Take advantage of library's literacy classes
If you can easily read and understand the articles in this newspaper, you have a great advantage over the 30 million adults in the U.S. who cannot read better than an average third-grader, along with the countless immigrants who are struggling to learn English and obtain citizenship.
Without basic reading and writing skills, it is difficult to find jobs, support families or pass the U.S. Naturalization Test. For both of those groups, the Schaumburg Township District Library, partnering with School District 211/214, provides literacy classes that can open new worlds and expand opportunities.
English speaking adults will benefit from individual reading lessons in a one-to-one instructional setting. Those learning English as a second language (ESL) will take writing and listening tests to determine their proficiency levels before getting placed in the appropriate classes.
The library is committed to literacy programs and wants to get the word out about these free classes, as well as the free literacy computer software available to use in the library's second floor Computer Lab. If you know someone who is learning English as a second language or needs assistance with reading skills, you may want to share the following information.
Read to Learn and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are available each fall and spring. They are run by literacy coordinator Pat Barch, who is happy to answer questions about classes and registration. Contact her at (847) 923-3387 or email pbarch@stdl.org.
A full listing of classes, with dates, times and descriptions is available in the library's August-September Program Guide, which will be mailed to Schaumburg Township residents in late July, and will also be available online at www.schaumburglibrary.org.
For ESL classes, new students should sign up on the registration and testing dates. No other registration is necessary, so do not call, mail or fax registration.
The 10-week Read To Learn class begins with registration and testing at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, in the Rasmussen Room. Students will learn how to read and write. This free class is funded through the Illinois Secretary of State Literacy Office.
In the Literacy Learning Lab, which is open from 9:30 a.m. until noon Mondays, students of English can use software programs to learn vocabulary, ESL, English grammar and reading comprehension. No registration is necessary.
Those who are able to read and speak English, but are still working to enhance their skills, are invited to attend the Advanced Conversation Club, which meets from 10 a.m. until noon Wednesdays, September through June, in the Central Library (Schaumburg), and Thursdays at the Hoffman Estates Branch.
Participants improve their conversational English in this free club. Additionally, they learn the traditions, holidays, culture and idioms of the United States. To register, contact Pat Barch. This group is limited to 17 students at each location.
ESL classes begin with orientation Aug. 24 or 25, followed by testing and registration Aug. 26 or 27. Depending on the level to which a student is assigned, classes begin Sept. 16 or 17. This free, 12-week class meets twice weekly in either the morning or afternoon. The time assigned for student classes depends on test scores. Night classes are also available, however, they take place at Conant or Palatine high schools.
Perhaps you have excellent reading and writing skills and would like to use them to help others. Read to Learn will offer tutor training from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, or Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. New volunteers for the adult literacy program will receive training during this free class. For information, call (847) 718-7724 or fill out an application at ce.d214.org/readtolearn.
If someone you know is struggling to learn English, steer them toward the Schaumburg Township District Library, where classes are free, teachers and tutors are helpful, and resources are abundant.