Our Programs
For more information about any of our programs,
please
call the Literacy Office at 908-757-1111 ext. 122.
ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages. We offer several services including one-on-one and small group tutoring, conversation and citizenship classes, and a variety of survival skill workshops. Registration on Mondays and Thursdays.
Basic English - Improve reading and writing skills. Take lessons in the day or evening.
Free GED Test Preparation Classes - Advance registration is required.
U.S. Citizenship Preparation - The Literacy Volunteers of Plainfield Public Library offers classes to prepare students for their upcoming interview and citizenship test.
Basic Math - Improve math skills in one-on-one instruction or small group lessons.
Computer Classes in Spanish - are offered when there is sufficient interest. Contact the office for more information.
Workshops - The Literacy Department hosts a variety of workshops on topics such as becoming a citizen and registering to vote.
Who Are Our Students?
Our students are men and women, most of whom work and have families. Many are U.S. citizens who attended local schools. Others have come to our country to achieve the American dream. Our clients have come from: Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua,Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Senegal, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Uruguay. Some of our ESOL students have higher-level education and degrees from their homeland, but lack the English skills necessary to obtain a position in their area of academic training.
What Have Our Students Accomplished?
Ours is a student-centered program. Adult students determine their long-term goals, which are translated to literacy goals that can be attained over time. Most students continue in our program and achieve their long-term goals, as well as more immediate goals, which they decide upon along the way. One adult student felt confident enough to move out on her own and begin a new life.
Some common accomplishments include:
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Obtaining a New Jersey Drivers License
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Obtaining U.S. citizenship
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Improved written and verbal communication skills
Who Teaches Our Students?
2012 Tutor Training Sessions
Our adult students are taught by Tutor Volunteers. These are men and women of all ages, backgrounds and academic levels, who receive training from certified master trainers. Literacy Volunteers of the Plainfield Public Library provides this training and materials at no charge.
Our tutors come to us with a strong desire to make a difference in someone else's life, and make long-term commitments to our program. To teach ESOL, it is not necessary to be able to speak another language.
You will learn the skills necessary to become a proficient tutor as part of our free tutor training workshops. Trained and certified literacy tutors are always needed.
In 2008 the Plainfield program, 298 adult learners were helped by over 100 volunteer tutors. 158 prospective learners still remain on our waiting list, hoping to be matched with a tutor. To become a volunteer please contact the Literacy Office at
908-757-1111 ext. 122 or email literacy[at]plfdpl.info.
In a surprise announcement, Library Director Joe Da Rold announced that Kleber Tiban had been honored with the Student Excellence Award by Literacy Volunteers of New Jersey. That award will be presented at the 2012 LVNJ Annual Conference.
