ESL Classes at Leonia Library
The Library hosts weekly conversational ESL classes.
Classes are free, but donations to our ESL Program are welcome!
Questions? Contact Davida Scharf, ESL Program Coordinator - esl@leonia.bccls.org
There is no charge, but the library suggests a $25 donation be made through the QR code or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions 자주 묻는 질문
You can also find the information below at the following link.
Who can take classes?
You must be 18+
Due to limited seating and instructor availability, Leonia residents will have priority. Each participant must have a library card from a BCCLS library, issued in their own name. When space is available, we open enrollment to non-residents on a first-come, first-served basis. If you don’t have a library card, stop by the Circulation Desk.
What is the cost?
There is no charge, but the library suggests a donation of $25 be made on the library website or in person.
You may make a donation through this link.
How many classes can I take?
Students are initially assigned one class each semester. If space is available after we begin, students may request additional classes. Due to high demand, we cannot guarantee placement if you have been in the program for two or more years. All other students will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full.
How will I be placed in a class?
Student placement is determined by skill level and availability. We try to place people according to level, but this is not always possible, so some groups have mixed levels. All new and returning students are required to fill out a registration form online (or in-person at the Library). The form can be found below.
When will I be notified of my placement?
You will receive an email in the 2 weeks prior to the start of class informing you of your placement, and asking you to confirm it.
When are classes held?
Classes are held Monday to Friday with a maximum of 8 students per class. There are two semesters, fall and spring. Classes typically last 90 minutes.
Fall 2026 Classes begin on September 14th.
Drop-In Conversation on Wednesdays @ 11am-12pm
Morning classes–10:30 am
Afternoon classes–1:00 pm or 2:30 pm
What is Drop-In Conversation?
This is an opportunity to practice speaking English without formal instruction. Anyone (residents and non-residents), including English learners and native English speakers, can drop in without registering on Wednesdays from 11am-noon. It is an opportunity for participants to meet their neighbors and learn something about different cultures. This program runs all year.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
No. Learning materials will be provided in class.
Where are classes held? Are classes in person or on Zoom?
Classes are held in person in the Ficke Meeting Room on the main floor of the Leonia library.
When is registration?
You can register at any time, but if the semester has already started, the classes may be full.
Check the Leonia ESL website in August for Fall classes and December for Spring classes.
Where do I register?
In person: You may request a printed form at the Circulation Desk.
Online: Fill out the Google form here.
If you need help with the Form, contact the Circulation Desk or the ESL Program Coordinator at esl@leonia.bccls.org
When are holidays during the semester?
Whenever the library is closed, ESL classes are canceled. Check the Library website for opening times. When the schools are closed but the Library is open, the instructor usually polls the class to decide if class will be held.
In this case, the instructor is responsible for communicating the changes to students, the ESL Coordinator, and the Library staff. See the schedule for 2026-2027
Fall 2026 Holidays
September 14 - Classes begin
September 21 - Yom Kippur (Schools closed)
November 5-6 - School Staff Professional Development (Schools closed)
November 11 - Veterans Day (Library closed)
November 26-27 - Thanksgiving Break (Schools closed, Library open on 27th)
When does the semester begin?
The fall semester typically begins the week after Labor Day in September and runs through mid-December.
The spring semester typically begins around January 15 and runs until early June.
FALL 2026 — September 14, 2026 to December 18. 2026
SPRING 2027 — February 1, 2027 to May 28, 2027
How can I volunteer to become an ESL Tutor?
In Person: request a printed form at the Circulation Desk.
Online: Fill out the Google form here.
What if I still have questions?
Contact the ESL Program Coordinator at esl@leonia.bccls.org.