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English as a Second Language
Resources
There are a number of resources for learning English as a second language (ESL) through the Somerville Public Library:

  • Classes to learn ESL

  • A great collection of ESL materials including books, audiotapes, CDs, and videos on the following subjects: grammar, reading & writing, listening, pronunciation, citizenship, lifeskills, idioms, TOEFL and GED.

  • A "language lab" type database (Mango Languages) that you can use at home through your computer to learn and practice English

  • Lists of outside agencies in Somerville, Cambridge, and Boston which also teach English as a second language, such as the YMCA of Greater Boston


    • ESL classes will not meet April 15-May 16. Classes will start again the week of May 20th, immediately following booksale cleanup.


    The Mango Languages database, available from the Library through your computer at home, has language training and practice for English for speakers of other languages
    (Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, French, Italian, Vietnamese, etc.) You will need to have a Somerville library card, and be a Somerville resident. Click on the picture above, then click on "Start Learning," then click on "English Courses" to see what this database offers.


    Somerville Public Library ESL Groups

    Learn English at the Library—Free!


    Location Session 1 Session 2
    East Branch
    (115 Broadway)    		 Mondays
    6:00-7:00 p.m.    		 Mondays
    7:15-8:15 p.m.
    Central Library
    (79 Highland)
    Tuesdays
    6:00-7:30 p.m.
    West Branch
    (40 College Ave)     		Thursdays
    6:00-7:00 p.m.    		 Thursdays
    7:15-8:15 p.m.

    (APPLICATION FORM for SPL volunteer tutors)

    Other ESL Programs in Somerville, Cambridge, & Boston

    • Somerville
      1. A long, descriptive list of ESL programs in Somerville, with contact information.
      2. Brazilian American Language Institute, 371 Somerville Ave., 617-666-4558, $76 mo
      3. Catholic Charities, 270 Washington St., 617-625-1920, $15
      4. Notre Dame Education Center, 15 Tower Court St., 617-628-3196, Books $20
      5. Somerville Brazilian Women's Group and parent Information Center, 1060 Broadway, 617-625-6600, ext. 6964
      6. Somerville Evening School, 81 Highland Ave, 617-628-2594, $100
      7. Somerville High Community Summer School, 81 Highland Ave, 617-625-6600, ext.6100, $100-130
      8. Welcome Project, 35 A Memorial Rd. #11, 617-623-6633
      9. SCALE (Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences), 167 Holland St., (617) 625-6600 x6900.  Free, but approx. 1 yr. waiting list for Somerville residents. Longer for non-residents.
    • Cambridge
      1. Cambridge Center for Adult Ed., 42 Brattle St., 617-547-6789, $120-240
      2. Centro Presente, 54 Essex St., 617-497-9080, $51-99
      3. Community Learning Center, 19 Brookline St, 617-349-6363, Free
      4. Concilio Hispano De Cambridge, 105 Windsor St., 617-661-9406, Free
      5. Middlesex County Employment & Training, 40 Thorndike St., 36 JFK St., 617-494-4480, Free
      6. New England School of English, Box 12, 617-864-7170, $1175 plus $90 for 4 weeks
    • Boston
      1. YMCA of Greater Boston, 316 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115,
        617-536-7800, less than $5