Long Beach Public Library Launches English as a Second Language Program

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) is pleased to announce the launch of ESL @ LBPL as the newest component of LB Reads, LBPL's adult literacy program. ESL @ LBPL offers free English language learning programming designed to help adults build their English skills and gain success in their roles as individuals, family members, employees and members of the community, and aims to build confidence and comfortability in learners to excel in an English-dominant city.

"I am delighted to see the Long Beach Public Library take this important step in helping non-native English speakers in our community," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Investing in the ability to provide quality, accurate, multilingual, and culturally appropriate information to non-English speaking communities will help include all residents in our city's decisions."

To celebrate the launch of ESL @ LBPL, LB Reads is hosting an English-Learners Resource Fair on Saturday, June 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 Hill St., Long Beach). Attendees will have the chance to learn more about the program, including enrollment details, and the wide range of resources available. Admission is free, and all members of the community are welcome to attend.

Long Beach has a population of approximately 470,000 people and the most spoken languages other than English are Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. With more than one third of the population speaking a language other than English, it is vital to understand their perspectives and aid in reducing the language barriers within our community both by providing services in the languages spoken at home, but also by creating non-traditional English-acquisition programs.

"The new ESL @ LBPL program is a fantastic opportunity for community members to improve their English language skills and achieve their lifelong learning goals," said Cathy De Leon, Director of Library Services. "Many of our volunteer tutors have first-hand experience of what it's like to learn a new language, so they understand the challenges and can provide the support that learners need to succeed."

ESL @ LBPL is free and open to all adults who wish to improve their English skills. Patrons interested in joining the program, as either a tutor or a learner, can contact the Library's ESL Program Coordinator, [email protected], or call 562.570.6609. This program is made possible by the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and its generous donors, and California State Library through the California Library Literacy Services grant.

About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health and Human Services; Parks, Recreation and Marine; Development Services; Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, 12 libraries, five golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Watch us on LBTV. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Long Beach Public Library
Long Beach Public Library, founded in 1896, serves a diverse urban city of close to half a million people. The Long Beach Public Library system includes the Billie Jean King Main Library and eleven neighborhood libraries and a vibrant online presence. In summer of 2017, the Long Beach Public Library was awarded the National Medal for Library and Museum Services in recognition of successful community-collaborations, innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and literacy-focused programs to the residents of Long Beach. With an emphasis on providing free and equal access to information and support for learning for a lifetime, the Library offers books, media, databases, Internet access, Family Learning Centers, makerspaces, and a variety of events ranging from story times to educational and cultural programs.

For more information, visit lbpl.org,"Like" the Long Beach Public Library on Facebook, and follow along on Twitter and Instagram.

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