Suffolk and the surrounding area are home to a diverse population including people who speak English as a second language. From helping children with homework to advancing in careers, a solid understanding of the English language can open up many opportunities and also help develop deeper connections in our community.

Thanks to a $10,000 American Dream Literacy Initiative grant from the American Library Association and Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Suffolk Public Library is able to support adults in their English language learning goals.

Beginning June 6, Suffolk Public Library will offer free ESL classes at its North Suffolk Library location from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Road. The classes for the summer session run weekly through Aug. 29 and will provide lessons in a fun and welcoming environment. Volunteers from Suffolk Literacy Council will be available after each class for individual assistance. Due to the Independence Day holiday, there will be no class on July 4.

In addition to weekly classes, the library will host a Conversation Group twice a month at its North Suffolk Library location. Participants can enjoy coffee and conversation with other ESL learners to increase their vocabulary and speaking skills. The group will meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on June 4 and 18, July 2 and 16, and Aug. 6 and 20 for the summer session.

Participants do not need to be library members to attend and registration is not required. More information can be found online at suffolkpubliclibrary.com/ESL.

Suffolk Public Library was selected to receive the grant through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process. Eighty-five public libraries applied for the 20 available grants, according to the ALA Public Programs Office.

The American Dream Literacy Initiative strives to develop tools and resources for libraries and library staff to provide effective literacy services to adult English language learners in their communities and across the country.

Since the program’s inception, more than 200 libraries in Dollar General communities have initiated or expanded literacy services for adult English language learners. The grants allow libraries to augment their print and digital English as a second language collections, increase computer access and training, provide job training, hold general educational development and citizenship classes, and raise the visibility of services for immigrant populations.

The American Dream Literacy Initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

To learn more about the Suffolk Public Library, visit www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com. Follow the library on Twitter @SufPubLib and check for updates on Facebook at Facebook.com/SuffolkPublicLibrary.