The Providence Public Library has announced a significant expansion of its free English as a Second Language program, adding evening and Saturday classes designed to accommodate the thousands of working adults in Providence's Latin community who have struggled to access English instruction during traditional daytime hours.

The expanded program, funded in part by a $500,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, will add 12 new class sections across the library's main branch and three neighborhood branches, bringing total enrollment capacity to more than 600 students per semester.

Why Evening Classes Matter

For many Latin adults in Providence, the barrier to learning English has not been desire — it has been schedule. Working two jobs, caring for children, and managing household responsibilities leaves little time for daytime classes. The library's new evening schedule, with classes running Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, directly addresses this reality.

"We heard from our community that the timing of classes was the biggest obstacle," said Library Director Angela Tavares. "We listened, and we acted."

What the Program Offers

The expanded ESL program will offer instruction at four levels — beginner, low-intermediate, intermediate, and advanced — with a focus on practical, everyday English skills including:

- Workplace communication - Navigating the healthcare system - Interacting with schools and teachers - Understanding legal rights and civic processes - Preparing for the U.S. citizenship test

Childcare Available

Recognizing that lack of childcare is another major barrier to adult education, the library has partnered with the Providence After School Alliance to provide free childcare during evening class sessions at the main branch.

How to Enroll

Registration for the fall semester opens August 1 at all Providence Public Library branches. No documentation is required to enroll. For more information, call (401) 455-8000 or visit provlib.org.

"Learning English opens doors — to better jobs, to fuller participation in our community, to a stronger future for our families. We want every door to be open to every person in Providence." — Library Director Angela Tavares