Carnegie grant will expand English language programs at the Seattle Public Library

The Seattle Public Library (SPL) will significantly increase its free English language learning programs over the next two years, thanks to a $450,000 grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York awarded to The Seattle Public Library Foundation. The grant is part of Carnegie’s “Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy” initiative, which is awarding a total of $5 million to 11 libraries in nine states to strengthen English language learning and college access programs. SPL’s two-year grant will begin on July 1 and is expected to help the library nearly double its culturally responsive programs for English language learners, while adding options such as hybrid formats and free onsite childcare to further expand access. Over the course of the next two years, programs will be added in a phased rollout, with up to 13 library locations identified as program sites.

English Conversation Circles, drop-in programs that serve a wide range of learners, are expected to expand from five to 11 weekly sessions. Leveled English classes will expand from two to three classes a quarter, including an annual advanced ESL program for college readiness. Adult education tutoring, personalized tutoring in ESL and basic skills programming is also expected to expand from three to five library locations. Digital skills classes, which include the opportunity for students who need a laptop to earn one, will also expand from two to three classes a quarter, with classes in several languages. To offer these programs, SPL partners with a network of community-based organizations that provide trained instructors and other resources, including Evergreen Goodwill, Hopelink, Literacy Source, Seattle Colleges, and Villa Comunitaria; as well as regional and city agencies such as Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Seattle IT, and Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County.

In a press release, Mayor Bruce Harrell said he was grateful that Seattle is among the 11 cities whose library systems “will receive critical investments to empower immigrant and refugee community members.”

SSF provided seismic evaluations for the Columbia City, Fremont, Green Lake, Queen Anne, University, and West Seattle Carnegie Libraries. Limited-scope retrofits were designed and constructed at Fremont, Columbia City, and Queen Anne. The Green Lake and University branches are currently going through full retrofit designs with construction beginning in early 2023.  The design at these two branches included renovation work to expand useable space and increase accessibility.

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