for exact dates, times, and locations for all classes.
New Program Combines Language and Civics Classes
Five sites feature combined ESOL/Civics Education classes to prepare immigrants
to participate more effectively in education, work, and civic opportunities
such as learning about a local Community Board, a school’s parent-teacher
association, and the electoral process. The class will help students learn
about United States government and customs in preparation for citizenship.
Made possible through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and funded by
the New York State Education Department, Office of Workforce Preparation
and Continuing Education, these combination classes will take place at
the Kingsbridge Regional and Soundview Libraries in the Bronx; the Hamilton
Fish Park and Inwood Regional Libraries (Saturday classes) in Manhattan;
and the New Dorp Regional Library in Staten Island.
About the Library’s ESOL Program
Designed to help adults who are not native English speakers develop basic
conversational skills, the Library’s ESOL program addresses the different
needs and ability levels of all students. Classes provide a mutually supportive
atmosphere in which students are encouraged to converse with one another.
Last year, over 2,500 people registered for ESOL classes at New York Public
Library branches. Students who enroll in this program represent more than
50 countries, including Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico,
Mexico, Venezuela, China, Japan, Russia, Korea, Vietnam, El Salvador,
Poland, Albania, and many other countries.
An English test for class placement will be given immediately following
registration. Please do not bring children to registration. For more information
on the ESOL program, call the Library’s Office of Community Outreach
Services at 212.340.0918, or visit www.nypl.org/branch.
Funding
This program is sponsored in part by The New
York Public Library in association with the Riverside Language Program,
Inc., and partially supported by the New York State Coordinated Outreach
Services Grant, the New York City Adult Literacy Initiative, the New York
State Adult Literacy Services Grant, Federal Library Services and Technology
Act funds, awarded to The New York State Library by the Federal Institute
of Museum and Library Services, the estate of Rosalind K. Lyon, and by
the Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Charitable Trust, and by Federal
funds allocated under Title II, section 231 (e) of the Workforce Investment
Act (WIA) awarded by the New York State Education Department, Office of
Workforce Preparation and Continuing Education.
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Contact: Debbie Bujosa, 212.704.8600.
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