Library offers English as a second language course
The Town and Country Public Library in Elburn is one of only 34 libraries nationwide to receive a grant to teach courses in English as a second language.
The grant is funded by the Dollar General Stores Literacy Foundation and implemented by the American Library Association. The grant is titled "The American Dream Starts @ Your Library."
"We were really delighted to find out we got the grant," said Dwayne Nelson, youth services and reference librarian. "The course is a great opportunity to learn English in a structured atmosphere."
Nelson says 10 students are enrolled in the course which meets Monday and Wednesday evenings over eight weeks and offers 45 hours of instruction. The teachers are certified ELS instructors from Waubonsee Community College.
"Some of our students want to get a better job, some want to relate better to their neighbors," Nelson said. "We have people at all levels, some are quite fluent."
The grant has also allowed the library to provide child care for parents who are in class. Children as young as toddlers are cared for in the children's library where they can hear stories or read.
Another course will begin in January.
Nelson said the library will also have the funds to buy instructional books, DVDs and audio tapes for its collection.
Call Nelson at (630) 365-2244 for details.
Volunteers needed: Volunteers are needed for restoration work at two local forest preserves on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Work will begin at 9 a.m. at Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, just east of Bliss Road and Route 47 (north of I-88) in Sugar Grove.
Tasks will include pulling mustard garlic, an invasive weed, and blocking illegal trails.
Volunteers are also needed to plant oak trees from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve on Hughes Road, one mile west of Fabyan Parkway in Elburn. The forest preserve wants to recreate an oak savanna there.
Volunteers need to wear long pants, study shoes, and bring mosquito repellent.
Call volunteer coordinator Julia Bourque at (630) 762-2741 for details.
Seniors to meet: The Elburn Seniors will meet at noon Thursday, Oct. 2 to share a meal and fellowship at Lions Park, 500 Filmore St. in Elburn. Guests should bring a dish to share. For details, call (630) 466-4495.
Fallout from rainout: The stormy, flooded weekend of Sept. 13-14 ruined many plans for both outdoor and indoor activities. One casualty was the craft fair scheduled for Fall Harvest Day at Blackberry Farm, along with other activities.
The craft fair will be rescheduled for the pumpkin patch weekend of Oct. 11 and 12 at Blackberry Farm which is at 100 S. Barnes Road in Aurora.
We'll let you know when we have more details.