ESL Classes at Leonia Library

Frequently Asked Questions‍ ‍자주 묻는 질문

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.

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 are classes held?

Classes are held Monday to Friday with a maximum of 8 students per class.

There are two semesters; Fall and Spring.

Spring 2026 Classes begin on January 12th and end the week of June 8, 2026.

• Morning classes -

  • 10:30am-12pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

• Afternoon classes -

  • Wednesdays @ 6pm-7:30pm

  • Thursdays @ 1:30pm-3pm

  • Fridays @ 2:30pm-4pm

• Drop-In Conversation on Wednesdays @ 11am-12pm will continue through July.

• No Saturdays or Sundays

We will not have class whenever the library or the Leonia schools are closed. School closure dates are as follows:

• January 19th - MLK Jr. Day (Schools and Library closed)

• February 16-17th - Winter Break (Schools closed)

• March 19th - School Staff Professional Development (Schools Closed)

• March 20th - Eid al-Fitr (Schools closed)

• April 3rd - Good Friday (Schools and Library closed)

• April 6-10th - Spring Break (Schools closed)

• May 25th - Memorial Day (Schools and Library closed)

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.

When does the semester begin?

SPRING 2026 — January 12, 2026 to June 8, 2026

FALL 2026 — September 14, 2026 to December 18. 2026

SPRING 2027 — February 1, 2027 to May 28, 2027

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?

Register in August for Fall classes. Register in December for Spring classes. You can also register at any time, but if the semester has already started, the classes may be full.

Where do I register as a STUDENT?

In person:  Ask for the registration 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

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.