The boston public library will expand its english as a second language (ESL) programming to all of its 26 library locations across the city

The Boston Public Library Fund, Inc. received a $155,865 Project Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the National Leadership Grants program (CFDA 45.312) to expand English as a Second Language programming across its 26 library locations in Boston, Massachusetts. The Library Fund will offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced English language classes, as well as test preparation courses for the GED and TOEFL exams. Small group tutoring and volunteer-led conversation groups will also be provided. An additional literacy instructor and volunteer coordinator will be hired to manage and implement the expanded programming. A multilingual marketing and communications campaign will promote the new programs. The grant period runs from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022.

The project will respond to the rising demand for ESL programs, which has been heightened by the pandemic and ultimately helps individuals participate more fully in the workforce and economy. The libraries will offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced english-language classes, as well as test preparation classes for general educational development (GED) and test of english as a foreign language (TOEFL) exams. The libraries also will provide small group tutoring and volunteer-led conversation groups. The library fund will hire an additional literacy instructor and volunteer coordinator to manage and implement the expanded programming. The library fund also will implement a robust marketing and communications campaign in multiple languages to promote the new programs.