English Language Learners

ELL Office Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: ELL office is open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Friday – Sunday: ELL office is closed. Email/phone inquiries will be answered promptly when the office reopens on Monday.

Our language learning classes are free and open to everybody. These classes offer an easy and fun way to learn English at your own speed, surrounded by a supportive group of fellow learners. Visit our Events Calendar for a full listing of all upcoming programs at the Library.

For questions, contact Asifa Munawar at amunawar@papl.info, by phone at 815.436.6639, ext. 224 or by text at 815.790.7876.

How do I schedule a placement test?

Schedule a placement test online with this form. Placement testing hours are 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Monday – Thursday. Please allow up to 2 business days for contact. 

If you have any questions, contact Asifa Munawar at amunawar@papl.info, by phone at 815.436.6639, ext. 224 or by text at 815.790.7876.

How do I volunteer as a tutor?

Please fill out this form if you are interested in tutoring any of our ELL programs. New volunteer applicants will be added to our list for future tutor training opportunities, which will occur in winter 2024.

PLEASE NOTE: All ELL classes are held in the morning. One on one and small groups can meet in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, or Saturdays depending on tutor availability. Tutors must be 17 or older.

New to English

*Placement test required*
Monday mornings

This is for beginners who are new to English and need extra support with reading, writing, basic vocabulary and basic life skills.

Level testing is required to participate. Schedule a placement test online or contact Asifa Munawar at amunawar@papl.info, by phone at 815.436.6639, ext. 224 or by text at 815.790.7876.

 

Everyday English

*Placement test required*
Monday mornings

Build confidence in speaking English and ask questions about everyday life in the U.S. Practice conversations you would use at school, in stores, at doctor’s appointments and with neighbors. Learn how to use the Library and the internet. This program is geared towards students who have some knowledge of the English language.

Level testing is required to participate. Schedule a placement test online or contact Asifa Munawar at amunawar@papl.info, by phone at 815.436.6639, ext. 224 or by text at 815.790.7876.

English for Beginners and Intermediate Learners

*Placement test required*
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings

English for Beginners classes are geared toward students with limited English experience. Intermediate level classes are for students who already use English in daily tasks but need to keep improving. Both classes include leveled listening, speaking, reading and writing practice. 

Level testing is required to participate. Schedule a placement test online or contact Asifa Munawar at amunawar@papl.info, by phone at 815.436.6639, ext. 224 or by text at 815.790.7876.

Virtual English Club

Virtual on Thursdays
10:00 to 11:45 AM

Learn and practice English in an informal setting. Read a variety of books together and explore other topics. This club is open to all but is best suited for intermediate learners.

Presented on Zoom – you will need a computer, tablet, or phone. Visit our Events Calendar to register.

 

One on One Tutoring

One on one tutoring for English language learning or to prepare for the citizenship test is available on an individual basis and tutor availability.

These sessions are available in person or via Zoom and are organized by our ELL Coordinator Asifa Munawar. Please contact her at amunawar@papl.info, by phone at 815.436.6639, ext. 224 or by text at 815.790.7876.

 

Partnership with JJC Department of Adult Education and Literacy

Looking for evening or weekend  English as a Second Language (ESL) classes? Joliet Junior College’s Department of Adult Education and Literacy offers free ESL classes for all non-native English speaking adults. Classes take place in Bolingbrook, Morris, Romeoville, Plainfield and Joliet and are offered between 4-12 hours per week, in the morning, evenings and on Saturdays. Classes are split up into six levels, from beginning to advanced, and require a placement test to start.

Learn more about JJC’s offerings on their website.  You can also contact them by email at DAELstaff@jjc.edu or by phone at 815.280.1333.

Language Learning Resources at the Library