In February 2023, the Athens-Clarke County Library (ACCL) launched a weekly English Conversation Circle for English Language Learners (ELLs) in the community. From a first class meeting of two people, the program has grown to an average of a dozen or more regular attendees. Every Wednesday afternoon, the energetic group meets with a primary objective: improving their English conversation skills.
Participants hail from countries as varied as Cuba, China, Brazil, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea, and the reasons that brought them to Athens are varied as well. Some are visiting scholars at the University of Georgia while others have moved to the area to be with family. Some have lived in the U.S. for years, others for a few months.
As disparate as their past experiences have been, all of these ELLs are united in their desire to improve their fluency, pronunciation, and comprehension in English. Consequently, the class meetings often focus on practical matters like how to return an item at a store, or deciphering local signs (what is a chicken mull, anyway?) and engaging in small talk.
The program is run by reference librarian Laura Stiles (MLIS) and a committed band of five volunteers (Rosemarie Goodrum, Carol Grout, Drew Hoffmaster, Marjorie Miller, and Roy Stamey), all with backgrounds in education, adult literacy, linguistics, and/or ESL (English as a Second Language). Together, they plan every lesson, create class activities, and work through the challenges and opportunities involved in nurturing a growing library program. Despite the demands, the volunteers agree that class time on Wednesdays is the high point of their week.
The conversation circle has grown organically, relying on the library’s social media promotion, flyers, and simple word of mouth. Other ESL groups in Athens refer people to the library’s circle, and attendees invite their friends. The conversation circle’s unique placement at the library provides its ELLs with ready access to library services including passports, social workers, programs, and books.
Recently, the conversation circle held an end-of-the-year party to celebrate the friendships and connections made over the past ten months. Two members brought their newborn daughter, who happily slept through the din of laughter, live music, and conversation. Some members would be leaving Athens in the next month, while others had only started attending the group. In the midst of the party, two newcomers showed up at the door, looking for the ESL class, not knowing what to expect–and they were quickly welcomed and brought into the circle.
To find an English Conversation Circle event, check our library calendar.