ESL CONVERSATION CAFÉ

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

The ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation Café is a English language conversation program offered by Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) in which non-native-English-speaking residents can practice speaking English in a relaxed environment, while learning more about the United States and their local community. The ESL Conversation Café offers any adult member of Henrico’s immigrant community the opportunity to practice speaking English, meet new people, and participate in an American experience. The program was developed by library staff in response to the growing diversity of the county. The Cafés are held the second Wednesday of each month at the Tuckahoe Area Library and the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Dumbarton Area Library. Each café is 60-90 minutes. No registration is necessary and participants can attend as many of the sessions as they like. Conversations are guided by library staff and native-English-speaking volunteers to help participants learn more about American language and culture, to give them a chance to describe their own cultures, and to have fun. The Cafés offer an opportunity to introduce immigrants to the many resources of the Henrico County Public Library, and often conclude with a tour of the library for first time participants.