The Seattle Public Library is excited to announce that it’s received a prestigious $450,000 grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York that will fund a significant expansion of the Library’s free English language learning programs over the next two years.
The grant to the Seattle Public Library Foundation is part of Carnegie’s “Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy” initiative, which is awarding a total of $5 million to 11 libraries in nine states to strengthen English language learning and college access programs.
The grant is expected to help the Library provide more language learning and digital literacy programs, including:
- English Conversation Circles, which offer a welcoming place for learners to practice English skills;
- English classes, including an advanced ESL class to help participants prepare for college;
- Adult tutoring sessions, with one-on-one and small group instruction in English, citizenship and basic skills; and
- Computer classes in multiple languages that allow students to earn a laptop.
“Libraries are places where people build knowledge, skills, and agency,” – said Ambika Kapur, an Education program director at Carnegie. “This initiative reflects our belief in investing in civic participation — wherever people come together to learn.”
English language learning programs are currently offered at the Beacon Hill, Broadview, Delridge, Lake City, NewHolly, Northgate and Rainier Beach branches. Programs will be added to the Central Library, and to the International District/Chinatown, High Point, South Park and Southwest branches.
Some programs will be available online, and some in-person programs will offer free onsite childcare to make it easier for parents to attend. More information about these programs will be available beginning this fall…