In-person Learning Resources
Library
All over New York:
the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island
New York Public Library (NYPL) –
We Speak NYC & ESOL Classes
We Speak NYC Conversation Groups (beginner to advanced): drop‑in, Emmy‑winning video‑based English practice sessions—no registration, just show up at various NYPL branches like Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, 96th Street, Webster, or South Beach
Series‑based ESOL classes:
structured 10‑week courses (with shorter summer cycles) in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels; require info session and placement tests
General link: https://web.nypl.org/events/classes/english
Branch | Address | Class Info | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library | 455 Fifth Ave, Manhattan, NY 10016 | Fridays, 2–4 PM; no registration | SNFL – NYPL |
Macomb’s Bridge Library | 2633 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, NY 10039 | MOIA ESOL sessions, limited walk-ins | Macomb's Bridge – We Speak NYC |
Seward Park Library | 192 East Broadway, NY 10002 | Friday classes, walk-ins accepted | Seward Park – We Speak NYC |
St. Agnes Library | 444 Amsterdam Ave, NY 10024 | Friday English conversation group | St. Agnes – We Speak NYC |
Tompkins Square Library | 331 E 10th St, NY 10009 | Saturday afternoon sessions | Tompkins Square – We Speak NYC |
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) –
We Speak NYC Drop‑In & ESOL
We Speak NYC English Class:
We Speak NYC classes are part of the MOIA English Learning and Support Center Program. These beginner-level classes meet weekly for 8 weeks and do not require registration. You receive free English practice materials and each week we’ll cover rights and resources for immigrant New Yorkers.
Welcome English Class:
The library offers free ESOL weekly classes for beginners learning English that give you the chance to improve your English and practice with other adults learning English. Participants should arrive on time because classroom space is limited.
Branch | Address | Class Info | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
Midwood Library | 975 E 16th St, Brooklyn, NY 11230 | Beginner ESOL, drop‑in: Tuesdays 1–3 PM & Fridays 12–2 PM | https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/midwood |
Sheepshead Bay Library | 2636 E 14th St at Ave Z, Brooklyn, NY 11235 | Free beginner ESOL, drop‑in Fridays
5:30–7:30 PM/Saturdays 10:30–12:30 PM | Paerdegat ESOL – BPL |
Clinton Hill Library | 380 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 | Free We Speak NYC beginner ESOL, Fridays 11 AM–1 PM | Clinton Hill ESOL – BPL |
Paerdegat Library | 850 E 59th St at Paerdegat Ave S, Brooklyn, NY 11234 | We Speak NYC English, Thursdays 6–8 PM (8‑week series) | Clinton Hill ESOL – BPL |
Queens
Queens Public Library –
ESOL for Everyday Life
In‑person and virtual ESOL classes for adults (17+) at beginner and intermediate levels, on a 12‑week schedule
Address: 89‑11 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432
Flushing
Flushing Adult Learning Center
(Queens Public Library)
Offers ESOL courses at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, alongside GED prep, tech training, and citizenship workshops.
Address: 41‑17 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355
East Flushing Branch
(Queens Public Library)
Hosts weekly in-person ESOL conversation groups for adults, walk-ins welcome.
Great for speaking practice even without
formal enrollment.
Address: 196-36 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358
Local school newsletter
Fun Activities
Free Museum Lectures & Events
Offers free guided tours and talks which are great for improving listening skills and vocabulary in an engaging setting.
Film at Lincoln Center
Offers free guided tours and talks which are great for improving listening skills and vocabulary in an engaging setting.
Other Online Resources
Learn English Through Movies – Elllo.org
Free ESL site with hundreds of short video clips, movie scenes, and audio interviews—all with transcripts and vocabulary exercises.
Why it’s great: Bite-sized and accessible; some clips feature natural conversation, making it great for everyday English.
ESLnotes.com
The English Learners Movie Guides
Classic ESL resource featuring vocabulary guides, cultural notes, and comprehension questions for dozens of popular movies (e.g., The Devil Wears Prada, Forrest Gump, The Matrix).
No video clips—but fantastic for pre-watching prep and post-watching discussion.